Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Cheshire, CT

Walking is a great way to get exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and explore new spots. But as wonderful as walking can be, it can also be dangerous in some cases. Indeed, there are dozens of pedestrians killed each year in our state, often by negligent drivers.

At the office of The Dodd Law Firm LLC, our pedestrian accident attorneys are here to support you if you or a loved one has been involved in a serious pedestrian accident. To learn more about your legal rights and how our law firm can help you to get the settlement you deserve, call us directly today or send us a message at your convenience.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in CT

Despite efforts to combat pedestrian accidents and create safer streets, these types of accidents continue to happen by the dozen in our state. According to data provided by the Connecticut Department of Transportation, there are an average of about 58 pedestrian fatalities annually—this number does not include the number of serious injury pedestrian accidents:

• 2016: 59 pedestrian fatalities
• 2017: 49 pedestrian fatalities
• 2018: 59 pedestrian fatalities
• 2019: 55 pedestrian fatalities
• 2020: 65 pedestrian fatalities

What’s more, since 2009, pedestrian accidents in the state have increased by 53 percent. This is a shocking percentage increase, especially considering that fatalities from other traffic accident types have increased only two percent.

Pedestrian Accidents Cause Traumatic Damages

When a person’s body is hit by a motor vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds or more, the damage can be severe. If the person is not killed, they are likely to suffer severe injuries that cause long-term disability. Examples of injuries that are common in pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries. When the head is hit with force or punctured with a sharp object, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur. These types of injuries can cause impairment to thinking, memory, language, sensation, emotion, and more. Sometimes, the effects of a TBI are permanent.
• Crush and amputation injuries. A person who is not only hit but actually run over by a motor vehicle may experience crushed limb injuries that require medical amputation. These types of injuries are catastrophic and life-changing.
• Spinal cord injuries. One of the most devastating types of injuries is a spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal column, which runs the length of the spine, is harmed. The spinal cord sends messages between the brain and the rest of the body; if it is injured, that ability to transmit information is lost. This can result in permanent complete or partial paralysis from the injury site downwards.
• Internal injuries. Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, organ puncture injuries, broken ribs, bleeding in the brain, etc. can be fatal if not immediately treated. Even when addressed immediately, they can lead to long-term complications.

The Many Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Cheshire, CT

Pedestrian accidents in Cheshire, CT are tragic events that often result in severe injuries or fatalities, and they are rarely the product of a single, isolated factor. Instead, they typically arise from a complex interplay of circumstances involving drivers, pedestrians, and even external elements. Working with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Cheshire, CT is crucial for financial recovery and justice.

Driver Negligence: A Leading Cause

Driver negligence is a significant contributor to pedestrian accidents. The operation of a motor vehicle demands a high degree of attention, skill, and adherence to traffic laws. When drivers fail in these responsibilities, the consequences for vulnerable pedestrians can be devastating. The examples provided offer a glimpse into the spectrum of negligent driver behaviors:

• Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits drastically reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of impact in the event of a collision. Pedestrians may misjudge the speed of an approaching vehicle, and drivers traveling at excessive speeds have less opportunity to brake or maneuver to avoid a collision. Furthermore, higher impact speeds translate to greater force upon the pedestrian, leading to more severe injuries.
• Driving while distracted: In today’s hyper-connected world, distractions behind the wheel are rampant. These can include texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or even engaging in conversations with passengers. Any diversion of attention, even for a few seconds, can have catastrophic consequences when a pedestrian is present. Distracted drivers may fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street, entering an intersection, or walking along the roadside.
• Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely compromises a driver’s cognitive and motor skills. Impairment affects judgment, reaction time, coordination, and vision, making it significantly more likely for a driver to make errors that lead to a pedestrian collision. The dangers of drunk or drugged driving are well-documented, and these drivers pose a substantial threat to pedestrian safety.
• Running a red light or stop sign: Traffic signals and signs are designed to regulate the flow of traffic and ensure the safety of all road users, including pedestrians. Drivers who disregard these signals create hazardous situations. Pedestrians rely on these signals to provide safe opportunities to cross roadways, and a driver running a red light or stop sign can strike a pedestrian who is lawfully in the crosswalk.
• Failing to yield at a pedestrian crossing area: Crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked at intersections, designate areas where pedestrians have the right of way. Drivers have a legal and ethical obligation to yield to pedestrians within these zones. Failure to do so is a clear act of negligence and a common cause of pedestrian accidents. This includes not only failing to stop but also failing to slow down or be aware of pedestrians approaching or entering the crosswalk.
• Performing illegal maneuvers: Actions such as making illegal turns, driving on the sidewalk, or passing in no-passing zones can place pedestrians in unexpected and dangerous situations. These maneuvers often involve disregarding traffic laws and established patterns of movement, increasing the risk of a collision with a pedestrian who may not anticipate such actions.

