Are pedestrian accidents increasing despite less vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to covid?

Pedestrian accidents in New Jersey are, tragically, nothing new. Back in 2019, the Garden State was actually named the worst state in the country for pedestrian accidents. The report showed that pedestrian fatalities had tragically increased by 35 percent when compared to recent years. Law enforcement are currently investigating a recent accident that occurred on Tuesday, July 28th in Evesham Township where a pedestrian was struck around 3:00am while crossing Route 73. The victim is currently in critical condition. 

Experts have attributed these types of accidents to various actions such as distracted driving and crossing a road where it’s prohibited, and some experts have expressed surprise about the recent spike in accidents despite the general reduction in both cars and pedestrians due to the restrictions related to the Covid outbreak. 

Experts Saw an Increase in Motor Vehicle Accidents Since Lockdowns Started

The Coronavirus pandemic dramatically shifted the way New Jersey residents live their lives. From the temporary closures of many local businesses to stay-at-home orders, residents have had to adapt to a new normal. After stay-at-home orders were initially put in place, many roadways in New Jersey were the clearest they’ve ever been. Fewer cars on the road should equal fewer motor vehicle accidents then, right? Well according to a report by the National Safety Council, nothing could be further from the truth. Their records show that motor vehicle deaths (any crash involving a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian or bicyclist) actually increased by 14 percent when compared to March of 2019. The cause of the uptick? Experts blame reckless driving habits such as excessive speeding. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Reckless driving is just one of the many causes of pedestrian accidents. They may also be the result of any of the following:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Failure to stop or yield for pedestrians
• Left-hand turns
• Drivers not looking behind them as they back out of a parking space

Despite fewer vehicles on the road as a result of the pandemic, pedestrians are still at high risk of being involved in a collision. Unfortunately, the injuries a pedestrian can sustain from an accident are often catastrophic and life-changing.

If you or someone you love was struck by a vehicle while out walking or jogging, the skilled personal injury lawyers at Team Law can help you get started on your claim. Our firm offers free consultations and is ready to take your call and help you and your family on the road to recovery. 

Contact A Clark Personal Injury Attorney For A Consultation About Your Pedestrian Accident Case In New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to a pedestrian accident in New Jersey? Then you need to talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible for guidance on how to proceed. The Perth Amboy personal injury attorneys at Team Law are prepared to assist you with your legal claim. We represent victims of pedestrian accidents throughout New Jersey, including Clark, West New York, Perth Amboy, and Edison. Call us today at 1-800-832-6529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our main office is located at 136 Central Avenue, Clark, NJ 07066, and we also have offices in West New York, Perth Amboy, Summit, New Brunswick, Plainfield, Highland Park, Newark, Orange, Jersey City, and Union City.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.