Why New Jersey Pedestrian Deaths Hit a 36-Year High and What This Means for Injury Claims

Walking across the street should be safe, but in New Jersey, it has become increasingly dangerous. In 2024, pedestrian deaths reached their highest level in more than three decades, leaving families across the state grieving loved ones lost too soon. These are not just numbers: they represent parents, children, and neighbors whose absence is felt in every community.

At DiTomaso Law, we understand how devastating these tragedies are. Many families now find themselves asking: What does this mean for my rights after a pedestrian accident?

This blog explores why pedestrian accidents are on the rise, how they affect injury and wrongful death claims, and what victims and families can do to protect themselves.

The Scope of the Problem: Pedestrian Fatalities in New Jersey

Pedestrian deaths now account for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in New Jersey, about twice the national average. This means the danger of simply walking to school, work, or the store is greater here than in much of the country. For families who have lost someone, or for survivors who suffered serious injuries, the impact is devastating and often lifelong.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Are Increasing

Several overlapping factors have contributed to this surge. Common causes include:

• Distracted driving, particularly from cell phone use.
• Speeding and reckless driving in both cities and suburbs.
• Alcohol or drug impairment among drivers.
• Poorly lit or poorly designed intersections and roadways.
• Increased traffic volumes in high population areas.

Even when pedestrians follow safety rules, these risks can lead to catastrophic outcomes. These rising risks are not only a public safety crisis but also shape how injury and wrongful death claims are handled in New Jersey courts.

The Impact on New Jersey Families and Communities

Behind every statistic is a family left to navigate grief, financial strain, and life changes that can feel overwhelming. When a pedestrian is seriously injured or killed, the effects extend far beyond the individual. Families often face unexpected medical bills, the sudden loss of income, and the emotional trauma of losing a loved one or caring for someone with permanent injuries.

Communities also feel the weight of these tragedies. Local schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods are shaken when a pedestrian accident occurs close to home. Fear of crossing busy streets or walking in certain areas can change how people move through their towns, and residents may push for safer crosswalks, better lighting, or stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

These tragedies also carry public costs, placing strain on emergency responders, healthcare systems, and community resources. This broader ripple effect highlights why pedestrian safety is not only a personal concern but also a community responsibility. It reinforces the importance of both prevention and accountability when accidents do happen.

What This Means for Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

For victims and grieving families, understanding how these cases work is essential to protecting your rights. With pedestrian accidents reaching record levels, the legal landscape for injury claims is more critical than ever.

• Proving negligence is essential. Victims must show that a driver or another party failed to act responsibly, for example, by running a red light or texting while driving.
• Comparative negligence applies in New Jersey. Even if a pedestrian was outside a crosswalk, compensation may still be available as long as they were not more than 50 percent responsible for the crash.
• Wrongful death cases are complex. Families may be entitled to damages for funeral expenses and the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided. In some cases, additional recovery may be available through a survivorship claim for the decedent’s conscious pain and suffering before death. These claims must be pursued carefully and within the required time frame.
• Insurance companies often push back. As pedestrian accidents gain attention, insurers may fight harder to minimize payouts. Having an experienced New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer can make a critical difference in the outcome.

An injury or wrongful death claim is not only about compensation; it is also about holding negligent parties accountable for the harm that changes lives forever.

Taking the Right Steps After a Pedestrian Accident

If you or someone you love has been hit by a vehicle, the steps you take immediately afterward can protect both health and legal rights:

• Seek medical attention, even if injuries do not appear serious at first.
• Report the accident to police and obtain a copy of the report.
• Collect contact information from witnesses if possible.
• Preserve evidence, including photos of the scene, clothing, or damaged property.
• Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.

These actions help ensure that victims and families are not left at a disadvantage when seeking justice.

How DiTomaso Law Supports Victims and Families

At DiTomaso Law, we represent pedestrians and their families across New Jersey, including Camden County, Burlington County, Gloucester County, and Atlantic County. We investigate every detail of the accident, from driver behavior to roadway conditions. We build cases that account for both the immediate medical costs and the long-term consequences, such as lost income, rehabilitation needs, and the emotional toll of recovery or loss.

We understand that every case is unique. Our role is to provide clear guidance, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward after a life-altering event.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I file a claim if I was not in a crosswalk?

Yes. While being outside a crosswalk can affect liability, you may still recover compensation under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law.

2. What types of damages are available after a pedestrian accident?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In fatal cases, families may also recover wrongful death damages, such as funeral costs and the loss of financial support. In some situations, families may also bring a survivorship claim for the decedent’s pain and suffering before death.

3. How long do I have to file a claim?

In most pedestrian accident cases, the statute of limitations is two years. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case. If a public entity may be responsible, New Jersey law generally requires a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.

4. Do I need a lawyer after a pedestrian accident in New Jersey?

Yes. Insurance companies often try to reduce or deny valid claims. A lawyer who understands the law, the local courts, and the tactics insurers use can help protect your rights and increase the likelihood of a fair outcome.

Speak With a New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer About Your Case

When a pedestrian accident changes your life or the life of someone you love, it can feel difficult to know where to turn. At DiTomaso Law, our attorneys are here to listen, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We proudly represent clients in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, and Atlantic Counties and throughout New Jersey.

Disclaimer: This blog is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with DiTomaso Law. Every case is different, and the outcome depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. If you have questions about a pedestrian accident or injury claim in New Jersey, you should consult with a qualified attorney about your situation.