Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries, so it’s important to figure out who is to blame when one of them happens. If you got struck by a car and hurt, you should be able to pursue compensation. However, these cases can sometimes get complex, with multiple liable parties involved and some of them even trying to blame the pedestrian for the accident that caused them so much harm. This is why it can be a good idea to hire an experienced Monmouth County pedestrian accident lawyer who can help guide you through this process.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Many pedestrian accidents are caused by reckless or neglectful drivers. Pedestrians get hurt all the time due to:
- Distracted driving
- Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drowsy drivers
- Drivers who speed
- Drivers who ignore traffic signals
These are not the only reasons why pedestrians get hurt though. In some cases, another party can also contribute to the accident. We’re talking about situations like:
- A city not properly maintaining its roads or pedestrian walkways
- A construction company that leaves a hazard on the road
- A car part failing due to a mistake of the manufacturer
In cases like these, there could be multiple parties that need to be held accountable and sued for compensation. Your attorney can help you determine who is at fault and who needs to be held responsible. If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and give your lawyer as much evidence to work with as possible.
Can Someone Still Sue if They Are Partly Responsible For an Accident?
If you are the injured pedestrian, you should also know that a defendant might try to argue that you are also partly responsible for the accident occurring. A driver or another party can accuse a pedestrian of:
- Walking into traffic without looking
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Walking on a road they should not walk on, like a highway
- Being distracted by their phone
- Being inebriated or on drugs at the time of the accident
You can still sue if someone makes the case that you are partly to blame for the accident, but it will affect your settlement amount. For example, if you win $60,000 in damages but are found to be 10% to blame for the accident, your reward will be reduced by 10%. So you will receive $54,000 instead of $60,000. This is why it is important to have a lawyer who can defend you from accusations of wrongdoing.
How Long Do I Have to Sue After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you do decide to pursue damages, you should act quickly. New Jersey and Pennsylvania give accident victims two years to begin legal action. Try to file a case after that and it’s likely to get thrown out. You should focus on your recovery and let your lawyer file your case for you before the statute of limitations expires.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have been injured in an accident and you are ready to pursue compensation, contact the Falcon Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys can take a closer look at your case during a free consultation. Call us today.
