Hartford Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

In 2018, 20.4% of traffic fatalities in the state of Connecticut were pedestrians according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Pedestrian accidents are almost exclusively the result of driver negligence, although there are numerous factors that can cause a crash.

Examples of driver error may include:

• Failing to stop at stop signs or traffic lights
• Not checking behind them before backing or pulling out
• Paying more attention to their phone than to the road
• Driving under the influence of a substance like prescription drugs or alcohol
• Failing to signal while turning
• Speeding and other reckless driving
• Failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks
• Disregarding weather or traffic conditions

Pedestrians may be at fault for accidents when they:

• Fail to look both ways before crossing the street
• Dart into the road from between cars or behind obstructions rather than crossing in designated areas
• Are difficult to see because of failing to wear high visibility clothing in low light or bad weather

According to the NHTSA, the vast majority of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas (81%) as opposed to rural areas (19%).

Pedestrian accidents often occur in urban areas where vehicle traffic is heavy, especially on or around:

• Intersections
• Crosswalks
• Roads without sidewalks or shoulders

These incidents are also more likely to occur during the evening and nighttime hours when visibility is low and both drivers and pedestrians are more likely to be intoxicated.

When a motor vehicle and a person collide, it is no surprise that the pedestrian is often the party who sustains the most serious injuries. Because pedestrians are generally unprotected when struck, they are more likely to sustain serious injuries that put them in the hospital. Not only does this lead to extensive pain and suffering for the victim but costly medical and other expenses as well.

Injuries commonly suffered by pedestrians in auto-pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spine and spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Broken bones
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Amputation/loss of limb
• Wrongful death

Damages typically fall under one of two categories:

• Economic damages: Economic damages are those that cover actual monetary losses you have suffered due to your pedestrian accident. These include medical expenses (hospitalization costs, surgeries, medications), lost wages, property damage, ongoing treatment, counseling, and other financial losses deemed related to your accident.
• Non-economic damages: Contrary to the above, non-economic losses are those that are difficult to quantify. This may include compensation for physical and/or mental pain suffered, the loss of something like a body part or function, or being unable to enjoy activities you were previously able to enjoy due to, say, a permanent back injury.

In rare cases, compensation in other categories such as “punitive damages” may be awarded. The exact compensation you receive depends on the specific facts of your case and unique situation. Rest assured that the attorneys at RisCassi & Davis, P.C. will do everything in our power to ensure you receive the full amount of fair and just compensation you deserve. For over six decades we have been standing up for the rights of injured pedestrians in Connecticut, so we understand what it takes to obtain a fair settlement that will help you make the best possible recovery.