If you were hit by a car while walking in or around Hackensack, you already know how quickly life can change. One moment you're crossing Main Street or heading through the crosswalk near the Shops at Riverside, and the next you're dealing with broken bones, mounting medical bills, and questions about how you're going to pay for it all. A Hackensack pedestrian accident lawyer at Reinartz Law Firm is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.
"Crosswalks have laws. We enforce them in court."— Richard Reinartz
Why Choose Reinartz Law Firm for Your Hackensack, NJ Pedestrian Accident Case?
When you've been seriously hurt in a pedestrian accident, the attorney you choose matters. At Reinartz Law Firm, we bring a level of experience and dedication that sets us apart.
- A former defense insider working for you. Before founding our firm, lead attorney Richard Reinartz spent over a decade as a trial lawyer for two of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the country. He knows exactly how insurance companies and big corporations build their defense strategies, and he uses that knowledge to your advantage.
- Proven results at the highest level. Richard is a life member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction limited to trial lawyers who have obtained settlements or judgments exceeding $1 million.
- Consistently recognized by peers. Since 2010, Richard has been selected to the Super Lawyers list every year, an honor given to fewer than 5% of all licensed attorneys in New Jersey. He has also been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New Jersey.
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, which is considered the gold standard in attorney ratings.
- No fee unless we win. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
We understand how frightening and frustrating this time can be. Our team is here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Why Pedestrian Accidents in New Jersey Are So Dangerous
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country, and that means pedestrians and motor vehicles share tight spaces every day. Unfortunately, when a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the results are almost always severe.
Recent data from the New Jersey Attorney General's office paints a stark picture. In 2024, pedestrian fatalities in the state reached 230, the highest level in more than three decades. While numbers improved somewhat in 2025, with pedestrian deaths dropping to approximately 175, the risk remains significant. Bergen County, where Hackensack is located, was among the hardest-hit areas, recording 22 pedestrian fatalities in 2024 alone.
While walking is great exercise, good for mental health, economical, and environmentally friendly, it’s unfortunately also dangerous. Some areas around Hackensack are more dangerous than others for pedestrian travelers.
These include:
- Essex Street and Prospect
- Polifly Road and Essex Street
- South Summit Avenue and West Pleasantview Avenue
- Summit Avenue and Thompson Street
Both drivers and pedestrians should be especially mindful in these areas to help prevent accidents.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Hackensack
Understanding what causes these accidents can help illustrate why drivers are often held responsible. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting a GPS, or even eating behind the wheel all take a driver's attention away from the road and from pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Failure to yield at crosswalks. Under New Jersey Statute 39:4-36, drivers are required to stop and stay stopped for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Violating this law is a common cause of pedestrian injuries.
- Speeding. Higher speeds reduce a driver's reaction time and dramatically increase the severity of injuries when a collision occurs.
- Impaired driving. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a serious threat to pedestrians, particularly during evening hours.
- Turning without checking for pedestrians. One of the most common accident scenarios involves a driver making a left or right turn and failing to see a pedestrian already in the crosswalk.
- Poor visibility and road conditions. Inadequate street lighting, missing crosswalk markings, and poorly designed intersections contribute to many pedestrian accidents throughout Bergen County.
Each of these causes points to negligence, meaning a driver (or sometimes a municipality) failed to act with reasonable care. That negligence is the foundation of your legal claim.
Injuries Pedestrians Commonly Suffer
Because pedestrians have no protection against the force of a moving vehicle, the injuries from these accidents tend to be severe and life-altering. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures, particularly in the legs, hips, and pelvis
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
- Severe road rash, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries
- Knee and shoulder injuries requiring surgery
- Emotional and psychological trauma, including PTSD
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Many pedestrian accident survivors are unable to work for weeks or months, and some face permanent disabilities that change the course of their lives. The compensation you seek should reflect the full impact of what you've been through, not just your current medical bills.
How New Jersey Law Protects Injured Pedestrians
New Jersey has several laws in place that are designed to protect pedestrians and hold negligent drivers accountable. Understanding these laws can help you see why your claim may be stronger than you think.
The "Stop and Stay Stopped" Crosswalk Law
Since 2010, New Jersey's crosswalk law has required drivers to come to a complete stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. This is more protective than many other states, which only require drivers to yield.
Drivers who violate this law face fines, points on their license, and potential community service. More importantly, a violation of this law can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a civil claim.
The NJ Safe Passing Law
New Jersey also requires drivers to move over one full lane when passing pedestrians, maintain a minimum four-foot distance, or reduce their speed to 25 mph if neither option is available. This law adds another layer of protection for people on foot.
Modified Comparative Negligence
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule under N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.1. In plain English, this means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident (for example, if you were crossing outside a crosswalk), you can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is 50% or less. Your total compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you would not be barred from recovery entirely.
