®Lodi Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Injured in Jersey? Peter's Got Your Back!
At The Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates, LLC, our Lodi pedestrian accident lawyer team helps people who were struck while walking, jogging or crossing the street.
24/7 Service Available
You may be dealing with surgery, missed paychecks and calls from an insurance adjuster who wants a quick statement. If you wait, evidence like store video can be erased, and the deadlines in New Jersey law keep running.
We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients in over 37 years. As a Lodi personal injury lawyer with an office at 72 Essex Street, we can step in, deal with the insurers and fight for the money you need to heal.
Call (973) 279-7246 or request your free case review today.
When a driver is responsible for hitting you
Most pedestrian claims are based on negligence. To win, our team needs to prove four things:
- Duty of care: Every driver in New Jersey must watch for people on foot and use due care. This duty applies on Main Street, in parking lots and on busy roads like Route 17.
- Breach of duty: The driver failed to meet that duty. Examples include not stopping at a crosswalk, speeding or looking at a phone.
- Causation: The driver’s mistake caused the crash and your injuries. We use police reports, video and medical records to connect the two.
- Damages: You suffered real losses, such as medical bills, lost wages or pain. Without damages, there is nothing to recover.
You can still have a case if you were partly at fault. Under New Jersey’s comparative negligence law, N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1, you can recover as long as your share of fault is not greater than the driver’s, but your award is reduced by your percentage.
Compensation for pedestrian injuries
The money you can claim depends on your injuries and how they affect your life. Pedestrian claims often include:
- Economic damages: These cover bills and losses you can add up, such as hospital care, therapy, medicine and lost income. They can also include future care and lost earning power if you cannot go back to your job.
- Non-economic damages: These cover pain, suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. If you or a household member has an auto policy with the Limitation on Lawsuit option, that choice may still apply when you were walking, so you may need to show a qualifying injury to recover them.
- Punitive damages: These are rare and are meant to punish very reckless conduct, such as a driver who was drunk or fled the scene. New Jersey’s Punitive Damages Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.12) requires clear and convincing proof of that conduct.
How much compensation can you expect?
No two pedestrian cases are the same, and we cannot promise any result. The table below shows general value ranges based on the type of injury, not dollar figures or guarantees.
| Injury category | Common examples | General value range |
|---|---|---|
| Soft tissue injuries | Sprains, strains, deep bruises and whiplash from the fall | Lower |
| Fractures | Broken legs, ankles, wrists, hips or a fractured pelvis | Moderate to higher |
| Head, back and spine injuries | Concussions, traumatic brain injuries and herniated discs that need surgery | Higher |
| Permanent or disabling injuries | Paralysis, amputation and injuries that end a career | Often the highest |
| Fatal pedestrian crashes | Wrongful death claims for the family’s financial losses, plus a survival claim for the victim’s own losses | Often the highest |
Value can drop if you share part of the blame or if the driver has low insurance limits. It can rise when the injury is permanent or when more than one party is responsible.
Call our Lodi pedestrian accident lawyer day or night
Reaching our team is simple, and we answer calls 24/7. You can:
- Call us: Phone (973) 279-7246 any time, day or night.
- Use our online form: Send us the details through our contact page, and we will reach out.
- Visit our office: Meet us at 72 Essex Street, Suite 2, Lodi, NJ 07644.
Your first consultation is free, and you pay no attorney fee unless we win.
Over 37 years of results for injured clients
Over 37 years, we have recovered over $1 billion for more than 18,000 clients. Many of our results involve the same injuries we see in pedestrian cases, such as broken legs, back surgery and fractured vertebrae.
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a future outcome. You can review a wider selection on our case results page.
Peter N. Davis
Founder & Personal Injury Attorney
Peter N. Davis has spent over 37 years representing injured people across New Jersey. Before starting his firm, he worked in insurance defense, giving him firsthand insight into how insurers evaluate and fight claims. He is licensed in New Jersey, New York, and Colorado and earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law.
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us!
