Atlantic City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

With more than 27 million tourists flocking to Atlantic City each year to enjoy the seaside town’s casinos, infamous boardwalk, and iconic beaches, these attractions are expected to bring in their fair share of foot traffic. Unfortunately, it also produces more than its fair share of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranked New Jersey as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians. For this reason, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill in 2025 that created the Target Zero Commission. The 13-member group, comprised of officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT), the State Police, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and other organizations, aims to eliminate pedestrian traffic deaths by 2040. 

In the meantime, those who traverse Atlantic City streets must be vigilant in their approach to navigating traffic to avoid becoming an injury or fatality statistic. But what about those who succumb to the hustle and bustle of the busy traffic? What happens if you are struck by a vehicle and are injured? What are your rights and who is at fault? 

What Are Common Injuries for Pedestrians? 

First, it is important to note that anyone who is struck by a vehicle likely will have more severe injuries than an individual involved in a two-car accident for obvious reasons. Simply put, there is no way to withstand the impact of the average weight of a 4,094-pound passenger vehicle, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

And with three possible points of impact depending on the speed of the vehicle, there could be multiple injuries sustained. For example, imagine attempting to cross a street, and halfway through your journey, you see a car approaching at a high rate of speed. Before you can get out of the way, the vehicle strikes you. Likely, the first part of the body to sustain any type of impact will be around the pelvis, legs, and knees. Next, the force will propel you onto the top of the vehicle where you will strike the hood or windshield, possibly hitting your head, 

arms, and legs along the way. If the impact is hard enough and the stop is sudden enough, you will then propel forward where your body will hit the ground, possibly hitting your head, arms, and legs once again. 

As a result, there are several common injuries that can be anticipated from such a violent chain of events including broken bones, concussions, traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, spinal cord injury, back injury, fractures, facial injuries, and death. 

What Expenses Can I Incur? 

When considering this scenario and all of the possible injuries, it is important to stop and think about all of the possible bills you could incur from an accident like this, including ambulatory services, a trip to the emergency room, scans and tests to determine your injuries, surgeries, an extended stay in a hospital, medications, doctor services, and possibly even being airlifted to the nearest medical location. While all of this occurs immediately following the initial accident, it merely scratches the surface of the bills you are going to accrue. If you look further down the road, you will see the bigger picture and likely the additional costs it will take to fully recover from this ordeal. Unfortunately, it will also mean a big dent in your finances as well. 

For this reason, consulting with a lawyer who can work with you to secure compensation that is rightfully owed to you would be beneficial. An accident lawyer can keep track of all your expenses while you recuperate to ensure your out-of-pocket costs are kept to a minimum, and the at-fault party’s insurance pays the maximum amount possible. 

Since compensation is not just for the actual accident but also for what is still to come, consider the additional bills that will inevitably accompany your recovery, such as rehabilitation, surgeries, medical bills, doctor visits, medications, and lost wages. In addition to the physical scars, you must also consider your pain and suffering. Although it may be difficult to imagine putting a price tag on it, your peace of mind is worth something when you are already dealing with enough. 

A lawyer can ensure that these details are noted and addressed when an insurance company begins bargaining for the lowest amount they can get away with. 

In addition to monetary matters, a lawyer can also work to secure witnesses, police reports, crash reconstruction data from experts, and other vital details that will help bolster the argument of who was at fault. After all, pedestrians do have the right of way, and if it can be proven that a driver acted recklessly, it will go a long way in showing that they breached the duty of care they are expected to provide to others on the road. 

Who Is at Risk for Pedestrian Accidents? 

Bear in mind that children and older adults are considered more susceptible to accidents involving pedestrians for different reasons. 

Children are considered more impulsive and more likely to try and dart out between two parked vehicles and into the road. When a parent or caregiver is distracted tending to another child, an unsupervised child may create unpredictable circumstances for drivers by unknowingly stepping into the path of a car. 

On the other hand, older adults’ slower reflexes and diminished hearing and vision often make it more difficult to cross roads safely. Additionally, their response times may make them more prone to being caught in a situation in which they are unable to cross the street within the time allotted by a crosswalk signal. However, since drivers are required to stop and remain stopped while a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk and exercise due care for any pedestrians in roadways, according to state laws, a driver may be cited and fined if they are found to be violating these regulations. 

What Are Common Reasons for Accidents Involving Pedestrians? 

Although no accidents are completely preventable, there are some factors that can contribute to motor vehicles colliding with pedestrians, such as: 

• Time of Day: Since visibility goes down with the sun, it is no wonder a large swath of pedestrian accidents occur at night. According to data collected by the NHTSA, nighttime has a fatality rate three times higher than during the day.  
• Weather Conditions: Ice and snow can wreak havoc on roads as well as sidewalks where pedestrians gather when attempting to cross crowded intersections. Slippery conditions may contribute to a driver sliding off the road and onto a sidewalk and pedestrians losing their footing and falling into the path of an oncoming car. 
• Construction: Oranges cones, construction barrels, and other construction-related obstacles can make it difficult for walkers and drivers to maneuver around them. Although they are designed for safety, sometimes their presence is enough to distract traffic. 
• Alcohol or Drugs: Being under the influence is one of the top reasons for collisions with pedestrians, according to the New Jersey State Police. With slower reaction times and poor muscle control, the ability to stop before a collision is sometimes impossible for those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Distracted Driving: Looking down or away from the road, even for a moment, takes longer than you think to reacclimate to the road and continue safely. Cell phones, car instruments, radios, and passengers all can play a part in temporarily losing focus. Imagine looking up to see a pedestrian in your path with no way to stop in time. 
• Speeding: Driving too fast for the current road conditions or above the posted speed limit also may contribute to an unforeseen collision with a pedestrian.

Do not let your finances pay the price for a driver, neglecting to ensure your safety as a pedestrian. With a two-year window to file a personal injury claim from the accident date, time is of the essence. 

Get the Legal Help You Need from the Atlantic City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm Today 

Let the Atlantic City pedestrian accident lawyers at D’Amato Law Firm examine the facts of your case and guide you to the answers you need to make informed decisions. Call 609-926-3300 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our office in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, proudly serves clients in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and South Jersey.