Being hit by a car in Fort Lee can strip away your control, leaving you to deal with severe injuries while hospital bills pile up. A Fort Lee pedestrian accident lawyer can handle the legal fight for compensation so you can keep your attention on your health.
Dealing with insurance adjusters alone usually leads to being unfairly blamed. They routinely deploy aggressive tactics to claim you were jaywalking outside a crosswalk, drastically reducing the compensation you desperately need for emergency medical care.
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi knows exactly how to hold negligent drivers accountable in Bergen County. Our legal team immediately gathers critical evidence to block these tactics and protect your financial recovery.
Call (201) 585-9111 or fill out our online form to get started today for free.
Why Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. as Your Fort Lee Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Our firm has a proven track record of challenging insurance company tactics and pursuing full compensation for severely injured pedestrians in Fort Lee. We prepare every case as if it could go before a Bergen County judge, which strengthens your position during settlement negotiations.
Deep Bergen County Knowledge
Our team knows the dangerous intersections near Lemoine Avenue and the George Washington Bridge approach. We gather available surveillance footage and Fort Lee Police Department reports to build strong claims.
Our local insight helps us identify evidence and move your case forward efficiently.
Case Results That Matter
We recently secured a $1.5 million settlement when a pedestrian client was struck and killed in a crosswalk on her way to the library. Our firm also won a $900,000 award for a college student who was killed crossing the street.
Protection From Unfair Blame
Adjusters often argue that pedestrians entered traffic too suddenly for the driver to stop. We work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to examine timing, visibility, speed, and stopping distance. Our legal team challenges unsupported blame arguments before they reduce the value of your claim.
Reach out to us at (201) 585-9111 or use our secure online form to start building your case.
I have been a practicing personal injury lawyer in New Jersey for over twenty years. I knew Michael Maggiano by reputation and when I was involved in an automobile myself I went to him to handle my case. I learned that the reputation was well founded and he has an outstanding law firm, very efficient and professional. He and his staff were always available and helpful during every step of the process and the resultant settlement was excellent. I could not recommend Mr. Maggiano and his firm more highly. Thank you to all at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi .
Mr. Michael Maggiano is an outstanding attorney who uses his many years of experience and wisdom to put forth a solid representation of his client. In my particular case, Mr. Maggiano showed compassion, caring, and commitment in order to bring about a successful resolution involving a local municipality. My case seemed to be unique in that it’s not often that there is a successful pursuit of justice when a municipality is involved. I was lucky to find Mr. Maggiano through the recommendation of other outstanding attorneys, and he certainly measured up to every expectation. Mr. Maggiano’s thoroughness and drive to seek a justifiable agreement in my favor cannot be under-stated; he met with me and my husband day or night, weekend or weekday; he always gladly returned calls and emails promptly. The devotion Mr. Maggiano and his staff displayed to us made us feel that we were his sole priority; simply stated he makes you feel special. While being reassuring and kind, Mr. Maggiano leaves no stone unturned in his research, preparation, and presentation. His vast knowledge works to his client’s advantage, and he is revered by fellow attorneys and judges in New Jersey and New York.
In addition, the staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo, and Lizzi always represented the highest caliber of professionalism. Office staff, legal assistants, and the firm’s attorneys were always diligent while being respectful, polite, and caring. It is without hesitation that I give Mr. Maggiano my highest praise and recommendation.
I was one of those people who thought I would never sue anyone. That changed after I slipped and fell on a snow-covered hotel parking lot. I suffered a severe shoulder injury and it became apparent that I was not going to be compensated for my injury acting on my own. I live in Tennessee, so I was somewhat nervous about how I could coordinate with a legal team given the distance and the difference in time zones. I researched personal injury lawyers and was impressed with what I learned about the Maggiano law firm. I needed an attorney who had the knowledge, experience and reputation to represent me, but just as important was having an attorney who could relate to me and one who I could trust.
I knew after my first phone call with him that Mr. Maggiano was the attorney I wanted on my case. Mr. Maggiano brought in the right people to document and validate my situation which helped reinforce the facts of my injury. Everyone at the law firm was wonderful to work with! Linda Reid was a great source of information and support. I was very pleased with the settlement, and I know I would not have gotten this level of compensation without Mr. Maggiano and his team representing me. He definitely deserves a five star rating.
New Jersey’s Crosswalk Law and Proving Driver Fault
New Jersey law requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, making it easier to establish fault when motorists fail to yield. N.J.S.A. 39:4-36 clearly outlines the strict responsibilities of drivers.
