Negligent drivers are a leading cause of pedestrian accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey. Whether they are speeding, distracted, failing to yield at crosswalks, or driving under the influence, their reckless actions put pedestrians at serious risk. A moment of carelessness, such as texting while driving or running a red light, can result in devastating injuries that change a victim’s life forever.
If you suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident that resulted from a negligent driver, the experienced lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., are here to fight for the compensation you need. We will gather critical evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and take your case to court if necessary. Medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs can add up quickly. Our legal team is dedicated to ensuring you receive full and fair compensation so you can focus on your recovery.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Hackensack pedestrian accident attorney, please call our office at (201) 585-9111 or contact us online today.
Why Select Us?
When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, debilitating and sometimes lifelong injuries can result. The knowledgeable Hackensack pedestrian accident lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., are prepared to fight for your rights and interests at every stage of the proceedings.
Our skilled and compassionate lawyers have more than 90 years of combined trial experience, and we have successfully recovered in excess of $300 million in damages on behalf of our injured clients. We are relentless when it comes to maximizing the compensation that our clients receive for their accident-related injuries and other losses.
You can see our most recent client reviews and case testimonials on this site. Our office is conveniently located at Court Plaza South, 21 Main St., Suite 206, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Joseph Maggiano is an excellent person to seek when you have any type of legal issue. He is attentive, knowledgeable and takes his time to explain the process. He is such a nice and pleasant person to deal with. I highly recommend him and his law office for your legal advice!
We hired Chris DiGirolamo as our attorney after Mike suffered a life changing injury at work. From the time we met Chris we felt we can trust him to work in the best interest for Mike’s needs. Chris is very down to earth and we felt comfortable whenever we met with him. He spoke to us so we always understood what was going on. He never threw around legal jargon that we would not be able to understand. He was always willing to ensure we knew exactly how our case was proceeding. Chris showed humanity in dealing with Mike’s Injuries and understanding of Mike’s unwillingness to accept some of the changes in his life.
Chris’s high level of energy and desire to bring a case to the best possible results were evident from day one. Our case was settled but of court with the help of a mediator and Chris was by our side explaining what was going on every step of the way. His preparation throughout the case was evident as he spoke before the mediator. It was a pleasure to watch. Chris at work and know he was working for us. He is tough and stubborn when necessary. We were also impressed by the respect shown to Chris by the retired judge we worked with as well as other lawyers. Chris was only happy with this case when he knew we had a settlement that we were very impressed with.
Wonderful company and attorneys who I would recommend to anybody in need. Trust the reviews you read and testimonials on their website – these guys are great!!
How Much Is My Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
The value of your pedestrian accident case in Hackensack, New Jersey, depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the cost of your medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that your medical expenses will first be covered through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, regardless of who caused the accident. If you have auto insurance, your own PIP policy will pay for your medical bills. If you do not have auto insurance, you may be covered under the PIP policy of a household member or, in some cases, the insurance of the driver who hit you. However, PIP coverage does not provide compensation for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages.
If your injuries are serious, you can file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. In these cases, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and other damages that PIP does not cover. To do this, you must prove that the driver was negligent, meaning they failed to exercise reasonable care, such as running a red light, speeding, or driving distracted. The more severe and life-altering your injuries are, the higher the potential value of your claim. Injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and significant scarring or disfigurement typically lead to larger settlements or jury awards.
Lost income is another important factor. If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for both past and future lost earnings. If you require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or assistive devices, those costs should also be included in your claim. Additionally, if your quality of life has been affected, such as by being unable to enjoy activities you once loved, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of life enjoyment.
Every case is unique, and the exact amount of compensation you may receive depends on the evidence, the insurance policies involved, and whether the case is settled or goes to trial.
Most Common Locations for Pedestrian Accidents in Hackensack
Pedestrian accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, are more likely to happen in certain locations where traffic congestion, poor visibility, and driver negligence create dangerous conditions. The most common places where these accidents occur include busy intersections, crosswalks, parking lots, and areas near schools, shopping centers, and public transportation stops.
- Intersections are particularly dangerous because drivers often fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians – especially when making left or right turns. In Hackensack, intersections along heavily traveled roads such as Main Street, Essex Street, and River Street see a high volume of vehicles and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents. Distracted driving, speeding, and running red lights are common causes of pedestrian crashes at these locations. Even when pedestrians have the walk signal, careless drivers may not notice them or may misjudge their speed, leading to collisions.
- Crosswalks are another high-risk area, even when they are clearly marked. Some drivers fail to stop or slow down for pedestrians crossing the street, particularly on roads with multiple lanes or high-speed limits. Pedestrian accidents are more frequent on streets like Hackensack Avenue, where traffic moves quickly, and drivers may not be paying close attention. Poor lighting at night can make crosswalks even more dangerous, as pedestrians become harder to see.
- Parking lots and garages, such as those near the Shops at Riverside and Hackensack University Medical Center, are also common places for pedestrian accidents. Drivers backing out of parking spaces or speeding through lots without checking for pedestrians can cause serious injuries. Many accidents occur because drivers are distracted with their phones or navigation systems instead of watching for people walking nearby.
- Areas near schools, bus stops, and train stations also pose a significant risk. Children crossing the street near Hackensack High School or Fairmount Elementary may not always be visible to drivers, and impatient motorists may ignore school zone speed limits. Similarly, bus stops along busy roads can be hazardous when drivers fail to stop for pedestrians getting on or off public transportation.
