You enjoy walking around Princeton and exploring the area, and you do so in accordance with New Jersey’s laws. However, one day, a negligent motorist does not see you and crashes their car into you, leaving you with an injury. At this point, request help from a Princeton pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you hold this driver accountable for their actions.
If you want legal help with a pedestrian accident case, Demand Rand. With more than 200 years of combined legal experience on our team, Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer can assist you with your case. Schedule a free consultation with a Princeton personal injury lawyer from our team.
Pedestrian Accident Liability
Generally, a motorist is at fault for a pedestrian accident. It is reasonable to expect a driver to follow the rules of the road and keep an eye out for pedestrians. If a motorist ignores their legal obligation, they are negligent and, as such, can be liable for a pedestrian accident.
A personal injury lawyer will review the facts of your case in detail. As they do, they can explain the meaning of negligence in law and how this relates to your case. They can help you pursue damages from an at-fault motorist and any other liable parties.
Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer offers a no-win, no-fee guarantee for personal injury lawsuits. If we represent you in your pedestrian accident case and do not get damages, you do not have to pay us anything. Contact us to learn more.
When to File a Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for car accidents in New Jersey is two years. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, you may have up to two years from the date of the incident to seek damages from a liable party. Once this window closes, you may be solely responsible for your accident-related losses.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Princeton can submit your lawsuit promptly. They understand New Jersey’s car insurance requirements. Your attorney can help you file an insurance claim in the hopes of securing compensation from a liable motorist’s insurer.
Even if you have a legitimate case for damages, an at-fault motorist’s insurance company can deny or contest your claim. Your lawyer can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. If they cannot reach an agreement with a liable driver’s insurer, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit.
Princeton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
Damages You Can Request in a Pedestrian Accident Case
A pedestrian accident attorney in Princeton can explain personal injury case basics, including compensatory damages. In your lawsuit, you can ask for economic and non-economic compensation. Reasons why a judge or jury may award damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment
Requesting damages does not guarantee that a judge or jury will award compensation. You are responsible for the burden of proof. If you have sufficient evidence, it may be clear to a judge or jury why you deserve 100% of the damages you are requesting.
Evidence You Can Use in Your Case
Saying you deserve compensation will not compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. Alternatively, you and your lawyer can gather evidence and use it to strengthen your argument against a liable party. Proof you can use in your case includes:
- Accident scene videos and photos
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Pay stubs
Getting the best personal injury verdicts and settlements requires evidence and arguments that resonate with judges and juries. Your lawyer understands this, and they commit time and resources to enhance your case. They can also look for ways to prove you are in no way liable for your pedestrian accident.
How Comparative Negligence Applies to Your Case
An at-fault party can claim you are partly or primarily liable for your accident. If they convince a judge or jury that this is true, what you get in damages can be impacted. This is due to New Jersey’s comparative negligence law.
According to the State of New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance, comparative negligence indicates the degree of fault for each party in an auto accident. In a pedestrian accident case, you may collect damages if you are partially responsible. Yet, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may be ineligible to get compensation.
To understand how comparative negligence works, consider two examples. In a pedestrian accident case in which you are found to be 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of the damages you initially sought. On the other hand, if a judge or jury says you are 51% liable, you may be fully responsible for your accident-related losses.
Getting a Fair Settlement in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Your lawyer keeps you updated throughout your litigation and will let you know if the defendant in your pedestrian accident case proposes a settlement. If this happens, you are not legally required to review a settlement. Doing so can be beneficial, and if a settlement is reasonable, you can approve it and close your case without going to trial.
A settlement should give you enough money to cover your economic and non-economic damages. If it does not, you may want to consider declining the proposal and continuing with your litigation. In this situation, your attorney continues to advocate for you, protect your legal rights, and put you in a position to maximize your damages.
You make the final decision regarding a settlement offer. If a proposal provides you with adequate compensation, you can accept the offer and get compensation. This allows you to resolve your case and receive the money you can start using right away.
Work with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Who Will Give Your Case the Attention It Deserves
If you are worried that you will have to cover your medical bills and other losses relating to your pedestrian accident by yourself, Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer can help you. Let us evaluate your case and discuss your legal options with you. Request a free case consultation.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