Real Clients and Real Reviews
I had a very positive experience with the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis & Associates. Nick Barrone handled my case, and I couldn’t be happier with the level of service I received. After my auto accident in Jersey City, NJ, I was dealing with ongoing back and neck pain and wasn’t sure what to expect from the legal process. Nick was professional, attentive, and always made sure I understood each step along the way. He took the time to answer my questions and genuinely cared about my situation. I felt supported throughout the entire process, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. The firm worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed the whole time. I truly appreciate their dedication and effort in helping me through this difficult experience. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate attorney.
I highly recommend Peter Davis & Associates. In particular, Mr. David Ventoso, Esq. did an excellent job helping and assisting me. Mr. Ventoso was knowledgeable, professional and responsive.
All the staff members at the firm took the time to explain every detail and step of the process; they answered all my questions and were always kind. Special thanks to Ms. Carolyn for doing an amazing job.
If you're looking for an attorney in NJ who is trustworthy and really cares, Peter Davis & Associates is an excellent choice.
I highly recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis.
After I was rear-ended in a car accident and suffered injuries to my neck and back, they provided outstanding representation during a very difficult time in my life.
My attorney, Robert Russotti, and my case manager, Muminah Ramadan, were professional, compassionate, and attentive throughout the entire process. They helped me obtain the medical treatment I needed and were always available to answer my questions and address any concerns I had. Their diligence, communication, and dedication gave me peace of mind while I focused on my recovery.
I am truly grateful for the support and guidance they provided during my hardship. I would not hesitate to recommend the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis to my family and friends.
Thank you so much for your help.
I want to especially thank David Ventoso for always informing me what was going on with my case. He kept up with all my questions and answered every time I called him.
Awesome staff also
Thank you again
Angela Selby
I had a great experience working with David Ventoso at the Law Offices of Peter N. Davis after my motor vehicle accident. I suffered injuries to my knee and lower back, and Mr. Ventoso along with Carolyn guided me through the entire process from start to finish.
They were always responsive to my questions and concerns, kept me informed, and made everything as stress-free as possible. They also referred me to receive the medical treatment I needed, which made a huge difference during my recovery.
Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I was very pleased with my compensation. I highly recommend this law firm to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney.
Our promise as your Lodi pedestrian accident lawyer
Our promise is simple: “Injured in Jersey? Peter’s Got Your Back!” We treat every case as personal, and we want every client to feel like the most important case in our office.
Our founder spent his early career working for an insurance defense firm. That inside view helps us spot the tactics adjusters use to pay pedestrians less than they deserve.
We are also proud to give back. Our firm partners with Seton Hall Athletics, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center, supports Bucket City Basketball in nearby Garfield and runs the Rise Above Scholarship for students.
We help injured people across the state, not just in Lodi. To learn how we handle these claims statewide, visit our New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer page.
Meet your Lodi pedestrian accident attorney
Peter N. Davis leads our team and is licensed in New Jersey, New York and Colorado. He is also an NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor, and he has tried many cases and negotiated settlements for thousands of clients.
Peter and our staff collect the evidence, keep you updated and prepare every case as if it could go to trial. You can read more about his background on Attorney Peter N. Davis’s profile.
What our Lodi pedestrian accident law firm takes off your plate
When you are hurt, the claim process can feel like a second job. We take that weight off your shoulders by handling:
- Medical bills: We help you open the right PIP claim so your treatment gets paid. We also track every bill so nothing is left out of your claim.
- Lost wages: We gather pay stubs and employer letters to prove the income you lost. If you cannot return to your old job, we also claim your lost earning power.
- Property damage: A crash can destroy a phone, glasses, clothing or a stroller. We include these items in your claim.
- Emotional recovery: Many pedestrians feel fear or anxiety near traffic after a crash. We document this harm so it counts toward your recovery.
- Finding every policy: We look for all coverage, including your own policy, the driver’s policy and any employer’s commercial policy. This matters when the driver has low limits.
- Hit-and-run claims: If the driver fled, we work with police and look into uninsured motorist coverage and other options. We act fast, because video and witnesses can disappear quickly.
- Dealing with insurers: We handle all calls and paperwork with the insurance companies. You can focus on getting better.
If you were inside a vehicle when you were hurt, our Lodi car accident lawyer page explains those claims.
