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Atlantic City Pedestrian Accident Attorney

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    Pedestrians are more vulnerable to injuries and accidents than anyone else on the road. Drivers, motorcyclists, and even bicyclists all have some degree of physical protection, even if it’s only a helmet – but pedestrians lack even the most basic form of safety gear to shield them from physical harm.  During the spring and summer months, when the streets are full of runners and joggers, the likelihood of serious accidents occurring becomes even higher.  This is especially true in densely-populated Atlantic City, NJ, where a large number of commuters also means a large number of passenger vehicles.

    If you were injured or hit by a car while running, jogging, walking, or crossing the street, personal injury lawyer Joseph Lombardo may be able to help.  Joseph has more than 20 years of experience helping Atlantic City injury victims and the loved ones of wrongful death victims recover compensation for their losses, and dedicates his practice to balancing compassionate personal support with aggressive legal representation.  Joseph is proud to serve communities throughout Atlantic City, NJ.

    It’s alright if you don’t know whether or not you have a personal injury claim – we’re here to answer all your questions.  To set up a free, completely private case evaluation with Joseph, call Lombardo Law at (609) 445-4300 any time of day or night.  You won’t be charged any fees, and your information will be kept confidential.

    Crosswalk Laws and Driver Liability for Pedestrian Accidents

    In April of 2010, the state of New Jersey passed a law (Assembly Bill No. 1329) requiring motorists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, updating old laws which formerly required motorists only to yield.  Under the new law, Atlantic City drivers must:

    • Stop and stay stopped for as long as a pedestrian is inside a crosswalk.
    • Stop and stay stopped for pedestrians who are crossing a crosswalk which the driver is turning into.
    • If there is a green or “go” signal, the pedestrian has right of way.  This also applies to vehicles which are turning.

    Most importantly for pedestrian accident victims, the updated crosswalk law states that if there is a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian inside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, then “there shall be a permissive inference that the driver did not exercise due care for the safety of the pedestrian.”  In other words, the new law favors pedestrians over drivers in the event of a crosswalk accident.

    Additionally, some parts of the old law still remain in effect.  For example, drivers are still required to yield for pedestrians who are crossing unmarked crosswalks, such as unmarked intersection crosswalks.

    If a driver or motorcyclist injures a pedestrian because he or she failed to obey traffic safety laws, he or she could be liable.  Some common examples of negligent, reckless, and aggressive driving include:

    • Failing to obey stop signs and traffic lights (e.g. running red lights).
    • Excessive speeding.
    • Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol (DWI/DUI).
    • Driving at speeds which are inappropriate for environmental conditions (e.g. speeding in heavy fog).

    Atlantic City traffic laws also state that drivers are also required to remain at the scene of an accident.  Under N.J.S.A. § 39:4-129, “The driver of any vehicle, knowingly involved in an accident resulting in injury or death to any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to and in every event shall remain at the scene until he has [disclosed all necessary information, such as contact and insurance information].”

    If a driver prematurely leaves the scene of an accident or commits hit and run, he or she can be criminally charged in addition to sued.  If you are a hit and run victim, Lombardo Law may be able to assist you.

    Common Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities in Atlantic City, NJ

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the division of the U.S. Department of Transportation tasked with studying and preventing traffic accidents.  The NHTSA reports that in 2012 alone, a total of 4,743 pedestrians were killed while another 76,000 suffered injuries.  That equates to one pedestrian injury every seven minutes and one pedestrian death every two hours.

    When Atlantic City pedestrian accidents do occur, the victims are often killed or catastrophically injured. There are multiple factors that contribute to this issue.  For example, pedestrians:

    • Lack even the most rudimentary physical protection.  Pedestrians do not have any helmets, seat belts, airbags, or protective leather gear to reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.
    • Are small and difficult to see compared to passenger vehicles, especially during the evening.  Drivers may not even think to look for pedestrians, since they are accustomed to scanning for traffic.  Compact size is also a major contributing factor to motorcycle accidents.
    • Are vulnerable to road hazards which would not cause problems for passenger vehicles.  A motorist can easily drive over a lump or crack in the road without even noticing, but that very same defect could cause a deadly slip and fall accident for someone out running, jogging, walking their dog, or taking a stroll.
    • Are unable to make sudden emergency maneuvers when a car accident seems imminent.  A vehicle can rapidly accelerate to speed out of harm’s way, but the average person’s maximum running speed is only about five to 15 miles per hour.

    Common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents such as car collisions include:

    • TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
    • Wrist and Hand Injuries
    • Facial Injuries
    • Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
    • Broken Bones and Bone Fractures
    • Shin and Leg Injuries
    • SCI (Spinal Cord Injuries)
    • Skin Abrasion (“Road Rash”)
    • Head and Neck Injuries

    Call Our Atlantic City, NJ Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

    If you were seriously injured after being hit by a car or were involved in another type of pedestrian accident, or if you are the spouse or relative of a wrongful death victim, Lombardo Law can help.  Atlantic City pedestrian accident attorney Joseph Lombardo will guide you through every step of the legal process, explain your rights and options, and fight hard in pursuit of maximum compensation for your losses.  To set up a free and confidential legal consultation, call Joseph at (609) 445-4300 today.

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    Three Convenient Locations

    Haddonfield (Main Office)
    25 Chestnut Street, Ste 2
    Haddonfield New Jersey 08033
    (856) 281-9600
    (877) 340-0609
    Hammonton Office
    Hammonton, New Jersey
    (609) 561-8100
    (877) 340-0609
    Atlantic City Office
    1014 Atlantic Avenue
    Atlantic City, New Jersey 08401
    (609) 318-6196
    (877) 340-0609
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