Pedestrian accidents occur across Connecticut, both in big cities and smaller towns. Being hit by a car can lead to severe injuries, lasting medical problems, and financial burdens that can be overwhelming. Understanding what to do after you have been injured as a pedestrian can bring some peace of mind to a challenging situation.
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents Increasing?
Connecticut has seen a rise in pedestrian accidents in recent years, and there are several reasons for this increase:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers often pay attention to their phones or navigation screens instead of the road, increasing the chance of accidents.
- More Cars on the Road: With more vehicles, especially in busy areas, the likelihood of pedestrian accidents naturally increases.
- Speeding: When drivers go too fast, they have less time to react, making it harder to stop safely for pedestrians.
- Failure to Yield: Some drivers ignore crosswalks or intersections and fail to stop properly for pedestrians trying to cross.
- Poor Visibility: Darkness or bad weather conditions can reduce visibility, making it more difficult for drivers to notice pedestrians in time.
- Lack of Sidewalks and Crosswalks: Many Connecticut roads, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas, don’t have proper sidewalks or marked crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to walk closer to moving traffic and increasing the risk of an accident.
Understanding Fault in Connecticut Pedestrian Accidents
Determining who is at fault in Connecticut pedestrian accidents can be complicated. The state uses a comparative negligence system. This means even if the pedestrian was partially responsible for the accident, they could still receive compensation, though the total amount may be reduced based on their level of fault.
The following factors help determine fault:
- Whether the pedestrian was crossing legally, such as within a crosswalk.
- If the pedestrian obeyed traffic signals and crossing signs.
- Driver actions, such as speeding or distracted driving.
- Visibility and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
Because determining fault is not always straightforward, working with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
What Pedestrians Should Know About Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance companies after a pedestrian accident can be complicated and stressful. Victims should remember that insurance companies are businesses looking to minimize payouts.
After an accident, insurance companies often quickly reach out, hoping you will accept a settlement early. While an early settlement might seem tempting, it’s usually not enough to cover all medical bills, lost income, or future medical care. You may not even know the full scope of your injuries yet. It’s important to avoid signing anything or providing detailed statements to an insurance company without first speaking to an attorney.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer understands how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies to get fair compensation for your injuries and losses. They handle all communication, ensuring you don’t have to. They also understand how to demonstrate the full extent of your physical and mental injuries to the insurance company. This is very important.
Having legal representation allows you to focus on recovery while your attorney protects your interests.
What Compensation Is Available for Injured Pedestrians?
After a pedestrian accident, victims may face heavy medical bills, loss of income from missed work, and emotional stress. Connecticut law allows pedestrians injured by negligent drivers to seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Includes immediate care, hospital stays, surgeries, ongoing treatments, and physical therapy.
- Lost Income: Compensation for time missed at work, plus any future income lost due to long-term injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident.
- Long-Term Care: Coverage for ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, or home modifications needed due to permanent injuries or disabilities.
Having an attorney represent you ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation. They can negotiate effectively with insurance companies, which often try to minimize payouts, or represent you in court if necessary.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
One common mistake after being hit by a car is not getting a police report. A police report is vital evidence for any insurance claim or lawsuit. Another decision to avoid is refusing medical care or delaying treatment. Even if injuries feel minor, some problems, like head injuries or internal bleeding, might not appear until later. Seeking immediate medical attention helps your physical recovery and provides evidence of your injuries.
Another thing to avoid is discussing fault or apologizing at the scene. While it’s natural to feel upset or embarrassed, statements like “I’m sorry” might be interpreted as admitting fault, harming your claim.
Additionally, posting about the accident or injuries on social media can also negatively impact your case. Insurance companies often monitor social media accounts looking for evidence to reduce claims. It’s best to keep details private and speak only with your attorney and medical providers about the accident and injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents Involving Hit-and-Run Drivers
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents add a layer of complexity to an already difficult situation. When a driver flees the scene, victims may fear they won’t receive compensation for their injuries. However, victims still have options. The first step is contacting the police immediately. Police investigations might locate the driver through surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, or physical evidence at the scene.
If the driver can’t be found, pedestrians may still pursue compensation through their own uninsured motorist coverage, available under many Connecticut auto insurance policies. This insurance protects pedestrians, even when they aren’t driving. It can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help ensure your insurer provides the coverage you are entitled to, helping you recover from the accident without unnecessary financial hardship.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers
While you can’t control other drivers’ actions, taking certain precautions can help reduce your risk of an accident. Pedestrians should always use sidewalks and crosswalks where available. It’s important to stay alert and avoid distractions, like using headphones or looking at your phone while walking – especially when crossing a street or in a parking lot. Wearing bright or reflective clothing at night can help drivers see you more clearly.
For drivers, slowing down in areas with many pedestrians, such as near schools or downtown locations, is essential. Always pay close attention to the road and avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while driving. Make sure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections to help keep everyone safe.
Contact Mancini Law for Help
Being hit by a car can leave you facing aggressive insurance companies determined to minimize your claim. At Mancini Law, we specialize in building precise, engineered legal strategies designed to take on these companies and win. Our experienced attorneys handle every detail, pushing back against insurers who try to deny or undervalue your injuries.
Don’t let insurance companies dictate your recovery. Contact Mancini Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at 860-325-7347 or Click Here to contact us, and let us create a powerful legal strategy to secure the full compensation you deserve.