Patrick Pollard Killed in Pleasantville Pedestrian Accident
The deadly Friday night incident closed a section of Black Horse Pike for three hours
New Jersey recorded 165 pedestrian death in 2023, a grim statistic that continues to grow along busy commercial corridors. Patrick Pollard, 34, of Absecon, was killed in a pedestrian collision at the corner of Lyons Court and Black Horse Pike in Pleasantville on April 24, according to the Pleasantville Police Department.
Lieutenant Luz Gresham is leading the ongoing inquiry into the Friday night incident. No summonses have been issued.
An eastbound vehicle driven by a 42-year-old Atlantic City woman struck the victim at 9:18 p.m. The driver and her passenger remained at the scene and were not injured.
First responders pronounced Pollard dead upon arrival. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Pleasantville Fire Department, Tricare and Atlanticare Medics assisted at the site.
Authorities closed a section of Black Horse Pike for approximately three hours to process the scene. the road has since reopened.
Pedestrian deaths account for nearly 30% of all traffic death in the state, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Police ask anyone with information to contact the department at 609-641-6100.
Why are pedestrian collisions frequent on Black Horse Pike?
Commercial corridors like Black Horse Pike often feature high traffic volumes mixed with foot traffic, creating complex environments for both drivers and pedestrians. In pedestrian accidents such as this, safety analysts point to infrastructure gaps and lighting conditions as recurring factors. National Legal Analyst Andrew Finkelstein, Attorney at Jacoby & Meyers"As a pedestrian accident victim, you will most likely face an insurance company expert who will attempt to place partial or full blame on you. The situation becomes even more tragic when the pedestrian is killed and it’s the loved ones that are told that person was at fault. The insurance companies are doing this to reduce payouts and increase their profits, and they are very good at what they do. You should never give a statement directly to the insurance company. The best course of action is to hire an experienced pedestrian accident attorney large enough to take on the insurance company and speak up for you as a victim or for your loved one who cannot"
What will investigators look for at the Lyons Court intersection?
Determining fault in a nighttime pedestrian collision requires a thorough examination of the environment. Investigators will likely review the eastbound driver's speed, the exact point of impact near Lyons Court, and whether any visual obstructions played a role at 9:18 p.m. New Jersey data indicates that much of pedestrian death occur outside of marked crosswalks or in poorly lit areas. Establishing right-of-way is a critical component of the ongoing police inquiry.
New Jersey wrongful death statute
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:31-1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. New Jersey applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.