— Serving South Jersey & Philadelphia
New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Hit by a Car While Walking?
Pedestrian accident victims face serious injuries and powerful insurance companies. Blaise Injury Law fights for maximum recovery.
New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian Accidents in South Jersey
When a driver hits someone on foot, the injuries are almost always serious. New Jersey State Police data shows that 177 pedestrians were killed in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties from 2021 to 2025, about 27% of all traffic deaths in those counties. Many more people were hurt.
Camden County stands out. Pedestrians made up 100 of its 241 traffic deaths over those five years, more than 4 in 10. The problem is continuing in 2026: through September 18, 12 of Camden County’s 22 traffic deaths were pedestrians. You can see the full numbers in our South Jersey crash data report.
Attorney Blaise Richards represents people hit by cars, trucks, buses and rideshare vehicles while walking, jogging or crossing the street in South Jersey and the Philadelphia area. He handles each case personally, from the first call to the final result.
By the numbers
Pedestrian Deaths by County
| County | Pedestrians killed, 2021–2025 | Share of all traffic deaths | 2026, through Sept. 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | 100 | 41.5% | 12 |
| Burlington | 47 | 21% | 2 |
| Gloucester | 30 | 16% | 2 |
| Total | 177 | 27% | 16 |
Source: New Jersey State Police fatal crash reports. See the full methodology and source reports.
Pedestrians are most at risk on wide, fast commercial roads with long gaps between crosswalks. Route 130 is a well-known example: the Tri-State Transportation Campaign named it New Jersey’s most dangerous road for pedestrians five years in a row through 2015 (6abc report). Parking lots, driveways, bus stops and dark stretches of road without sidewalks are other common crash locations.
Know your rights
New Jersey Pedestrian Accident Law
Drivers must stop for you in a crosswalk
New Jersey law requires drivers to stop, and stay stopped, for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk (N.J.S.A. 39:4-36). Failing to do so is strong evidence of driver fault.
Your own PIP usually pays medical bills first
If you or a relative you live with has New Jersey auto insurance, that policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) generally covers your medical bills, even though you were walking. If no one in your household has auto insurance, the PIP coverage of the vehicle that hit you may apply.
You can still recover if you were partly at fault
New Jersey uses modified comparative negligence. You can recover as long as your share of fault is not greater than the driver’s, meaning 50% or less. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1).
Hit-and-run and uninsured drivers
If the driver fled or had no insurance, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage from your own or a household member’s policy may pay. When no policy applies, you may be able to seek benefits through NJ PLIGA (the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association).
Your lawsuit option can matter
If you have your own auto policy, the lawsuit option you chose (limited or unlimited right to sue) can affect your claim for pain and suffering. We review your policy early so there are no surprises.
Strict deadlines apply
You generally have two years from the accident to file a lawsuit (N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2). If a town, county or state agency may share fault, such as a public bus or a dangerous road condition, a notice of claim is usually due within 90 days (N.J.S.A. 59:8-8).
Your recovery
What a Pedestrian Accident Claim Can Cover
Pedestrian crashes often cause broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, and internal injuries that take months or years to heal. A claim against the at-fault driver can seek compensation for:
- Medical treatment not covered by PIP, including future care
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn in the future
- Pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
Every case is different, and the value depends on the injuries, the insurance available and the facts of the crash.
After a crash
What to Do After You’re Hit by a Car
- Call 911 and get medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries show up later.
- Get the driver’s name, license plate and insurance information, plus the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Photograph the scene, the vehicle, the crosswalk or signals, and your injuries.
- Ask for the police report number.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance company before you get advice.
- Contact Blaise Injury Law for a free consultation. Video from nearby businesses and traffic cameras can be erased quickly, so early action helps.
Questions
Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Who pays my medical bills if I was hit by a car while walking in New Jersey?
Usually your own auto policy’s PIP coverage, or the PIP of a relative you live with. If your household has no auto insurance, the PIP of the vehicle that hit you may pay. Costs beyond PIP can be part of a claim against the driver.
Can I recover if I wasn’t in a crosswalk?
Often, yes. Crossing outside a crosswalk may reduce your recovery, but New Jersey law still allows you to recover if your share of fault is 50% or less.
What if the driver drove off?
Report the crash to police right away. Uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries, and when no policy applies, a claim through NJ PLIGA may be an option.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Generally two years from the accident, and as little as 90 days to file a notice of claim if a public entity may be involved. See our guide on New Jersey filing deadlines.
Why Blaise Injury Law
A South Jersey Lawyer Who Handles Your Case Personally
When you call Blaise Injury Law, you talk directly with attorney Blaise Richards, not a call center. He investigates the crash, deals with the insurance companies, and keeps you updated so you can focus on healing.
There are no upfront costs. No fee unless we win.
We represent pedestrians throughout Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties and the Philadelphia area, including Cherry Hill, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Gloucester City, Williamstown, Philadelphia. We also handle car accidents, motorcycle crashes and truck accidents.
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Get a free, no-obligation consultation with Attorney Blaise Richards. No fee unless we win.