How Do You Prove a Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Case?
To successfully prove a third-party pedestrian accident case in Hackensack, New Jersey, you must establish four key legal elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. These elements form the foundation of a negligence claim, which is necessary to recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
The first element, duty of care, is usually straightforward. Drivers in New Jersey have a legal responsibility to drive safely and follow traffic laws to avoid harming pedestrians. This includes obeying speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding the right-of-way at crosswalks, and remaining attentive to their surroundings.
The second element, breach of duty, requires proving that the driver failed to uphold their duty of care. This can be established by showing that the driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise acting negligently. For example, if a driver was texting, ran a red light, or failed to yield at a crosswalk, this would constitute a breach of duty. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports can demonstrate this violation.
The third element, causation, links the driver’s breach of duty directly to the accident and the pedestrian’s injuries. It must be shown that the accident would not have occurred if the driver had followed the law and acted responsibly. Here, gathering strong evidence – such as surveillance footage, medical records, and expert testimony – is key.
The final element, damages, involves proving that the pedestrian suffered real harm as a result of the accident. This includes medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term effects of the injuries. Medical records, doctor testimony, and financial documents can all support this claim.
Verdicts and Settlements
$5,000,000 - Trucking Accident
Recovery to a husband, wife and four children as a result of a tractor trailer making an improper turn into the right of way of the family SUV in which the husband was operating with wife in the front passenger seat and four children secured in the rear seat compartment area.
$2,800,000 - Trucking Accident
A man who suffered serious knee injuries when a truck pulled out in front of him
$900,000 - Motor Vehicle Accident
To the estate of 26 year old Chinese exchange student in country for 4 years struck while crossing street in front of college while in crosswalk. Argument was that decedent suffered pre impact terror and likely realized she was about to be struck and killed.
Most Common Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians involved in accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, often suffer serious injuries due to the force of impact when struck by a vehicle. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection, making them extremely vulnerable to severe harm. The most common injuries in these accidents range from minor to life-threatening, depending on factors like the speed of the vehicle, the point of impact, and the pedestrian’s age and health.
One of the most frequent injuries in pedestrian accidents is broken bones. The force of a collision can easily fracture arms, legs, ribs, or hips. In many cases, pedestrians try to brace themselves when hit, leading to broken wrists or arms. More severe crashes can cause complex fractures that require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Head injuries are another major concern. When a pedestrian is struck, they may hit their head on the vehicle or the pavement, leading to concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A concussion can result in headaches, dizziness, and memory problems, while a more severe TBI can lead to permanent cognitive impairment or even death. Head injuries are especially dangerous because symptoms are not always immediately apparent.
Spinal cord injuries are also common in pedestrian accidents, often leading to partial or complete paralysis. If the impact damages the spinal cord, the victim may lose movement or sensation in parts of their body. These injuries can require lifelong medical care and drastically change a person’s quality of life.
Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and torn ligaments, frequently occur as well. These injuries may not seem as severe as fractures or brain injuries, but they can still cause significant pain and mobility issues. Whiplash, for example, is common when a pedestrian’s neck is violently jerked during impact.
Internal injuries, including damage to organs and internal bleeding, can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. The force of a vehicle striking a pedestrian can cause blunt force trauma, leading to ruptured organs or internal bleeding that requires emergency surgery.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Case
If you have suffered an injury in a pedestrian accident in Hackensack, New Jersey, dealing with the insurance company can be one of the biggest challenges in your case. Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts, and they often try to reduce or deny claims, even when the victim has suffered serious injuries. This is where having an experienced Hackensack pedestrian accident attorney on your side makes a difference.
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our injury attorneys understand how insurance companies operate and are prepared to fight for your right to fair compensation. After a pedestrian accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to argue that you were partially responsible for the accident, downplaying the driver’s negligence. They may also offer a low settlement, hoping you will accept it before realizing the full extent of your injuries and damages. If you do not have legal representation, the insurance company may pressure you into making statements that can be used against you later.
By working with our lawyers, you gain a strong advocate who will handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. We gather critical evidence, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, medical records, and accident reports, to build a solid case proving the driver’s negligence. We also work with medical and financial experts to calculate the true value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial. We will present compelling arguments backed with evidence to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our legal team is here to protect your rights and ensure you receive justice after your pedestrian accident.
Most Important Steps to Take after a Hackensack Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident in Hackensack, New Jersey, taking the right steps is vital to protecting your health, legal rights, and ability to seek compensation.
One of the first and most important steps is to seek ongoing medical attention. Following your healthcare provider’s recommendations is essential for your recovery and helps document the severity of your injuries, which is critical for your claim.
You should also obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available. The police report contains important details about the accident, including statements from witnesses, the officer’s observations, and whether the driver received a citation. This document can serve as key evidence when proving fault in your case. In addition to the police report, gather any other documentation related to the accident, such as medical records, photos of the scene, and witness contact information.
Speaking with the skilled Hackensack pedestrian accident lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., is another important step. We will handle all communications with the insurance company, investigate your accident, and fight for the compensation you deserve. The sooner you seek legal representation, the stronger your case will be, increasing your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Talk with an Experienced Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our experienced attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and pursue the maximum amount of compensation available to you in your claim or lawsuit.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Hackensack pedestrian accident lawyer, please call our office at (201) 585-9111 or contact us online right away.