When a pedestrian steps into a marked crosswalk, the approaching vehicle must yield the right of way. Unrepresented victims often struggle to enforce this black-letter law because insurance adjusters twist the facts.
They might claim the pedestrian stepped out too suddenly for the driver to react. Our Fort Lee pedestrian accident lawyers shut down these flimsy excuses using hard evidence. We request surveillance footage from nearby businesses around Bridge Plaza to show that you clearly had the right of way.
Proving a violation of the driver’s duty to yield forms the cornerstone of your personal injury claim. This legal standard is equally crucial for cyclists who dismount and walk their bicycles through crosswalks on busy Fort Lee roads.
How a Fort Lee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Protects Your Claim
We protect your compensation by using physical evidence and witness testimony to disprove the insurance company’s illegitimate claims that you were jaywalking. Insurance adjusters immediately look for ways to blame the pedestrian after a knockdown.
They may allege that you crossed outside of a designated area to trigger the comparative fault rules used in New Jersey. If defense lawyers convince a jury that you are more than 50% responsible, you recover absolutely nothing.
When speaking with insurers, unrepresented individuals can inadvertently agree with leading questions or give incomplete answers, which can later hurt their credibility. Our lawyers handle communications with the insurance company to reduce the risk that a misunderstood statement damages your claim.
We also challenge allegations of jaywalking by examining the point of impact, roadway evidence, surveillance footage, and witness accounts. Even if you were outside a marked crosswalk, drivers still owe a duty to use due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
To counter comparative fault allegations and prove the negligent actions of the driver, we systematically collect and analyze the following critical evidence:
- Electronic Data Recorder Downloads: We extract speed and braking data from the striking vehicle’s computer to prove the driver never attempted to slow down before the impact.
- Cell Phone Records: Our Fort Lee pedestrian accident lawyers subpoena mobile phone data to demonstrate the motorist was texting or distracted at the exact moment of the collision.
- Municipal Traffic Camera Footage: We secure high-definition video from Fort Lee intersections to show your exact position in the roadway when the driver approached.
- Accident Reconstruction Reports: Our team can hire forensic engineering experts to calculate the vehicle’s speed and stopping distance based strictly on physical roadway evidence.
How Local Fort Lee Knowledge Helps Us Preserve Evidence
We use our knowledge of Fort Lee’s busy roads to identify nearby cameras, locate potential witnesses, and understand traffic patterns that could support your claim. Fort Lee sees a substantial volume of commuter traffic heading toward the George Washington Bridge.
This congestion can pose hazards to pedestrians walking along Lemoine Avenue, Center Avenue, and Main Street. Drivers focused on reaching the bridge can fail to watch carefully for pedestrians.
When you’re hit by a car in this busy borough, local knowledge can help your lawyer locate evidence before it disappears. An out-of-town lawyer might not know which nearby businesses have security cameras pointed toward the street.
Preserving Crucial Evidence After a Fort Lee Pedestrian Accident
Our Fort Lee pedestrian accident attorneys promptly send preservation letters asking property owners to retain relevant footage before it is overwritten or deleted. Video evidence can provide important proof of the driver’s speed, the traffic signal, visibility, and the pedestrian’s location.
We also review available crash data and roadway information for the location where you were struck. That research can reveal recurring traffic issues, visibility problems, or roadway features that deserve closer investigation.
This local context can help us explain how the collision happened and challenge an insurer’s version of events. Unrepresented victims often lack the time and resources to conduct this level of investigation.
We manage the evidence-preservation process so you can prioritize your physical recovery at Englewood Health or Holy Name Medical Center.
How a Fort Lee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Identifies Available Insurance Coverage
After a wreck, your Fort Lee pedestrian accident attorney can untangle complex insurance policies to identify every available source of coverage for you. This can include applicable Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits and the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage.
Pedestrian accidents can trigger a confusing web of insurance rules in New Jersey. Your own auto policy or a policy covering a resident family member can provide PIP benefits even though you were walking.
To identify the coverage available for your medical expenses and other losses, we investigate several potential sources:
- Personal Injury Protection Benefits: Your attorney identifies the auto policy responsible for paying covered medical expenses and other available PIP benefits, subject to applicable limits, deductibles, copayments, and policy terms.
- Driver Bodily Injury Coverage: We pursue a liability claim against the negligent driver’s insurer for damages supported by the evidence and available coverage.
- Commercial Liability Coverage: Our team investigates business and commercial policies when the striking vehicle is a delivery truck, taxi, rideshare vehicle, or another vehicle being used for work.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: We determine whether UM benefits are available when the driver fled the scene or lacked applicable liability insurance.
