Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in New Jersey

When a pedestrian is hit by a car, the damage is often catastrophic. Broken bones, brain injuries, spinal trauma, and fatalities are tragically common — especially in urban intersections, school zones, and crosswalks. While drivers often walk away, pedestrians are left to face painful recoveries, lost wages, and permanent disabilities.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent pedestrians who’ve been injured by reckless, distracted, or impaired drivers across New Jersey. These are not minor accidents. They are life-altering events — and we treat them with the urgency and precision they demand. Whether you were hit in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or near a school, we move fast to preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and recover full compensation.

Where and Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen

New Jersey consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Many accidents occur in:

• Marked and unmarked crosswalks
• Intersections without traffic controls
• Areas with inadequate lighting or signage
• School zones, senior centers, and parking lots
• Roadways with poor visibility or distracted drivers

According to the NJ State Policy Lab, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities make up approximately 30.6% of all traffic deaths in New Jersey — significantly higher than the national average. In response to rising numbers, including a 32% increase in pedestrian deaths in early 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation creating the Target Zero Commission — a state initiative focused on eliminating all roadway fatalities by 2040.

Common Injuries in Pedestrian Collisions

We help clients recover compensation for serious, often permanent injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Pelvic and leg fractures
• Facial trauma and disfigurement
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Wrongful death and fatal impacts

These injuries often require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or home care. We work with medical experts and economists to quantify both short-term and lifelong losses.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

In many cases, the driver is clearly at fault — but multiple parties may share responsibility. We investigate:

• Negligent drivers (speeding, texting, impaired)
• Commercial vehicle operators and their employers
• Municipalities for dangerous intersections or poor signage
• Property owners for unsafe sidewalks or parking lots
• Rideshare companies (Uber/Lyft) if the driver was on duty

We gather black box data, surveillance footage, police reports, and eyewitness testimony to build a case that stands up in court or settlement negotiations.

What Compensation Is Available?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and future care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)

We also assist with PIP (personal injury protection) claims and UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) benefits, especially when the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions: NJ Pedestrian Accident Cases

Can I sue even if I was jaywalking or outside a crosswalk?

Yes, depending on the facts. While being outside a crosswalk may affect comparative fault, it does not bar recovery. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault.

What if the driver fled the scene or was uninsured?

We can pursue a claim through your own UM/UIM coverage or the policy of a household vehicle. We also work with investigators to track down hit-and-run drivers.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New Jersey?

Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If the accident involved a public entity (e.g., municipal street defect), a Tort Claims Notice must be filed within 90 days.

Are children treated differently under NJ pedestrian injury law?

Yes. Courts recognize that children cannot be held to the same standard of care as adults, especially near schools or playgrounds. We handle child injury claims with tailored legal strategies.

Should I speak to the insurance company first?

No. Insurance adjusters often try to limit payouts or shift blame. Let us handle all communications and protect your claim from the start.

We Fight for Pedestrians When Drivers Get It Wrong

If you or a loved one were hit while walking, you need more than a quick settlement — you need an advocate who will hold negligent parties accountable. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we take on insurance companies and driver excuses with focused, aggressive representation. We know what’s at stake — and we fight to win.

Call 856-209-3111 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.