In 2023, Connecticut saw 1,474 crashes involving pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with severe injuries, costly medical expenses, and emotional trauma.
As a pedestrian in Bridgeport, CT, you shouldn’t have to worry about being injured while walking. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are common everywhere, because drivers often fail to drive responsibly and follow the rules of the road.
Have you or a loved one been harmed in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver? If so, you are not alone. Our Bridgeport, CT, personal injury lawyers at Cellino Law are here to help you seek justice and a fair settlement. Schedule a free case review today. Call our Bridgeport office at 888-888-8888 or complete the contact form to schedule an appointment.
What Causes Bridgeport, Connecticut Pedestrian Accidents?
When pedestrian accidents happen in Bridgeport, CT, one or more of the following factors is often to blame:
- Distracted driving: When drivers are texting, using GPS, or engaging in other distractions, they are more likely to overlook pedestrians.
- Failure to yield: Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. However, sometimes drivers fail to stop, putting pedestrians at risk.
- Speeding: Driving at higher speeds reduces drivers’ reaction time and increases the force of the impact. This means a higher chance of the pedestrian’s injuries being severe or fatal.
- Poor visibility and weather conditions: Rain, fog, snow, or other adverse weather conditions can reduce a driver’s visibility, making pedestrians harder to see.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to misjudge distances and react slowly, increasing the risk of striking pedestrians.
Driver Obligations to Pedestrians in Bridgeport
Connecticut law places a high level of responsibility on drivers to ensure pedestrian safety. Drivers must be held accountable for their negligence in the event that their actions cause an accident.
Drivers have the following obligations:
- Crosswalks and intersections: Drivers are required to slow down and yield to pedestrians at both marked and unmarked crosswalks
- School buses and zones: Drivers must follow special precautions in school zones and come to a complete stop for school buses when children are crossing
- Pedestrian-dense areas: In busy areas like downtown Bridgeport, drivers need to exercise additional caution to avoid pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrian Accidents Can Result in Severe Injuries
When a pedestrian is hit, his or her chances of sustaining catastrophic injuries are significantly higher compared to vehicle occupants.
Injuries sustained by pedestrians injured in a traffic accident may include:
- Broken bones: Pedestrians frequently suffer fractures in their legs, arms, pelvis, and ribs
- Soft tissue injuries: Bruises, lacerations, and torn ligaments are common and can lead to long-term pain or mobility issues
- Internal injuries: The impact of a car can lead to internal bleeding or organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries: These types of injuries can cause chronic pain, paralysis, and loss of mobility
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These can result from the head hitting the ground or another hard surface during the accident, potentially leading to long-term cognitive or physical impairments
Why Hire a Bridgeport Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A Bridgeport pedestrian accident attorney is skilled in handling claims for individuals harmed in pedestrian accidents.
Here are some ways in which a lawyer can assist in your pedestrian accident case.
Investigating the accident
Your pedestrian accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, collecting evidence such as:
- Police reports: Reports from the officer who responded to the scene can help establish fault and document important information about the accident
- Video footage: Video footage from traffic cameras, dash cams, and nearby businesses can reveal invaluable crash details
- Witness statements: Witnesses can offer an unbiased account of what happened, providing information to substantiate your claim
- Expert analysis: In some situations, accident reconstruction experts may be hired to analyze the scene and offer insights into how the accident occurred
By collecting solid evidence, a pedestrian accident lawyer strengthens your case, ensuring the liable party cannot easily refute your claims.
Establishing negligence and liability
You must prove that the driver or other at-fault party acted negligently for your personal injury claim to be successful. Proving these elements without legal assistance can be challenging.
Our Bridgeport pedestrian accident lawyers are skilled at demonstrating the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: You must prove the driver owed you a duty of care to drive safely and responsibly
- Breach of duty: Your lawyer should demonstrate that the driver breached this duty by acting carelessly
- Causation: Next, you need to link the driver’s negligence to your accident and injuries
- Damages: Finally, your lawyer has to demonstrate that the collision caused damages, including physical injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma
Calculating damages
A lawyer can accurately assess the value of your pedestrian accident claim, making sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Damages in cases involving pedestrian accidents may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, you may also be eligible to recover wrongful death damages.
Negotiating with insurance companies
The insurance company will likely attempt to minimize your payout, even if you were seriously injured. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will handle negotiations with the insurance company, counteracting low settlement offers and using evidence to seek a fair settlement.
Your personal injury lawyer will ensure you are not pressured into accepting an offer that does not fully cover your losses.
When to Contact a Bridgeport Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
It is recommended that you contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Time is a critical factor in cases involving pedestrian accidents because evidence can quickly be lost or destroyed.
Additionally, there are statutes of limitation or legal deadlines for filing pedestrian accident claims. Failure to file within this time limit could prevent you from receiving compensation.
How Connecticut’s Comparative Negligence Law Impacts Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning a pedestrian’s compensation could be reduced if he or she shares blame for the accident.
As an example, suppose a pedestrian jaywalks across a busy street and is hit by a speeding driver. The court might assign the pedestrian 20 percent of the fault for failing to use a crosswalk while assigning the driver 80 percent of the fault for speeding. The pedestrian could still recover damages, but the compensation would be reduced by 20 percent.
Experienced personal injury lawyers know how to skillfully counter claims of pedestrian negligence, ensuring a fair outcome for their clients.
How to Choose the Right Bridgeport Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Who you select to represent your claim can make a major difference in whether or not your pedestrian accident case is successful.
Here are some qualities to look for in a pedestrian accident lawyer:
- Experience in pedestrian accident cases: Choose a lawyer with a proven track record in successfully handling pedestrian accident claims
- Effective communication: Hire a lawyer who communicates clearly, giving you legal guidance and regular updates on your case
- Positive reviews and testimonials: Researching reviews and testimonials can offer insight into how previous clients felt about their experience
- Empathetic approach: Pedestrian accident victims often experience trauma; a compassionate attorney will support you throughout the legal process
- Trial experience: While most cases involving pedestrian accidents are settled out of court, retaining a lawyer with trial experience is necessary in case a fair settlement can’t be reached through negotiations alone
What to Expect When Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim With a Lawyer
The following is a typical outline of the process you can expect when working with a Bridgeport, Connecticut, pedestrian accident attorney:
- Initial consultation: The personal injury lawyer will review your case, answer your questions, and determine whether you have a valid claim. Most personal injury law firms offer free case evaluations.
- Investigation: Your legal team will gather evidence and thoroughly investigate your accident to build a strong case.
- Demand letter: Your attorney will send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter outlines the compensation amount based on your damages.
- Negotiations: The insurance company will either deny your claim, agree to the settlement, or submit a counteroffer. Your lawyer will negotiate to reach a fair settlement.
- Personal injury lawsuit: Most pedestrian accidents are resolved through settlements. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer may take your case to court.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Bridgeport Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
After being harmed in a pedestrian accident, you have enough to worry about without the added stress of filing a claim. Partnering with a pedestrian accident attorney helps ensure that you have a legal advocate on your side focusing on defending your rights.
From collecting evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, a lawyer can guide you through every step of the claims process. This gives you time to focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Cellino Law has been representing accident victims for over 65 years and has helped clients recover over $2 billion in compensation. We take all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis and offer all potential clients a free case review. Schedule yours today by calling us at 888-888-8888 or completing the contact form.
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