Steps to take after being hit by a car
The choices you make in the days after a crash can affect your claim. Here is what we tell our clients:
- Keep every medical appointment: Follow your doctor’s plan and go to every visit. Gaps in care give insurers a reason to say you were not badly hurt.
- Get your police report: Ask for the crash report (NJTR-1) as soon as it is ready. The Lodi Police Department’s Central Services Division provides accident reports during business hours.
- Stay off social media: Do not post photos, updates or comments about the crash. Insurers look for posts that make you seem less injured.
- Do not accept the first offer: Early offers often come before you know the full cost of your injuries. Once you sign a release, you usually cannot ask for more.
- Be careful what you say: Do not give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurer or guess about speed or fault. Simple words like “I’m fine” can be used against you.
- Keep a recovery journal: Write down your pain, sleep problems and missed events each day. These notes help prove the impact of your injuries.
- Get in touch with Lodi pedestrian accident attorneys: Talk to our team before you sign anything. We can tell you what your claim may be worth and what steps come next.
Additional reading: Someone hit me with their car while I was walking in NJ. What should I do?
New Jersey's filing deadline for pedestrian claims
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2. If you miss that deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case no matter how strong it is.
Some claims have much shorter deadlines. If a town, county or state agency may share the blame, such as for a broken signal or a public bus, you must usually file a notice of claim within 90 days under N.J.S.A. 59:8-8.
A pedestrian PIP claim with the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund also needs notice within two years of the injury. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can lock in every deadline that applies to you.
Additional reading: How long after a wreck can you file a claim in New Jersey?
Evidence we gather after a pedestrian crash
Strong evidence is the base of every successful pedestrian claim. We start gathering it right away, including:
- Police documentation: The crash report, any tickets issued and the officer’s notes. These often show who failed to yield.
- Medical records: ER records, imaging and treatment notes. These link your injuries to the crash.
- Eyewitness statements: Names and accounts from people who saw the crash. Witness memories fade fast, so we reach out early.
- Photo and video evidence: Footage from shops, homes, buses and dash cameras. Many systems record over old video within days.
- Scene details: Photos of the crosswalk, signal timing, lighting and sight lines. These help prove what the driver could and should have seen.
- Phone and vehicle data: Cell phone records and data from the car’s event recorder. These can show distraction or speed.
- Your clothing and shoes: Keep what you wore, unwashed, in a bag. Damage patterns can help experts rebuild the crash.
Collecting all of this while you are in pain is a lot to ask. Let us do the hard work while you focus on your recovery.
Our fees: nothing unless we win
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-7 caps contingency fees in injury cases at 33 1/3 percent of the first $750,000 recovered, with lower percentages on larger amounts. We explain our fee in writing before you sign, so there are no surprises.
Medical bills when you were hit on foot
In New Jersey, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) usually pays a pedestrian’s medical bills first, no matter who caused the crash. Which policy pays depends on your situation:
| Your situation | Where PIP usually comes from |
|---|---|
| You or a relative you live with has a New Jersey auto policy | Your own or your household’s auto policy, even though you were walking |
| No household auto policy applies | The policy on the vehicle that hit you may provide coverage, depending on the vehicle and the policy |
| A private passenger car hit you and no other coverage is available | The Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund may pay pedestrian PIP benefits under N.J.S.A. 39:6-86.1 |
If PIP runs out, your health insurance may cover more care, and it may later ask to be paid back from your settlement. We work out these liens so you know what you will take home.
Additional reading: Who pays for damages after hitting a pedestrian in a crosswalk in Newark, NJ?
No Fee Unless You Win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
No fee unless you win
Learn more about our firm or read about our case wins and community work in our press releases.
Why Lodi pedestrians choose our firm
We are based right here in Lodi, a short walk from the Essex Street and Main Street crossings many of our neighbors use every day. We know the local roads, the local police department and the Bergen County courts.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Proven results: Over $1 billion recovered in over 37 years. We have helped more than 18,000 clients.
- Insurance defense insight: Our founder once worked on the other side. We know how insurers value and fight these claims.
- Always available: We answer calls 24/7, including nights and weekends.
- Ready for trial: Most cases settle, but insurers know we are willing to go to court. That pressure often leads to better offers.
