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Experienced Mount Laurel Attorneys Protecting Your Rights After a Pedestrian Accident

A pedestrian accident leaves more than just physical scars. It leaves you grappling with medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of a long recovery. The emotional toll can be just as heavy, with fear, anxiety, and the trauma of the event weighing heavily on your mind.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle in Mount Laurel, you don’t have to face this overwhelming situation alone. You need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C., today at 856-528-7991 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation.

Understanding Your Rights After a Mount Laurel Pedestrian Accident

When you’re injured as a pedestrian in Mount Laurel, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward recovery. New Jersey law grants pedestrians specific protections, particularly concerning right-of-way. Drivers are generally obligated to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks, at intersections, and when making turns. If a driver’s negligence, such as failing to yield, causes your accident, you have the legal right to pursue comprehensive compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C., we are ready to protect these vital rights and help you secure the justice you deserve.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are rarely “accidents” in the truest sense. They are often the direct result of driver negligence. Understanding how these incidents typically occur is crucial for establishing liability:

  • Distracted driving: Inattentive drivers, often focused on phones or navigation, frequently fail to notice pedestrians;
  • Failure to yield: Ignoring a pedestrian’s right-of-way in crosswalks or when making turns is a common cause of collisions;
  • Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs judgment and reaction time, posing a grave threat;
  • Speeding or reckless driving: Excessive speed or aggressive maneuvers drastically reduce a driver’s ability to stop safely for pedestrians;
  • Disregarding traffic signals: Running red lights or stop signs creates devastating consequences for lawfully crossing pedestrians; and
  • Poor visibility: Environmental factors such as dense fog, heavy rain, or darkness often limit a driver’s ability to see and react to pedestrians.

This pervasive negligence highlights the critical importance of a thorough accident investigation.

Serious Injuries Associated with Pedestrian Accidents

Because pedestrians are completely unprotected, the injuries sustained in a collision with a vehicle are often catastrophic and life-altering. Some common severe injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can cause long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments;
  • Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility, sensation, and bodily functions;
  • Fractures and broken bones: High-impact collisions often result in multiple or complex bone fractures, particularly in the legs, pelvis, arms and ribs, and often resulting in the need for surgery;
  • Internal organ damage: The blunt force trauma of being hit can cause internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and other life-threatening internal injuries;
  • Soft tissue injuries: Severe sprains, strains, ligament tears (e.g., knee ligaments),and nerve damage are common and can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility;
  • Road rash and abrasions: When pedestrians are thrown onto the pavement, they can suffer severe skin abrasions that may require skin grafts and lead to permanent scarring; and
  • Psychological trauma: Beyond physical pain, victims often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges following such a traumatic event.

These severe injuries underscore the need for comprehensive compensation and meticulous long-term care planning.

Why Choose Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C., After a Serious Pedestrian Accident?

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident is incredibly complex. You’re not just healing. You’re also dealing with insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your claim, gathering evidence, and understanding the legal landscape. Here’s why partnering with Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C., is essential:

  • Focused practice: Our lawyers have extensive experience focused on pedestrian accident cases. We understand the unique challenges and legal precedents involved;
  • Local Mount Laurel knowledge: Our familiarity with Mount Laurel’s roads, traffic patterns, and local regulations gives us an edge in investigating your accident;
  • Thorough investigation: We meticulously gather evidence to build a strong case. This includes gathering police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction data;
  • Aggressive negotiation: Our attorneys know how to effectively negotiate with insurance companies. We challenge their lowball offers and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve;
  • Litigation readiness: While we aim for a favorable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary, advocating fiercely on your behalf at trial; and
  • Client-centered approach: We prioritize your well-being, providing compassionate support and clear communication throughout the legal process. This allows you to focus on your recovery.

Our personal injury attorneys can help you get compensation that covers immediate medical expenses and lost wages. Beyond that, we also seek to include future care, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and any long-term consequences of your injuries.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

Don’t let a negligent driver define your future. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury as a pedestrian in Mount Laurel, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Evidence can disappear, and statutes of limitations can expire.

Contact Jacobs, Schwalbe & Petruzzelli, P.C., today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us now at 856-528-7991 or fill out our online form to schedule your initial meeting. We are here to fight for the outcome you deserve.