Legal Question in Personal Injury in New Jersey
injured while walking
My wife and I had an argument, so my friend and I went for a walk so I could cool off. We walked to a bar around the corner from my house had a drink and left. I didn't want to go home yet so we decided to start walking to my friends house. While walking on the side of the road a lady swerved and hit me. I was rushed to the hospital. I've been going to doctors ever since. 2 weeks after the accident I received 2 tickets in the mail, one states walking on the wrong side of the road and the other states disorderly conduct. In the police report it states that I smelled like alcohol. So they are trying to blame this on me. They took a statement from the lady and they asked my friend to write a statement, but he was unable to write one due to he has dislexia. So the cops wrote down on the report ''John says he can't write.'' No-one ever got a statement from me. My wife also took some pictures of the accident site. Is this right? I need some good representation.
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: injured while walking
You should plea Not Guilty to both summones and retain counsel to represent you. If you plea or are found guilty of the offenses you are charged with, it will effect your potential civil case against the driver of the vehicle that hit you.
John M. Pinho
www.DaSilvaPinho.com
Re: injured while walking
You didn't mention whether or not you have started a lawsuit against the driver. If not - start one immediately. Also plead not guilty to your 2 summons. Call my office at 1-877-832-2376 if you need help.
Re: injured while walking
Run, do not walk to an atty's office! I'd tell my brother the same thing. You have to contest both tickets. The smell of alcohol on your breath means nothing. Does the preson who hit you 'know people'? Do you have a history with the police? Why were you walking and not driving - have you lost your license? I'm a bit perplexed by the tickets. Was the woman issued tickets? What deo you mean by the side of the road - were you on a shoulder or a sidewalk? Was your friend also hurt? Do you have a copy of the police report and statements?
Now, MOST importantly, are your medical needs being addressed? You need to stay on top of your medical condition NOW, not later.
Where are you located? Do you know a good local atty? If you want to call me, I'll see if I can give you a referral. Act NOW, any delay may hurt you physically, and damage your legal rights.
Good luck.
Kevin J. Begley