Pedestrian Critically Hurt in Crash on James St in Lakewood, NJ

Lakewood, NJ (July 23, 2026) – A 20-year-old Lakewood resident remained in critical condition Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle on James Street on Tuesday night, July 21.

Lakewood Police were called to the intersection of James Street and Ridgeway Place around 10 p.m. following a report of a pedestrian hit by a car. Officers found the victim unresponsive when they arrived, and the person was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

According to a preliminary investigation, the driver had been traveling westbound on James Street and was turning onto Ridgeway Place when the vehicle struck the pedestrian. The driver stayed at the scene, called for help, and showed no signs of impairment, police said.

Investigators continue to piece together exactly what happened leading up to the collision. 

We're keeping the injured victim in our thoughts as they fight to recover.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws in Lakewood, NJ

New Jersey law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians that cross within an intersection, even when the driver is making a turn. 

Pedestrians struck by a turning vehicle in Lakewood, NJ can suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or multiple fractures, and someone left unconscious afterward may face a long and uncertain recovery.

Medical care in these cases tends to continue for weeks or months beyond the initial hospital stay, with follow-up treatment and rehabilitation frequently still ahead.

Under New Jersey's no-fault insurance system, personal injury protection benefits can help cover medical bills after a pedestrian is struck, regardless of who caused the collision.

Beyond that coverage, a pedestrian accident attorney can help a pedestrian and their family evaluate how the accident unfolded, which can affect any additional claim for pain, lost income, or long-term care. 

It is important to note that New Jersey allows two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, so families should better not to wait too long before looking into their options.

At Metro Law, we can help families understand what New Jersey's right-of-way and no-fault rules mean for each case. We have worked with plenty of families across the state to help them walk through the claim process. 

If you'd like to talk through your case, you can call Metro Law at (800) 469-6476. We are here to help you clear your doubts.