Drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely, not just for other motorists but also for pedestrians. Intersections and highly populated areas present an increased risk of pedestrian accidents, and when drivers are negligent, catastrophic and fatal injuries can occur.
There were over 1,400 pedestrian-involved crashes in Connecticut in 2023. Of those, 180 resulted in severe injury, and 64 were fatal.
It is crucial that injured pedestrians have the support they need to recover after a severe accident, and that includes legal support to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, has been a trusted source of guidance and advocacy in Watertown for over 100 combined years. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have the targeted experience and knowledge necessary to aggressively fight for fair compensation for our injured clients. We know the common causes of pedestrian accidents in Watertown and can help you take legal action when someone else’s negligence causes you harm.
There are numerous rules of the road that specifically apply to pedestrians and how motorists interact with pedestrians. Understanding what is legally required of pedestrians and drivers can help you prepare for your accident claim.
Drivers in Watertown are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians also have the right-of-way if they indicate their intent to cross by entering the entrance of the crosswalk or raising their hand.
Motorists cannot leave their car doors open longer than necessary in order to avoid creating a hazard for pedestrians who may run into the open door. This rule also applies to bicyclists.
Drivers cannot pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk to let pedestrians cross.
Pedestrians account for 17 percent of traffic deaths, even though they are only involved in 1.2 percent of accidents. While people traveling on foot can practice safety precautions like only crossing in designated crosswalks, the disproportionate representation of pedestrians in fatal accidents is largely caused by motorist negligence and recklessness.
Most pedestrian crashes in Watertown are caused by driver behavior, including:
Road conditions and other factors also contribute to pedestrian accidents, including inclement weather, lack of proper lighting, and poorly marked crosswalks.
Serious injuries are more likely to occur when a pedestrian is involved in a car accident. A serious injury is an incapacitating injury that results in at least one of the following:
In addition, pedestrians often experience injuries like amputations, traumatic brain injury, and internal organ damage.
Regardless of the cause of your pedestrian accident in Watertown, you deserve to have skilled legal representation as you fight for compensation from the at-fault driver. You may be able to recover financial damages even if you are partially to blame for the accident. Contact the pedestrian accident lawyers at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to schedule a free consultation.
