When a pedestrian accident occurs, the outcomes can be devastating. Often, these accidents lead to serious injuries that have a profound impact on the victim’s life. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an event in Hackensack, New Jersey, you need a reliable, aggressive legal ally in your corner.
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is here for you. Our Hackensack pedestrian accident attorneys are here to help you through the intricacies of pedestrian accidents in Hackensack. Armed with extensive knowledge of personal injury law, our dedicated personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the aftermath of your pedestrian accident to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Why Choose The Rothenberg Law Firm as Your Legal Ally After a Pedestrian Accident in Hackensack?
At The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, we firmly believe that success in pedestrian accident cases depends on the quality of representation provided. This belief is reflected in our experience, our results, and our commitment to fighting for every client who walks through our doors.
Our Track Record
Our over five-decade history in personal injury law is marked by resilience, dedication, and impressive results. We’ve successfully fought for clients in complex cases, winning numerous verdicts and securing settlements in the multi-million-dollar range. While we cannot promise specific results, we assure you that our significant experience and unwavering commitment to your case are powerful assets.
Our Reputation
Our work has earned us a national reputation for excellence in personal injury law. Professionals across states entrust us with their challenging cases, knowing our involvement strengthens their clients’ positions in critical, high-stakes matters. We invite you to read more about our team — we anticipate you will receive glowing feedback on our commitment and work ethic.
Our Experience
We’ve handled countless cases involving a wide variety of accidents and injuries. With their unique challenges and nuances, pedestrian accidents fall firmly within our sphere of experience. Our attorneys have represented clients dealing with injuries ranging from bone fractures and ligament damage to severe life-altering injuries like traumatic brain damage and spinal cord paralysis.
Our focus is not just on winning your case, it’s about creating an environment where you feel heard, supported, and confident in the vigorous representation we provide. Let The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP be your ally in your pedestrian accident case – we are equipped and ready to fight for your rights in Hackensack, New Jersey.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Hackensack, NJ?
Hackensack, New Jersey, is home to just over 46,000 people. Despite its relatively small size, it has a dense traffic flow that contrarily results in significant numbers of vehicle and pedestrian accidents.
The rapid urban development and heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic contribute to a substantial risk of pedestrian accidents in Hackensack. Common causes include factors such as impaired, or dangerous and distracted driving, disregard for traffic controls and signals, speeding, and unfavorable road conditions.
According to data compiled by the New Jersey State Police Department, the state has seen concerning trends in pedestrian accidents. In one recent year, pedestrian accidents caused 217 fatalities. Of these, 52 were hit-and-run accidents. 13 of these cases occurred in the Hackensack area.
The Long-term Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
As a pedestrian, navigating busy streets requires eternal vigilance. But no matter how careful one is, accidents can still occur because of negligent or reckless drivers. At high-speed impact, a pedestrian does not stand a chance against a moving vehicle, often leading to severe injuries or, in the worst case, fatalities.
These accidents can result in devastating consequences for victims, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages, and compromised quality of life.
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP can assist accident victims in investigation, establishing liability, dealing with insurance companies, and ensuring that you and your family get the justice and compensation they deserve.
New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Law
New Jersey law has established rules on pedestrian safety and right-of-way that drivers and pedestrians must follow. The state mandates that drivers must stop pedestrians in marked crosswalks, a law enacted to bolster accident prevention attempts. This Stop and Stay Stopped Law prioritizes pedestrian safety, establishing that vehicles must stop and remain stationary until the pedestrian has fully crossed the marked crosswalk.
Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, fault in pedestrian collisions can influence the amount of compensation that you can recover. If, for instance, a pedestrian is found partially at fault for an accident, any damages would be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the pedestrian. However, under the 51% rule, should a pedestrian be more than 51% at fault, they will not be able to recover any damages.
Navigating these laws can be difficult, which is why having a seasoned attorney’s aid in these matters is highly beneficial. By working with a firm like The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, you can ensure that all legal facets of your case are competently addressed. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will actively protect your compensation rights throughout the process.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Hackensack
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims feeling shocked and confused. Knowing what to do in the aftermath can protect your rights and improve your chances of securing appropriate compensation.
Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries appear minor, seek immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident. Some injuries can manifest symptoms later, and having a timely medical record linking your injuries to the accident is vital for your claim.
Report the Accident
Call the police at the accident scene, even if the accident seems minor. A police report provides an objective account of the incident, which can be beneficial when pursuing a claim.
Gather Information
Collect the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information. If your injuries allow you to, use your phone to take pictures of the scene—this should include your injuries, the vehicle involved, skid marks, traffic signals, crosswalks, and any other elements that could have contributed to the accident.
Call a Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. The right legal representation can be instrumental in preserving evidence, establishing liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring you receive rightful compensation. Before your attorney arrives, avoid discussing the accident particulars or admitting any liability to other parties involved or the insurance adjusters.
Despite the trauma that comes with pedestrian accidents, having a sense of what steps to take next can significantly enhance your confidence and legal position. Remember, The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is here to guide and support you during these challenging times.
Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents in Hackensack
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer force inflicted on the unprotected victim by a heavy, moving vehicle.
Common injuries seen in pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Impacts on the head can cause traumatic brain injury, which can have lasting cognitive and physical effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries may result in permanent paralysis, motor function issues, and nerve damage.
- Broken Bones: The force of a collision can lead to fractured or broken bones — injuries that frequently require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: These include internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, which can have life-threatening consequences.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons that can lead to long-lasting discomfort and mobility issues.
In summary, the injuries sustained from a pedestrian accident can result in significant pain, long-term disability, costly medical bills, and a substantial recovery period.
Wrongful Death in Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian accident results in a tragic fatality, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. In New Jersey, a wrongful death occurs when the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another causes an individual’s death.
Such a claim seeks to compensate the decedent’s family members for the financial and emotional losses they’ve suffered due to the death of their loved one. This can include payments for lost financial support, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of companionship.
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP acknowledges the immense grief and challenges faced by families dealing with a wrongful death. Our compassionate wrongful death attorneys are ready to tirelessly advocate for your rights and pursue the justice your loved one deserves.
Pursuing Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been a victim of a pedestrian accident, you’re likely grappling with physical injuries, emotional distress, and hefty medical bills. Still, you have the right to seek compensation.
A skilled attorney at The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP can file a claim to pursue damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Both past and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital bills, physical therapy, surgeries, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages and Income: Compensation for lost income if the injuries prevent you from returning to work. If you suffer permanent disability, you could also be compensated for future lost earnings and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This encompasses physical pain, mental anguish, and decreased quality of life that you’ve experienced due to the accident and injuries.
- Property Damage: If your belongings were damaged in the accident, you could seek damages for the repair or replacement costs.
Pedestrian accident claims can be complex, but with a determined legal ally at your side, you can confidently pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident in Hackensack?
The statute of limitations refers to the time limit within which a pedestrian accident victim must file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, is two years from the date of the accident.
If you do not file your claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation, barring exceptional circumstances. Given this fast-approaching deadline, it is essential to act promptly.
Our team at The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP is here to ensure your claim is filed timely and correctly, protecting your rights to seek justice and compensation for your injuries.
How The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP Can Assist Your Case
The path to recovery after a pedestrian accident can be complex and stressful. However, with The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP, you won’t have to traverse it alone. We’re devoted to helping victims navigate the legal process. Our skilled attorneys can analyze your case, gather key evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court.
Whether it’s proving liability, quantifying damages, or battling for your rights against assertive insurance companies, our team stands ready. We understand the intricacies of Hackensack and New Jersey pedestrian accident law and are committed to putting our knowledge to work to help you seek justice and compensation.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Hackensack, New Jersey, Today
Melissa Rothenberg-Kapustin, Esq., Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident may feel overwhelming. However, you don’t have to shoulder this burden on your own. At The Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, we stand ready to fight fiercely for your rights. With our Hackensack personal injury attorneys at your side, you can feel confident that your case is being handled with precision, commitment, and a tireless pursuit of justice.
Don’t delay seeking the dedicated legal representation your case requires. Reach out to us today at (800) 624-8888 or by using our online Contact form to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation, and let us start fighting for you.
Hackensack Office Location
The Rothenberg Law Firm LLP
1 University Plaza Dr #505
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (800) 624-8888