- Household Policy Coverage: Your lawyer reviews policies held by resident family members to determine whether they provide PIP or UM benefits.
- NJPLIGA Benefits: When no applicable auto insurance can be identified, we evaluate whether the pedestrian qualifies for benefits through the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association (NJPLIGA).
Large insurers often dispute coverage, fault, and the value of serious injuries. A Fort Lee car accident attorney from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. can review the policies, address coverage disputes, and handle communications with the carriers.
We manage the paperwork and phone calls while you recover from injuries such as a shattered pelvis or traumatic brain injury. Our firm holds insurers to the terms of their policies and pursues the benefits and damages available under New Jersey law.
What Compensation Is Available After a Fort Lee Pedestrian Accident?
A Fort Lee pedestrian accident lawyer can identify the full range of losses tied to your injuries and build a claim that accounts for both current and future harm.
| Compensation | What It Covers |
| Medical Expenses | Hospital care, surgery, therapy, medication, and future treatment. |
| Lost Wages | Income you missed while recovering. |
| Reduced Earning Capacity | Future income that is lost when you can’t return to the same work. |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, and daily limitations. |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Hobbies, independence, and activities that your injuries have taken away. |
| Wrongful Death Damages | Financial losses tied to a fatal pedestrian collision in Fort Lee. |
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. works with medical providers, vocational experts, and other specialists when needed to document these losses. Our firm also handles fatal pedestrian accident claims with care while pursuing the damages available under New Jersey law.
Verdicts and Settlements
$600,000 - Defective Ladder
In 2003, a truck driver lost his footing climbing from a truck ladder which was defectively designed, resulting in multiple injuries precluding him from working as a trucker and suffering life time wage impairment.
$900,000 - Failure to Diagnose
A 35 year old woman suffered cardiac arrest under anesthesia due to failure to diagnose congestive heart failure by her treating physicians and the anesthesiologist, all of whom cleared her for gall stone surgery despite signs pointing to an underlying heart condition. Settlement awarded to her two remaining children.
$425,000 - Fall From Ladder
Settlement under the New York Labor Law for a fall from a ladder by worker who suffered severe back injury.
FAQ for Fort Lee Pedestrian Accident Claims
What Should I Do After Being Hit by a Car in Fort Lee?
If you were struck by a car in Fort Lee, NJ, seek medical treatment immediately and continue your prescribed treatment plan. Save photographs, discharge papers, medical bills, witness information, and any communications with insurers.
Then, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Fort Lee who can review what has already happened, locate additional evidence, and handle the claim before avoidable mistakes weaken it.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Not in a Crosswalk?
You can still pursue compensation if you were struck outside a marked crosswalk, although your location can affect how fault is divided. New Jersey drivers still have a duty to use due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
We examine vehicle speed, visibility, the point of impact, surveillance footage, and witness accounts to determine whether the driver had a reasonable opportunity to prevent the collision.
How Will My Medical Bills Get Paid After a Pedestrian Accident?
The applicable PIP policy generally pays covered medical expenses first, regardless of who caused the collision. Coverage could come from your own auto policy, a policy covering a resident family member, the striking vehicle’s policy, or NJPLIGA in limited circumstances.
A Fort Lee pedestrian accident attorney can identify the correct source, complete the required filings, and challenge improper delays or denials.
How Does a Fort Lee Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
A Fort Lee pedestrian accident lawyer from Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. helps your case by preserving available video, locating witnesses, reviewing police records, and examining physical evidence from the collision.
When justified, your lawyer can pursue cell phone records, vehicle data, and testimony through formal discovery or subpoenas. Acting promptly reduces the risk that footage, records, and witness recollections will disappear before they can support your claim.
What Happens if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene?
You can still pursue available compensation when a hit-and-run driver is never identified. A lawyer can work with the Fort Lee Police Department, seek traffic or business-camera footage, and interview witnesses who might help identify the vehicle.
If the driver remains unknown, UM coverage or another available source may apply to your injuries.
Let’s Talk About Your Pedestrian Accident
You have a limited amount of time to preserve important evidence and pursue a claim against the driver who caused your injuries. Don’t let an insurance adjuster pressure you into accepting a settlement before you understand the cost of your medical care, lost income, and future needs.
The trial lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. can handle communications with the insurers, preserve available evidence, and pursue the compensation you need.
Call (201) 585-9111 or complete our secure online contact form to discuss your Fort Lee pedestrian accident claim. You can also visit our team at 201 Columbia Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.
Fort Lee Office
Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.
201 Columbia Ave
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Phone: (201) 585-9111
