Pedestrian suffers fatal injuries after accident in New Jersey

Thousands of pedestrians die every year as the result of motor vehicle accidents. Even more suffer injuries after being hit by trucks or cars. The high frequency of fatalities in these accidents can perhaps be attributed to the size and weight disparity between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian, as well as the fact that pedestrians lack any kind of protection. The unfortunate reality is that pedestrians are highly vulnerable to catastrophic damage on the road.

Recently in New Jersey, a pedestrian died as the result of a tragic fatal pedestrian accident. Late at night on a New Jersey highway, a pedestrian was crossing the road when a car struck him. According to police, the man was trapped under the vehicle following the accident. Bystanders responded to the scene by grabbing a car jack from the vehicle’s trunk and lifting the car so rescue crews could extract the victim. The victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital where he eventually succumb to his injuries. An accident investigation was ongoing.

Many pedestrian accidents are the result of motorists failing to yield to or neglecting to see the pedestrian. Motorists are expected to be acutely aware of their surroundings at all times. In order to protect others on the road from possible risks, they must exercise the amount of care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation. When they fail to do so, they may be guilty of negligence.

When a motorist is guilty of negligence, a pedestrian or the family of a deceased pedestrian may be able to recover damages from the negligent driver. Compensation can help victims and their families recover costs associated with accident injuries, lost wages, medical and funeral expenses. The pursuit of compensation may be aided by a strong and aggressive legal strategy.

Source: 6 ABC, “Pedestrian hit, pinned under car dies in Camden Co.,” Feb. 12, 2014