Pedestrian Accident Injury Claims
When you walk, you take advantage of economical exercise and eco-friendly transportation. Walking offers many benefits, but pedestrians also risk serious injuries every time they cross a busy street. If a negligent driver struck and injured you while you were walking, our Connecticut pedestrian accident lawyer wants to protect your legal rights.
At Baber Law, we understand that pedestrians have no protection when a car or truck strikes them. The driver often walks away unharmed, leaving the pedestrian with life-changing injuries. Our legal team is committed to investigating these incidents, determining liability, and recovering compensation for our clients’ injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents In Connecticut
Connecticut Crash Depository statistics show that 6,015 pedestrians were involved in accidents during the most recent reporting year. These statistics demonstrate pedestrian accidents as a statewide concern.
Driver and Pedestrian Duties
Connecticut Traffic Control Statutes require pedestrians to use crosswalks when crossing streets. However, drivers have a duty to exercise “due care” to avoid pedestrians, regardless of whether the pedestrian is in a crosswalk. This duty of care also extends to individuals “propelling a human-powered vehicle.” This includes those using wagons, motorized devices, mobility scooters, and other wheeled conveyances.
As pedestrian laws can be confusing, we recommend you consult with our attorney before agreeing to deal directly with an insurance company adjuster.
Greater Risks for Children
A National Science Foundation study found that younger children don’t usually have the skills to cross a road safely. When tested in virtual environments, they didn’t always demonstrate good judgment and timing when walking or crossing a street with a bicycle. Age-related deficits increase a young child’s risk of pedestrian accidents and injuries.
Pedestrians over age 60 face similar risks due to physical and cognitive challenges.
Some Vehicles Present Greater Risks
Pedestrians face an increased risk from electric, hybrid, SUVs, and vehicles with automated driving technologies. Based on NHTSA research, quiet electric and hybrid vehicles are 20% more likely to strike a pedestrian.
SUVs cause greater injuries due to their mass, weight, and higher bumpers. While driver assistance technologies exist, fully autonomous vehicles, operating without human intervention, pose higher risks.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Child and adult pedestrian injuries vary depending on the impact severity and the pedestrian’s contact with bumpers, hoods, and pavement.
Adults may experience:
- Head and brain trauma
- Leg fractures and crush injuries
- Pelvic damage
- Tibial damage
- Ligament damage
A child’s body absorbs impacts differently, primarily due to differences in weight and height. Common child pedestrian injuries may include.
- Femur fractures and
- Tibia/fibula fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal trauma
- Head and Neck trauma
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Compensation for Pedestrian Injury Claims
When we negotiate or try an injury claim, we work to recover economic and non-economic damages. In rare instances, we may also seek punitive damages:
- Economic Damages: This category of damages may include current and future financial losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages consider how pain, suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, and disabilities affect the injured person’s life.
- Punitive Damages: A Connecticut jury may award punitive damages based on a defendant’s reckless, intentional, or malicious acts.
Resolving A Pedestrian Injury Claim
When our investigation determines a driver is liable for our client’s injuries, we maintain contact with their liability insurance carrier. Once our client reaches maximum healing, we make a settlement demand and attempt to resolve their claim. If the insurance adjuster doesn’t negotiate fairly, we may recommend litigation.
When our client has auto insurance, they may also have a valid claim for medical payments, Uninsured Motorist, or Underinsured Motorist coverage. If you live with a family member, their auto insurance might provide these coverages.
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Understanding Comparative Negligence
In Connecticut, settlements and judgments consider your Comparative Negligence. If the evidence shows you contributed to your accident and injuries, your negligence percentage may reduce your recoverable damages. If you were less than 51% negligent, you still have the right to recover compensation.
Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of your accident to settle a claim. If you don’t settle or file a lawsuit by this deadline, you lose your legal right to recover compensation. Statutes of limitations may vary for child victims. Our pedestrian accident attorney can explain these potential exceptions.
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Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If a vehicle struck you while you were walking, contact Baber Law as soon as possible for a free consultation. Attorney Nate Baber and our legal team can review your case, protect your rights, and work to settle your claim.
- Call Us: 855-285-3425
- Schedule A Consultation: On this page or Visit Our Contact Page
