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NJ sees high number of pedestrian deaths

On Behalf of | Aug 16, 2022 | Injuries

New Jersey’s proximity to Philadelphia and New York City makes it a state that experiences high volumes of commuter traffic. Unfortunately, a high volume of cars on the road could lead to an increased number of accidents. Pedestrians may find themselves in harm’s way, and the Garden State now ranks high on the list of states with unacceptable pedestrian fatalities.

Unfortunate incidents of pedestrian deaths

New Jersey stands as the 19th on the list of the top 20 states for pedestrian deaths, an alarming figure; 179 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in New Jersey, a figure representing a marked increase over 2019. An astounding 870 pedestrians died in collisions between 2016 and 2020, and 2021 saw a rise in deaths from 2020’s number.

An often cited reason for pedestrian deaths involves poor infrastructure. When roads fall into disrepair, dangers may increase. Sometimes, the design is outdated and does not provide much protection for pedestrians. If the road has no shoulder or there are no pedestrian-crossing islands, risks could be severe.

Negligence and pedestrian deaths

If local municipalities fail to care for the roads, a victim might file a personal injury lawsuit to recover losses. Families may sue for wrongful death incidents as well.

Road and highway problems are not the only reasons for pedestrian fatalities. Driver negligence could factor into the incident. Drivers who speed or try to go through red lights might make an accident unavoidable, and their behavior could lead them to a personal injury lawsuit.

Whether drunk driving, distracting driving or another type of negligence led to the accident may not matter. If the victim proves a driver or another party’s negligence caused harm, the victim might have a strong case.