Pedestrians have just as much right to use the roadways as motor vehicles do, but they are at an extreme disadvantage in size, weight, and ability to withstand a collision. Pedestrian accidents continue to occur at a disturbingly high rate in Connecticut and often result in life-altering injuries for the victims.
The Stamford personal injury attorneys at Wofsey Rosen represent pedestrians who have been injured in accidents with motor vehicles. They understand how overwhelming the experience can be and offer the following information about what to do if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident.
Protect Your Legal Rights
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you might assume the driver of the vehicle that hit you is at fault. While it’s often true that pedestrian accidents are caused by drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way or drive while distracted, pedestrians can share some of the blame if they have violated the rules of the road. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks on the road, the traffic laws, and how to protect your rights after an accident.
- After a pedestrian accident, someone needs to call 911 immediately. These accidents often result in serious injuries that require prompt medical attention from emergency services. A contemporaneous police investigation at the scene should also occur.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and damage, if possible, to support the police investigation. Write down everything you can remember about the accident as soon as you can.
- Get a medical evaluation as soon as possible if treatment is not immediately required. Injuries and the resulting damage may not be apparent right away, and having a record of a medical visit helps to connect any developing injuries back to the accident.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. This will get the ball rolling toward getting you all the benefits to which you are entitled under your policy and that of the at-fault driver.
Why consulting an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney is in Your Best Interests
Unless you have a working knowledge of the applicable laws, the claims adjustment process, and experience with legal strategizing and negotiations, you will be severely outmatched in pursuing an injury claim without an experienced lawyer advocating on your behalf. Insurance companies must only be fair. They do not have to educate you and will not necessarily be looking out for your best interests.
Consulting an attorney, even before speaking with an insurance company, will help you understand the laws, your rights, and what you need to do to be successful if you are pursuing a damages claim.
Understand that Pedestrian Accidents are on the Rise
At the national level, pedestrian fatality accidents are increasing at a faster rate than any other type of traffic fatality. Pedestrian fatalities increased 53% from 4,109 in 2009 to 6,590 in 2019, while overall traffic fatalities rose by only 2%.
Pedestrian fatality accidents in Connecticut have followed a pattern similar to the national trend, though the numbers are quite a bit smaller. Crash data shows pedestrian fatalities reached a 5-year high in 2020, with 65 deaths. Pedestrian fatalities have continued to increase and totaled 68 in 2022, making up just under 20% of the annual traffic fatalities in the state, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Observe the Laws Regarding Pedestrian Use of Roadways
Laws regarding pedestrian use of the roadways are primarily designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Following the laws helps to reduce the frequency of accidents and minimize the severity of the injuries that do occur. As a general rule, pedestrians have the right-of-way in places that are specifically designated for pedestrians, such as crosswalks and sidewalks. Pedestrians must yield to motor vehicles in most other situations.
Connecticut laws regarding traffic control and highway safety require pedestrians to walk on sidewalks and cross at designated crosswalks when available. A pedestrian may not step into a crosswalk if there is an oncoming vehicle so close as to present an immediate hazard to the pedestrian.
However, at crosswalks without traffic signals, a motor vehicle must yield to a pedestrian who is either within any part of the crosswalk or has indicated to the motor vehicle an intention to cross the roadway by waving a hand or moving any part of the body or extension thereof (such as a cane).
Get the Legal Representation You Need to Succeed with Your Claim
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you likely have a lot to manage with your recovery. The last thing you want to do during such a difficult time is battle with an insurance company that is trying its best to discredit your claim and minimize its driver’s liability.
A personal injury lawyer from Wofsey Rosen can help. The Stamford law firm has been obtaining compensation for injured clients for more than 100 years. Contact Wofsey Rosen and entrust your future to the legal advocates with a proven history of success and dedication to the community.