Although tourists have been coming to Atlantic City for decades, the district is not necessarily developed with pedestrian safety in mind. The result is that you are at an increased risk of being struck by a vehicle when you are walking in the Atlantic City tourism district. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident that was the fault of the driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, you should not make any assumptions about your eligibility for a settlement. Always speak to a pedestrian accident attorney after you have been injured in a crash.
What Are Some High-Risk Areas for Pedestrian Accidents in Atlantic City?
Roughly one out of every 10 car accidents on Atlantic Avenue involves pedestrians. Some of the high-risk intersections for pedestrians include:
- Atlantic Avenue & Michigan Avenue
- Atlantic & Kentucky
- Atlantic & Missouri
- Atlantic & Pacific
Local authorities have recently noted that the design of the thoroughfare places pedestrians at risk. These authorities have undertaken a number of improvements designed to enhance pedestrian safety. For example, there are now countdown crosswalk signs and raised crosswalks. Some areas have been closed to vehicular traffic entirely at certain points of the evening.
What Issues May Arise in an Atlantic City Pedestrian Accident?
Although these changes are helpful in many respects, they cannot get to the heart of the real issue. Drivers are the main problem when it comes to pedestrian safety. Any issues that have the potential to cause pedestrian accidents are magnified in a busy tourism district. In addition to the standard risk factors that result in pedestrian accidents, there are the following additional concerns in the tourism district in Atlantic City:
- Tourists may not be familiar with their surroundings, and they are more focused on figuring out where they are going rather than looking for pedestrians.
- Drivers may be distracted because they are focused on their plans or what they have already done in Atlantic City.
- Motorists may have been drinking at casinos and other entertainment venues, causing drunk driving pedestrian accidents.
Just like there are factors that could raise a driver’s risk of causing a pedestrian accident, you may also be blamed for the crash based on your own conduct. The fact that there is so much going on at the Atlantic City tourism district also means that the insurance company may look for a reason to deflect liability. They could try to scapegoat you for the accident in an attempt to reduce or eliminate your right to financial compensation.
Some of the same allegations that could be lodged against motorists can also be used against you. The insurance company may claim that you were distracted when you were crossing the street. They could also claim that you were intoxicated at the time of the accident and did not exercise your own reasonable care. It is essential that you fight back with evidence of your own that disproves the insurance company’s allegations. Otherwise, you may find yourself either without financial compensation entirely or with less money than you would have deserved for your injuries.
What Should I Do After an Atlantic City Pedestrian Accident?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Atlantic City pedestrian accident, it is essential that you take the following steps:
- Get the medical help that you need and follow up on all of the physician’s recommendations.
- Speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer to learn more about whether and how you qualify for financial compensation.
- Do not speak to the insurance company about the accident or post anything public on social media.
Atlantic City Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Are Ready to Assist
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian crash, the Atlantic City car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm can help. We can immediately get to the bottom of your case and work to put you in a position to obtain financial compensation if the circumstances warrant it. Schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident attorney by filling out an online contact form or by calling us today at 609-926-3300. Our office is in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and we serve clients in the surrounding areas.