Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Connecticut

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable travelers on Connecticut’s streets. From distracted drivers who fail to watch for people crossing the street to car-centric city design with poor pedestrian infrastructure, the risks are everywhere for people traveling on foot. Prioritizing your safety while walking can be a challenge when so many elements seem to be working against you.

Everyone should be able to travel safely, regardless of their mode of transportation. Unfortunately, that is not the reality that pedestrians are faced with. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, want to help. Our combined 100+ years of experience translates into skilled, strategic representation. Keep reading to learn some of the most important steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Connecticut.

What to Know About Traffic and Pedestrians in Connecticut

Here are a few things to keep in mind about Connecticut’s pedestrian laws:

Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks, and drivers must yield at all times.
Pedestrians are responsible for using caution when crossing, including checking for oncoming traffic in both directions.
Drivers are not to pass other vehicles when stopped to let pedestrians cross in a crosswalk.
Drivers must allow pedestrians to board and exit public transit vehicles.

What to do If You’re Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in CT?

If you are hit by a vehicle when crossing the street in a crosswalk, the most important step is to seek necessary medical attention for your injuries. If it is safe for you to do so, take the following steps to prioritize your health and potential injury claim:

Notify the police of the accident
Collect the driver’s insurance information
Take photos of the vehicle and the accident scene
Gather contact information for witnesses
Attend all follow-up medical appointments
Keep medical documentation, like receipts for services

Contacting a local attorney is also an important step after a pedestrian accident in Connecticut. The attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, can help you determine the value of your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not reached.

Can a Pedestrian Be At-Fault for an Accident?

Drivers are often responsible for pedestrian accidents, but a pedestrian may be at fault for causing an accident in certain circumstances. Crossing the street against the light or jaywalking could contribute to a collision. Connecticut follows a modified comparative fault system, which says that injured pedestrians could still be entitled to compensation even if they were partially at fault for the accident.

When pedestrians are awarded compensation in accident lawsuits, their total financial award is decreased by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $65,000 for your pedestrian accident, but you are found to be 20% at fault, then your actual award amount would be $52,000.

Improving Pedestrian Safety in Connecticut

There are many strategies that target improved safety for pedestrians, including adjusting left-turn procedures, giving pedestrians a walking start when crossing the street, and improving crosswalks with flashing lights and other features. Until pedestrian accidents are at zero, there is always room for continued innovation and safety advancements. To increase your chances of safe traveling as a pedestrian, consider following the below safety tips:

Look both ways before crossing the street.
Cross in designated crosswalks whenever available
Never assume a car will stop because you have the right of way.
Make eye contact with drivers so you know they see you.

The Most Important Step to Take: Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Connecticut

If you’ve suffered injuries after being struck by a vehicle, you need compassionate guidance and fierce legal representation. The lawyers at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have extensive experience advocating for our clients’ rights to fair compensation for their injuries. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn about the additional steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Connecticut.