Every summer the Jersey Shore fills with people on foot — crossing Route 35 to the beach, walking the boardwalks at night, spilling out of the bars in Belmar and Seaside. Mix that with heavy seasonal traffic and distracted drivers, and pedestrian accidents spike across both Ocean and Monmouth counties from June through September.
Where shore pedestrian crashes happen
- Beach crossings on Route 35 — pedestrians cutting to the sand against fast barrier-island traffic.
- Boardwalk entrances and exits at night, when visibility drops and drivers don’t expect crowds.
- Downtown bar strips in shore towns at closing time.
- Parking-lot and crosswalk zones around the beaches and amusement areas.
How injured pedestrians get paid in NJ
Here’s what surprises people: even as a pedestrian, your own auto PIP coverage (or a household member’s) usually pays your medical bills first under New Jersey’s no-fault system — and if you don’t have auto insurance, the driver’s policy steps in. To recover for pain and suffering, the verbal threshold applies. If the driver fled or was uninsured, UM/UIM coverage can apply.
What to do if you’re hit
Get medical attention immediately — pedestrian injuries are frequently worse than they first feel. Get the driver’s info and the police report, photograph the scene and the crosswalk, and don’t give a recorded statement to the driver’s insurer. See our post-crash checklist.
Hurt as a pedestrian down the shore? We cover both Ocean County and Monmouth County. Goldman Law Firm — no fee unless we win. Call 908-692-7745, free consultation, 24/7. For the full rundown of how these claims work, start with our NJ pedestrian accident lawyer page.
Part of our complete guide: For every related New Jersey offense, claim, and defense in one place, see our NJ Car Accident Guide.