Pedestrian Actions: Contributing Factors

While drivers often bear the primary responsibility in pedestrian accidents, the actions of pedestrians themselves can also contribute to these incidents. It is crucial to acknowledge that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. The text correctly identifies several pedestrian behaviors that can lead to collisions:

• Walking while distracted: Similar to distracted driving, pedestrian distraction can be perilous. Using mobile phones for texting, talking, or browsing, listening to music with headphones that impair awareness of surroundings, or engaging in other activities that divert attention can lead pedestrians to walk into traffic without looking, fail to notice approaching vehicles, or disregard traffic signals.
• Impaired walking: Walking under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a pedestrian’s judgment, balance, and coordination, making them more likely to stumble into the path of a vehicle, misjudge distances and speeds, or make unsafe decisions while crossing the street.
• Stepping off the curb into traffic unexpectedly: Pedestrians who enter the roadway suddenly and without checking for oncoming traffic create a hazardous situation for drivers who may not have sufficient time to react. This is particularly dangerous outside of designated crosswalks or when traffic flow is heavy.
• Failing to yield to a vehicle when the vehicle has the right of way: There are situations where vehicles have the right of way, such as when a pedestrian is crossing a street outside of a crosswalk and there is no traffic signal. Pedestrians must understand and respect these right-of-way rules to ensure their safety. Darting into traffic when vehicles have the right of way can lead to unavoidable collisions.
• Not using a crosswalk when one is available: Crosswalks are designated areas designed to facilitate safe pedestrian crossings. They often include traffic control devices like pedestrian signals or are located at intersections where drivers are more likely to expect pedestrian traffic. Failing to use an available crosswalk can increase a pedestrian’s risk, as drivers may not anticipate their presence mid-block.

Environmental and Systemic Influences

Beyond the actions of individual drivers and pedestrians, environmental and systemic factors can also play a significant role in pedestrian accidents:

• Poor visibility: Low light conditions, fog, rain, or snow can significantly reduce visibility for both drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of collisions. Drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians, and pedestrians may have trouble judging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
• Road design and infrastructure: Inadequate sidewalks, poorly lit crosswalks, the absence of pedestrian signals, and confusing intersection designs can contribute to pedestrian accidents. Roads designed primarily for vehicular traffic with little consideration for pedestrian safety create hazardous environments.
• Vehicle design: The size and design of vehicles can also impact pedestrian safety. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, can cause more severe injuries in pedestrian collisions due to their higher mass and impact points. Furthermore, some vehicle designs may have blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Traffic volume and speed: Areas with high traffic volume and high vehicle speeds inherently pose a greater risk to pedestrians. The increased interaction between vehicles and pedestrians in such environments elevates the likelihood of conflicts and collisions.
• Lack of awareness and education: Insufficient public awareness campaigns regarding pedestrian safety and traffic laws for both drivers and pedestrians can contribute to unsafe behaviors and increase the risk of accidents.

Third-Party Liability: Beyond Drivers and Pedestrians

As the text briefly mentions, liability for pedestrian accidents can extend beyond the driver and the pedestrian involved. In certain circumstances, other third parties may be held responsible:

• Vehicle manufacturers: If a pedestrian accident is caused by a defect in the vehicle, such as faulty brakes or steering, the manufacturer of the vehicle could be held liable for damages. This falls under product liability law, where manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for use.
• Government entities: If the accident is a result of poorly designed or maintained roads, inadequate signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals, the government entity responsible for these aspects of infrastructure could be held liable. This could include city, county, or state transportation departments.
• Employers: In cases where a driver involved in a pedestrian accident was operating a vehicle as part of their employment duties, the employer could potentially be held vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence. This is often based on the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” which holds an employer responsible for the negligent acts of their employees committed within the scope of their employment.

Types of Damages Recoverable in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

When you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian crash, getting a full settlement that compensates you for the total value of your losses is critical. Types of damages that are recoverable in a pedestrian accident claim include:

• Medical expenses. Medical expenses may very well make up the bulk of your total damages, totaling into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. You deserve to be compensated in full for your past and future medical expenses related to your injury, including the cost of any in-home care.
• Lost wages. If your injuries have left you disabled and unable to work, you can seek compensation in full for the value of your lost wages and the loss of your earning capacity. Our law firm can help you to calculate this.
• Property damage costs. If you suffered any property losses during your accident, you can seek compensation for these as well.
• Noneconomic losses. In addition to compensation for the value of your economic (actually monetary) losses, you also can seek compensation for the value of your non-economic Noneconomic damages include things like pain, suffering, and emotional distress. We work with professionals who can help us to calculate the value of your non-economic losses.

• Punitive damages. In some cases, punitive damages may be available. Rather than intended to compensate the victim, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for egregious actions. If your accident was the result of the defendant’s gross negligence, outrageous, or malicious actions, you can seek punitive damages.

Call Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been in a pedestrian accident in Connecticut, you need a law firm that will advocate for you. At The Dodd Law Firm LLC, our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys are passionate about protecting the interests of our clients and working hard to get them the settlements they deserve. When you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm for a free, no-obligation consultation.

To get started, you can call us at 203-272-1883, send us a message online, or visit our law office in person. We are ready to go to work for you!