Pedestrian Accident Injuries In Middletown, CT
Walking is a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation in Middletown, Connecticut. Unfortunately, pedestrians risk serious injury when encountering vehicles while crossing local streets. If a negligent driver injured you while you were walking, our Middletown pedestrian accident lawyer is ready to protect your rights.
Protecting the Rights of Injured Pedestrians
At Baber Law, we understand the devastating impact a vehicle accident can have on a pedestrian. Typically, a vehicle-pedestrian accident leaves the walker with life-changing injuries while the motorist drives away unharmed. We are committed to investigating these incidents thoroughly, establishing liability, and fighting to recover full compensation for our clients.
Pedestrian Accidents in Connecticut
Statistics from the Connecticut Crash Depository highlight the ongoing nature of this problem. They document 6,759 pedestrian-involved accidents statewide during the first 11 months of the most recent reporting year.
Driver and Pedestrian Responsibilities
While Connecticut Traffic Control Statutes require pedestrians to use crosswalks, and drivers have a duty to exercise “due care.” A motorist must avoid hitting a pedestrian, even those outside a crosswalk. This duty also extends to individuals using human-powered or motorized wheeled conveyances, such as wagons, mobility scooters, and other devices.
Given the complexity of these laws, we strongly recommend consulting with our attorney before negotiating with an insurance adjuster.
Increased Risk Factors
Several factors increase the possibility of accidents occurring. Others enhance the potential for serious injuries.
- Vehicle-Specific Dangers: Certain vehicles pose a greater threat.
- Quiet electric and hybrid vehicles are approximately 20% more likely to strike pedestrians (according to NHTSA research).
- SUVs cause more severe injuries due to their greater mass, weight, and higher bumpers.
- Fully autonomous vehicles, while utilizing driver assistance technology, introduce unique and higher risks when operating without human control.
- Age-Related Vulnerabilities: As documented by a National Science Foundation study, young children often lack the necessary judgment and timing skills to cross roads safely. Similarly, older pedestrians (60+) face increased risks due to physical and cognitive challenges.
Common Injuries
Pedestrian accident injuries vary based on the force of impact and contact with a vehicle’s bumper and hood, and also the pavement.
Adult Injuries:
- Head and brain trauma
- Leg fractures and crush injuries
- Pelvic damage
- Tibial and Ligament damage
Child Injuries:
Due to variances in weight and height, a child’s body absorbs impact differently. Common injuries include:
- Femur fractures
- Tibia/fibula fractures
- Traumatic brain and spinal injuries
- Internal trauma
- Head and Neck trauma
Securing Compensation for Your Injuries
When we negotiate or litigate a personal injury claim, we work to recover both economic and non-economic damages. In cases of reckless, intentional, or malicious conduct by the defendant, we may also seek punitive damages.
- Economic Damages: Compensation for calculable financial losses, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for subjective losses that impact your quality of life, such as pain, suffering, disfigurement, emotional distress, disability, and changes in family and spousal relationships
- Punitive Damages: Damages a Connecticut jury may award to punish the defendant for extreme misconduct.
The Claims Process and Legal Considerations
Once we establish the driver’s liability and evaluate our clients’ injuries, we submit a settlement demand to their liability insurance carrier. You may also have a valid claim under your own auto insurance (or that of a resident family member) for medical payments, Uninsured Motorist, or Underinsured Motorist coverage.
Comparative Negligence
Connecticut’s Comparative Negligence statute may affect your injury settlement. If the evidence proves you contributed to your accident, recoverable compensation may reflect a reduction based on your percentage of fault.
You still have a right to recover damages if the evidence shows you were less than 51% negligent.
Statute of Limitations
In Connecticut, the deadline for settling your claim or filing a lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to meet this deadline, you may lose your legal right to pursue compensation.
Our Middletown pedestrian accident attorney can explain your specific statute of limitations and potential exceptions for child victims. When we represent you, we track all critical deadlines and meet legal responsibilities on your behalf.
Serious Injury. Serious Results. Start Your Risk-Free Case Evaluation Here.
Middletown, CT Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If a driver struck you while you were walking in Middletown, contact the Baber Law firm as soon as possible for a free consultation. We can review your case, safeguard your rights, and work toward a favorable resolution.
- Call Us: 855-285-3425
- Schedule a Consultation: From this page or Visit Our Contact Page
