Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Pedestrian Accident Victims 

In addition to being aware of other drivers on the road, motorists should look out for pedestrians, especially when approaching intersections, commercial areas, and densely populated areas. While accidents with other drivers can cause significant injuries, accidents involving pedestrians can be particularly severe and, often, fatal. Our attorneys have the knowledge and resources to investigate and pursue pedestrian accident cases. In many of these circumstances, liability is hotly contested, making it all the more important that you have capable and experienced attorneys working on your behalf.

Injured while walking due to a negligent driver or unsafe property? Call RisCassi & Davis, P.C. today at (860) 245-2412 or contact us online to understand your legal rights and options.

Accident Risk with Retailers

With drivers more distracted than ever, the frequency of cars colliding with storefronts has increased steadily. Currently, vehicles crash into commercial buildings as many as 20,000 times per year, causing approximately 4,000 serious injuries and 500 deaths annually. Several significant retailers experience vehicle strikes regularly, including Walgreens, Dunkin’ Donuts, RedBox, Mobil, and 7-11. We’ve learned from our experience that these retailers are well aware of this epidemic of pedestrian injuries but choose to keep that information from the public. Many companies install bollards to protect their assets but neglect to implement the same basic safety measures to protect their customers.

Site Design and Bollards: A Safety Priority for Pedestrians

Proper parking lot and site design can mitigate these risks. Installing pipe bollards in areas of high pedestrian activity is an easy, cost-effective way for stores and other businesses to protect their customers from the foreseeable risk of vehicle strikes.

Bollards are often installed in areas that see heavy foot traffic, such as building entrances and exits, and in other areas of buildings that see heightened pedestrian activity. Having several closely installed bollards (no more than 5 feet apart) is essential. When storefronts just have a couple of bollards spaced apart, cars can slip in between them and reach buildings or other pedestrian areas.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents 

Most pedestrian accidents are avoidable, whether they're the fault of the pedestrian, the business owner, or the motorist. Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:

• Motorists failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians (and vice versa)
• Failure to use marked intersections when crossing the street
• Poor lighting or visibility
• Driving or walking while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
• Distracted driving, particularly drivers who are texting or using their phones
• Entering the roadway suddenly or playing/standing/lying in the roadway

What Kind of Compensation Can I Claim for a Pedestrian Accident?

If you were hit by a driver and injured because of their negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost income/lost wages
• Inability to return to work or the same type of job
• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement

Can You Still Receive Compensation if You Were Jaywalking?

A pedestrian in a crosswalk has a right-of-way, and a driver will be held liable for any accident. However, if a pedestrian is jaywalking and gets hit by a car, they may share some responsibility for the accident. However, even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, that doesn't mean you can't still recover compensation. Since Connecticut is a comparative negligence state, as long as you are less than 51% responsible for the accident, you can still recover some compensation for your injuries.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accident Claims in Connecticut

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, acting quickly is important. Connecticut law places a strict time limit on how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you fail to bring a legal claim within that timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely.

There are limited exceptions to this rule—such as in cases involving minors or when the injured party was not immediately aware of the injury—but these are rare and should be evaluated by an attorney. To protect your claim and ensure that critical evidence is preserved, it's best to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.

How Evidence Plays a Critical Role in Pedestrian Accident Cases 

Establishing liability in a pedestrian accident often hinges on the quality and availability of evidence. From the moment an accident occurs, collecting and preserving evidence can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Evidence includes surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, eyewitness statements, police reports, and medical records documenting the extent of your injuries.

Additionally, photographs of the scene—such as crosswalk markings, traffic signals, skid marks, or obstructions—can provide meaningful context. In some circumstances, accident reconstruction experts may be brought in to analyze the mechanics of the crash and support your version of events. The sooner you involve legal counsel, the better the chances of securing and leveraging this evidence to build a strong case.

Contact Our Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today 

If you, or someone you know, have been injured in a crash into or near a retail location, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the driver and the store or property owner. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Connecticut may be able to help.

Contact our experienced Connecticut pedestrian accident lawyers now for a free consultation!

Related Reading:

• Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise: Staying Safe in Connecticut
• The Auto Industry's Role in Pedestrian Safety