>According to reports from the initial investigation, Charles Stuermann from the township, was crossing Route 1 near Plainfield Avenue at around 5:25 p.m. when he was struck by a pickup truck. Police investigation determined that Stuermann was crossing the southbound lanes against a green light.
Stuermann sustained severe injuries from the crash and was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains listed in intensive care.
The pickup truck driver, an 18 year-old New Brunswick woman was upset, but did not sustain any injuries. She has not been charged pending the outcome of the police investigation.
We would like to send out sympathies to the victim injured in this crash. We hope the victim is able to fully recover from his injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are one of the most fatal types of crashes that happen on the roadways of New Jersey. In a report compiled by the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit says that in 2017, there were a total of 179 pedestrian crashes which resulted in 35 injuries and 183 fatalities. 91 of these fatalities happened because the pedestrian was crossing at a prohibited area, and 40 fatal crashes happened while the pedestrian was crossing at a marked crosswalk.
New Jersey law states that a driver of a vehicle must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk, but shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except at crosswalks when the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals. Pedestrians must also obey pedestrian signals and use crosswalks at signalized intersections. Drivers and pedestrians who fail to follow these laws may face a hefty fine.
We urge drivers and pedestrians alike to observe and follow laws so that the roadways can be safer for everyone.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : November 29, 2021