This is an important point because insurance companies frequently try to blame the pedestrian. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side helps make sure the facts tell the full story and that your share of fault is not unfairly inflated.
Statute of Limitations
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:14-2, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a loved one passed away due to a pedestrian accident, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is also two years from the date of death.
Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether, so it's important to act promptly.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Every pedestrian accident case is different, but injured pedestrians in New Jersey may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. These can include:
- Medical expenses. This covers emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care related to the accident.
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity. If your injuries prevented you from working, or if they will limit your ability to earn income in the future, you can seek compensation for those financial losses.
- Pain and suffering. This accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Disability and disfigurement. If the accident left you with permanent limitations or visible scarring, additional compensation may be available.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. When injuries prevent you from participating in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed, the law recognizes that as a compensable loss.
It's also worth noting that if you or someone in your household has a New Jersey auto insurance policy, you may be eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. PIP can cover your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault, which helps get your treatment started right away while the liability claim is still being resolved.
A qualified Hackensack pedestrian accident lawyer from Reinartz Law Firm will fight to recover all the types of damages you may be owed.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Hackensack
Once you're safe after a pedestrian accident, there are several actions that can help protect your health and your legal rights:
- Follow through on all medical treatment. Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms right away. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully, and keep all follow-up appointments. Gaps in treatment can be used against you by insurance companies.
- Report the accident to police if you haven't already. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which can be valuable evidence for your claim.
- Document everything you can. Save copies of medical records, bills, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, and any correspondence from insurance companies. If you took photos at the scene, keep those safe as well.
- Be careful with insurance company communications. Insurance adjusters may contact you and sound friendly, but their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting any settlement offers before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence, communicating with insurers on your behalf, and building a strong case for full and fair compensation.
Taking these steps early in the process can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.
How Insurance Companies Handle Pedestrian Accident Claims
It's important to understand that insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line. After a pedestrian accident, the at-fault driver's insurer will typically look for ways to minimize or deny your claim. Common tactics include:
- Blaming the pedestrian. The insurer may argue that you were jaywalking, distracted by your phone, or otherwise at fault for the accident to reduce their payout under New Jersey's comparative negligence law.
- Offering a quick, lowball settlement. Early settlement offers are almost always far less than what your case is actually worth. Insurers hope you'll accept before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Disputing the severity of your injuries. The insurance company may claim your injuries are not as serious as you say, or that they were pre-existing rather than caused by the accident.
- Delaying the process. Sometimes insurers drag their feet, hoping financial pressure will force you to settle for less.
Having a trial-tested Hackensack pedestrian accident attorney on your side changes the dynamic entirely. Insurance companies know when a lawyer is prepared to take a case to court, and that often motivates them to offer a more reasonable settlement.
FAQs Answered by Our Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from pedestrian accident victims in the Hackensack area.
Can I still recover compensation if I was crossing outside of a crosswalk?
Yes, it is possible. New Jersey's comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Even if you were jaywalking, the driver still has a legal duty to exercise reasonable care. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specific facts of your case and help determine how fault may be divided.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common. If the driver cannot be identified, you may still be able to recover compensation through the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto policy. If you do not have auto insurance, the New Jersey Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund may provide an avenue for recovery.
How long will my pedestrian accident case take to resolve?
Every case is different. Some claims settle within a few months, while more complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take a year or longer. The most important thing is reaching a fair result, not rushing to close the case before you fully understand the impact of your injuries.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer?
No. We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk in reaching out for a consultation.
What if the accident happened because of a poorly maintained road or broken traffic signal?
If a dangerous road condition or malfunctioning traffic signal contributed to your accident, a government entity may be partially liable. Claims against public entities in New Jersey have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so it's critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you believe a road defect played a role.
Can family members file a claim if a loved one died in a pedestrian accident?
Yes. New Jersey law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit when a pedestrian is fatally injured due to someone else's negligence. These claims seek compensation for financial losses such as lost income and support, funeral expenses, and other damages. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the date of death.
Talk to Our Hackensack Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
You didn't ask for this. You were simply walking, going about your day, when someone else's carelessness turned your life upside down. You deserve a legal team that will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue every dollar of compensation you're owed.
At Reinartz Law Firm, we have the trial experience, the track record, and the genuine commitment to our clients that your case demands. We serve the Hackensack community and all of Bergen County, and we are ready to put our knowledge to work for you.
Call us today or reach out online to schedule your free consultation. We're available by phone, video, or in person, whatever works best for you. Remember, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let's get started.
The Reinartz Law Firm
Address: Court Plaza South - West Wing21 Main St Suite 205,
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 289-8614
"Richard guided me in my suit and made me feel confident in my decisions during my entire case. He made recommendations that I otherwise, would not have known about."
