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.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian crashes often involve the negligence of the driver involved in the accident. Examples of driver negligence that can lead to a pedestrian collision include:

• Speeding
• Driving while distracted
• Impaired driving
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Failing to yield at a pedestrian crossing area
• Performing illegal maneuvers

While drivers are often to blame, this isn’t always the case. Pedestrians may be found at fault for a crash when they were walking while distracted or impaired, stepped off of the curb into traffic, failed to yield to a vehicle when the vehicle had the right of way or did not use a crosswalk when one was available.

One of the primary roles of our law firm will be gathering evidence in your favor to prove that you did not contribute to the accident and to hold the other party fully liable for your damages.

Finally, other third parties may be held liable in some cases. For example, if a pedestrian accident occurs because of a vehicle defect, such as defective brakes, the manufacturer of the vehicle could be held liable.

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!