Man Killed After Being Hit by 2 Vehicles in New Jersey
Crossing a road safely may seem like child’s play, but it is much harder than it looks. If there are vehicles around, the drivers may not see you. Or they could be distracted.
In any case, pedestrians need to be mindful when crossing streets, especially in the dark. They could end up getting hit by a vehicle. And not just one, but multiple times.
Sadly, this recently happened in South Jersey. A pedestrian was killed after he was hit by not one, but two vehicles. The fatal accident occurred while the man was crossing the street on the evening of January 15.
The pedestrian, a 44-year-old man from Egg Harbor Township, was crossing Route 40 at Cantillon Boulevard in Hamilton Township. He was hit by a Chevrolet Equinox that was traveling west. Moments later, another vehicle, heading east, also hit the man.
The man died from his injuries. Both drivers remained at the accident scene. Nobody else was injured in the crash.
Why Pedestrian Crashes Are So Dangerous
Even at relatively low speeds, a vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries. Common outcomes include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal injuries, and fatalities. Recovery is often lengthy and expensive, with lasting impacts on mobility, employment, and quality of life.
Common causes of pedestrian crashes include:
- Driver inattention or distraction.
- Speeding or failure to yield at crosswalks.
- Impaired or fatigued driving.
- Poor visibility, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Roadway design issues, such as missing crosswalks or inadequate lighting.
Pedestrian behavior can also be scrutinized, including jaywalking, distraction, or crossing against signals.
Most pedestrian crash claims fall under negligence law. Drivers generally owe pedestrians a high duty of care, particularly in marked crosswalks and school zones. However, liability can be shared. Many states, such as New Jersey, apply comparative negligence rules, which can reduce recovery if a pedestrian is found partially at fault.
Evidence matters in a pedestrian accident case. Key evidence includes:
- Police crash reports.
- Witness statements.
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage.
- Vehicle damage and skid marks.
- Medical records documenting injuries.
When it comes to compensation, insurance often plays a key role. Claims may involve the driver’s auto liability coverage, the pedestrian’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or, in some cases, municipal liability if roadway conditions contributed. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. If your insurance company refuses to compensate you appropriately, seek legal help.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Crossing a street can be dangerous. Pedestrians need to be alert at all times, especially at night when visibility is reduced.
New Jersey is densely populated, which means accidents involving pedestrians commonly result in serious injury or even wrongful death. A Morristown pedestrian accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you learn more about your potential for a personal injury claim. Call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation with our office today.
Source:
6abc.com/post/pedestrian-killed-being-struck-2-vehicles-hamilton-twp-nj/18417884/
