Auto accidents involving pedestrians can often result in serious injuries to the pedestrians that may lead to expensive medical bills. Fortunately, some pedestrian victims may have the opportunity to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for injuries caused by a negligent driver.
In the case of a recent car accident in northwestern New Jersey that left three teens injured, it is not yet clear where fault lies. The accident occurred in Clinton on the evening of Oct. 27, as the three teenagers were attempting to cross a highway.
According to witnesses, the teens ran across a highway at approximately 6:45 p.m. As they attempted to cross the road, they were struck by a vehicle driven by a 72-year-old Pittstown woman. The area they chose to cross at was unlit, not near a crosswalk, and they were wearing dark clothing at the time. The three teens, between 16 and 18 years old, received injuries that required medical treatment. None of the injuries sustained were life-threatening.
Those pedestrians injured in an auto accident in New Jersey can pursue compensation for injuries from the insurance company of the driver of the automobile that injured them. The insurance company lowers the amount that the injured party can receive based on their degree of comparative negligence. Residents have the right to challenge the insurance company decisions though, relying on the courts to determine actual levels of fault, or they can attempt to collect compensation directly from the driver beyond the insured amount. Speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney may be helpful for those trying to decide how to best to approach their own situation.
Source: SF Gate, “3 teens struck, injured by car in northwestern NJ,” Oct. 28, 2012