Who is Liable in a Car Collision Involving a Pedestrian in NJ?

When a car strikes a pedestrian, the injuries sustained by the victim can be severe. Cars are heavy and fast. When they slam into an individual, the person could be launched into the air, scraped against the rough pavement or even crushed by the vehicle.

Liability in Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Pedestrians in New Jersey

Motorists often assume that the fault in such an accident rests solely on the driver of the vehicle, but the circumstances surrounding each accident is unique. In some circumstances, the person walking may be found at-fault for the pedestrian accident. Drivers are required by law to remain vigilant about other drivers and pedestrians, and this duty to reasonably keep pedestrians safe is even more apparent when drivers are entering into a designated and marked crossing area. Usually, these areas require drivers to reduce their speed and exercise increased caution.

Can a Pedestrian in NJ be Held Liable for a Collision?

In some situations, the pedestrian can be held liable for any property damage or injuries to passengers within the car. This can happen when the pedestrian has acted in such a way that it becomes impossible for a reasonably cautious driver to avoid a crash. For example, if a person intentionally runs into the middle of incoming traffic, then they may be held liable for the crash. Individuals who are walking too closely to the road at night can also be held liable. At other times, juries may decide that both parties contributed to the accident. In many cases, accidents fall outside of the realm of normal circumstances, so there may not be one obviously guilty party.

Contact New Jersey's Car Accident Attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A.

The car accident attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. can be contacted on our online messaging system, by telephone at 732-906-1500 or in-person at any of our convenient office locations throughout New Jersey. Stop by our main office, which is located at 1862 Oak Tree Road, Edison, NJ 08820, or visit our other Edison location at 10 Parsonage Road. If these offices are too far from you, then check our website for the full addresses of our other locations in Brick, Freehold and Point Pleasant.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.