General information on pedestrian accidents in Lodi
Lodi is a busy, walkable borough with shops on Main Street, homes on side streets and students near Felician University’s Lodi campus on South Main Street. Route 17 and Route 46 also run through town, where fast traffic and wide crossings make walking riskier.
Pedestrian laws in New Jersey
New Jersey sets clear rules for both drivers and walkers. The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s pedestrian safety page sums up these duties, including:
- Determining fault: Fault is based on who failed to act with reasonable care. Each person’s share is compared under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1.
- Duty to exercise reasonable care: Drivers must use due care for anyone on the road. Walkers must also act with care for their own safety.
- Right of way: Pedestrians in a marked crosswalk, or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, generally have the right of way. If a driver hits someone in one of these crosswalks, the law allows an inference that the driver was careless.
- Drivers yielding in crosswalks: Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-36, drivers must stop and stay stopped while a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk. A violation can bring a $200 fine, 15 days of community service and four motor vehicle points.
- Pedestrians watching for traffic: A walker cannot suddenly step off the curb into the path of a car that is too close to stop. This rule protects drivers who had no chance to react.
- Passing a stopped vehicle: Drivers may not pass a vehicle that has stopped to let a pedestrian cross. This is a common cause of crashes on multi-lane roads.
- Crossing restrictions: Pedestrians must use sidewalks where they exist and may not cross highways divided by a median barrier unless a crossing is provided. Where there is no sidewalk, they should walk on the left side facing traffic.
Additional reading: Do pedestrians have the right of way in Lodi, New Jersey?
What about jaywalking?
New Jersey law does not use the word “jaywalking,” but pedestrians who cross outside a crosswalk must yield to traffic. A walker who fails to yield in these spots can be fined.
Crossing midblock does not end your claim. Drivers still have a duty to use due care, so the question becomes how much fault each person carries.
Hypothetical scenario: A man crosses Route 46 midblock at dusk, away from any crosswalk, and is hit by a speeding driver. A jury finds the man 30 percent at fault and the driver 70 percent at fault, so his award would be reduced by 30 percent rather than wiped out.
Additional reading: What happens if you hit someone jaywalking in Jersey City, New Jersey?
Traffic signals and pedestrians’ rights
Signals often decide fault in Lodi crosswalk crashes. Two kinds matter most:
- Traffic control signals: These are the red, yellow and green lights for cars. A pedestrian crossing on a green signal has the right of way over all vehicles, including those turning.
- Pedestrian control signals: These are the “walk” and “don’t walk” signs. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-32, pedestrians without a walk signal must yield to drivers who have a green light.
Drivers turning right on red must also stop and stay stopped for pedestrians in the crosswalk they are turning across. Many Lodi crashes happen during these turns.
Who is liable for a pedestrian accident in New Jersey?
The driver who hit you is usually the main party at fault. Other people or groups may also share the blame:
- The driver: Drivers who speed, text or fail to stop at crosswalks can be held responsible. Their auto insurance usually pays for pain and suffering and other losses.
- The driver’s employer: If a delivery or work driver hit you while on the job, the employer may also be liable. Commercial policies often have higher limits.
- Government agencies: A town, county or the state may share fault for broken signals, faded crosswalks or poor lighting. These claims have the strict 90-day notice rule.
- Property owners: Owners of parking lots and drive-throughs may share fault for unsafe layouts or blocked views. This often comes up in busy shopping areas.
- Vehicle makers: A defect, such as failed brakes, can make a manufacturer responsible. These claims need expert review.
Hypothetical scenario: A woman is crossing Main Street in a marked crosswalk when one car stops for her. A second driver goes around the stopped car and hits her, which breaks the rule against passing a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian and points strongly to that driver’s fault.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Lodi
Walkers face real danger on Bergen County roads. The Bergen County Local Safety Action Plan found that pedestrians and bicyclists make up about 45 percent of deaths and serious injuries on county and municipal roads, with 44 pedestrian deaths and 255 serious injuries from 2017 to 2021.
