Attorneys Seeking Justice For Your Family After A Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Northern New Jersey roads are not friendly to pedestrians. Because of laws, infrastructure and a culture that prioritizes the convenience of drivers, pedestrian accidents are all too common. Sadly, many of these crashes prove to be fatal.

If you’ve lost someone you love due to a driver’s negligence, our fatal pedestrian accident attorneys at Burke Law Firm, LLP, are ready to help you fight for justice and compensation. Clients trust our lawyers for their strong track record of success in the courtroom and their commitment to offering personalized attention and service.

The Bad Decisions Of Drivers Are Responsible For Most Pedestrian Accidents

The most common causes of pedestrian accidents should come as no surprise, as they are also the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents. Risk factors include:

• Distracted drivers who take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel
• Inattentive drivers who may appear to be watching the road but are daydreaming or focused on things other than driving
• Drunk drivers who have delayed reaction times and reduced attentiveness
• Speeding drivers who are more concerned with time than they are with safety
• Aggressive drivers who fail to yield the right of way or move over for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Drowsy and fatigued drivers who nod off behind the wheel – especially after dark when the risk of fatal pedestrian accidents is already elevated

Pedestrians are too often blamed for the accidents that injure or kill them. A police report may only include the account of the at-fault driver, who is incentivized to lie. It is up to a personal injury attorney hired by the victim’s family to conduct a thorough and independent investigation.

Factors That Increase The Risk Of Death In A Pedestrian Accident

What turns an injurious pedestrian accident into a fatal one? While pure chance plays a role, there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of pedestrian death in an accident. These include:

The Type Of Vehicle Involved

SUVs and pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicle types in the United States. Their growing popularity is a contributing factor to the increasing rate of pedestrian deaths. These vehicles are especially heavy, which increases the impact forces when a pedestrian is hit by one. They are also taller than standard sedans, meaning they strike pedestrians higher on the body, which increases the risk of fatal injuries.

Finally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that large vehicles such as trucks and SUVs are more likely than other vehicles to strike pedestrians when turning. While these drivers often have a better view of traffic conditions, it may come at the expense of seeing nearby dangers like a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Posted Speed Limits And Actual Driver Speed

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety examined the risk of pedestrian deaths as a function of vehicle speed. Some findings of the study include:

• Impact speeds of 23 mph were associated with a 10% risk of pedestrian death
• At impact speeds of 32 mph, the death risk increased to 50%
• Driving speeds of 50 mph put pedestrians at a 75% risk of death
• If a car struck a pedestrian at 58 mph, the risk of death was 90%

Despite data like this, many cities have increased speed limits for cars in densely populated areas with significant foot traffic. Drivers who persistently drive over the posted limit are an even greater threat to pedestrians.

The Age Of The Victim

Young children and the elderly are the groups most likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident. Sadly, they are also at a higher risk of being struck. Children are impulsive and don’t always understand the dangers of darting into the street. Older walkers often cannot move as quickly through intersections, making them more likely to be hit in a crosswalk.

Fatal Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Ready To Investigate Your Claim

Even though New Jersey is a no-fault state when it comes to motor vehicle accidents, it is critical to prove fault when someone has died in a pedestrian accident. The losses associated with a fatal car accident far exceed the limit of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for nearly all auto policies, and PIP insurance does not cover many of the damages associated with a wrongful death or survivorship claim.

Each of our attorneys has over 25 years of legal experience. Because they are local to Northern New Jersey, they also have in-depth knowledge of area roads and common accident locations. They are ideally positioned to help you investigate your loved one’s death and seek full and fair compensation.

Discuss Your Rights And Options With Our Fatal Pedestrian Accident Attorneys For Free

Burke Law Firm, LLP, is based in Jersey City, with additional offices in Bayonne and Montclair. Our pedestrian accident attorneys serve clients throughout the surrounding areas of Northern New Jersey. To schedule your free initial consultation, call us today at 201-479-2927 or reach out online.