Car accidents involving pedestrians can be especially serious, and knowing what happens after one occurs in New Jersey helps you better understand your rights and responsibilities. Pedestrian accidents differ from accidents involving only vehicles, and the rules for liability and insurance often depend on the circumstances.
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident
In New Jersey, both drivers and pedestrians must follow traffic laws. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, while pedestrians must use designated crossings and obey signals. If a driver fails to stop at a crosswalk, they hold responsibility for the accident.
However, if a pedestrian suddenly steps into traffic outside of a crosswalk, they may share some of the blame. The state follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows fault to be divided between the driver and pedestrian.
Insurance coverage for pedestrian accidents
New Jersey uses a no-fault insurance system, which means Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage usually applies. If a car strikes you as a pedestrian, your own auto insurance policy may cover medical expenses, even though you weren’t driving, as long as you have PIP coverage.
If you don’t have car insurance, the driver’s policy or a household member’s policy could apply. If injuries reach a severe level, you may also pursue additional compensation outside of PIP coverage.
Common injuries in pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian accidents often cause more serious injuries compared to vehicle-only crashes. Head injuries, broken bones, and spinal injuries occur frequently because pedestrians have little protection from the impact. Even if injuries don’t show up right away, you should seek medical care immediately since some conditions develop later.
Steps to take after a pedestrian accident
If you experience a pedestrian accident, call the police to document the scene. Gather information from the driver, including insurance details, and collect contact information from any witnesses. Prioritize medical treatment, but also keep a record of the accident and injuries to support any future claims.
Moving forward after a pedestrian accident
Understanding how pedestrian accidents work gives you more control over what happens next. By knowing your responsibilities and the protections available under state law, you can handle the situation with more confidence and ensure your health and safety remain the top priority.