The same plan lists Route 17 through Lodi as a location of concern on state roads. Based on our experience, the most common causes include:
- Failing to stop at crosswalks: Drivers roll through crosswalks on Main Street and Essex Street. Many say they “never saw” the person crossing.
- Turning vehicles: Drivers turning left or right on red focus on oncoming cars, not walkers. The pedestrian is often hit in the crosswalk they had every right to use.
- Distracted driving: A glance at a phone or GPS can take a driver’s eyes off the road at the worst moment. Even a few seconds is enough to miss a person.
- Speeding on highways: Traffic on Route 17 and Route 46 moves fast, and higher speeds mean worse injuries. Wide crossings give walkers more time in harm’s way.
- Dark conditions: Poor lighting and dark clothing make walkers hard to see at night. Drivers must still slow down and watch for people.
- Backing up and parking lots: Drivers backing out of spaces or driveways often hit people walking behind them. These crashes are common near busy shops.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction time and cloud judgment. Drunk drivers may also face punitive damages.
Additional reading: Where do most pedestrian collisions occur in New Jersey?
Injuries common in pedestrian crashes
A person on foot has no metal frame or airbag for protection. The injuries we see most often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Striking the hood or the road can cause concussions or worse. Some symptoms, like memory problems, show up days later.
- Broken bones: Legs, knees, hips and pelvis bones often take the first hit from a bumper. Many need surgery, pins or plates.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: Herniated discs and fractured vertebrae can cause lasting pain. Severe spinal injuries can lead to paralysis.
- Arm, wrist and shoulder injuries: People often throw out their arms to break the fall. This leads to fractures and torn ligaments.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not show signs right away. This is one reason to get checked even if you feel fine.
- Road rash and scarring: Sliding on pavement can strip away skin and leave permanent scars. Some cases need skin grafts.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, fear of crossing streets and post-traumatic stress are common. These injuries are real and can be part of your claim.
New Jersey pedestrian accident statistics
Pedestrian deaths remain a serious problem across the state. New Jersey State Police crash data for 2024 shows 230 pedestrian deaths out of 684 traffic deaths statewide, including 22 pedestrian deaths out of 42 traffic deaths in Bergen County.
National data shows the same pattern. In 2023, NHTSA reported 7,314 pedestrian deaths nationwide, and 77 percent of them happened in the dark.
Additional reading: 7 safety tips for staying visible and secure while walking at night
Get a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney in Lodi
You did nothing to deserve this, and you should not have to fight the insurance company alone. Our team is ready to listen, explain your options and get to work on your claim.
Call (973) 279-7246 or schedule your free case review now.
No Fee Unless You Win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
No fee unless you win
Call us 24/7 at (973) 310-6678 or contact us online for your free case review.
Lodi Office
Ask a Question,
Describe Your Situation,
Request A Free Case Review
Fill out the form below or feel free to call us at (973) 279-7246(973) 279-7246
Required Fields*
Your Information Is Safe With Us
We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was hit by a car in a Lodi parking lot?
You can still bring a claim if a driver hit you in a store or apartment parking lot. Drivers must use reasonable care on private property too, and the lot owner may share fault for poor lighting, missing walkways, or blocked sight lines that made the crash more likely.
Can I bring a claim if the driver did not get a ticket?
Yes, a ticket is not required to bring an injury claim. Police may not see the crash or have every fact on the day it happens, so we gather video, witness accounts and scene evidence to prove the driver was careless, even when no summons was ever issued to them.
Does PIP cover me if I was riding an e-scooter when I was hit?
Maybe not. In Goyco v. Progressive (2024), the New Jersey Supreme Court held that a low-speed electric scooter rider was not a “pedestrian” for PIP purposes, so medical bills may need to come from health insurance while we pursue a claim against the driver who caused the crash.
What if my child was hit by a car while walking?
Children can recover the same types of damages as adults, and New Jersey usually pauses a child’s two-year filing clock until age 18. A parent’s own claim for the medical bills they paid may not get that extra time, so we recommend calling us soon after the crash.
Will my pedestrian accident case go to trial?
Most pedestrian cases settle without a trial, often after treatment ends and the full value of the injury is clear. We still prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, because insurers tend to make fairer offers when they know we are ready to go to court.