In 2014, Connecticut ranked as the 27th worst state for pedestrian safety. New Haven, Hartford, and Fairfield were listed as the top three counties for pedestrian deaths.
While alcohol and excessive speed have always played a factor in the dangers of being hit by a car, the rise of technology has substantially increased the probability of a pedestrian or cyclist being hit by a car. Public Health Reports released a study showing that over the past 5 years, pedestrian accidents caused by a distracted driver have increased 50%, and incidents involving cyclists have increased by more than 30%.
If you or someone you know is in the hospital or at home recovering, this page is intended to provide more information to help you understand the topic as accidents involving pedestrians are becoming more commonplace.
Being hit by a car often results in the person on the ground or pavement. Even if it happens at low speed, hitting the ground may cause a more severe injury if an individual’s head makes contact. What may seem like a headache could be a concussion or brain injury; all are invisible and require a doctor’s visit to ensure proper healing.
If you have been involved in an accident or recently witnessed an accident, dial 911 and encourage the individual to seek medical attention.
Pedestrian Rights and Responsibility
The laws regarding pedestrians are similar across most states: pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, on public and private sidewalks, and on roads and highways. Yet even though they have the right of way, a pedestrian must look out for oncoming cars and act carefully toward them.
This means a pedestrian jaywalking in the street during rush hour traffic would not be exercising a reasonable duty of care. The driver who sees this could slam on their brakes, potentially causing a more serious car accident by attempting to avoid a person in the street.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show those who are at the greatest risk for pedestrian accidents are:
- people ages 65 and older
- children
- people under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The types of injuries sustained by pedestrians in auto accidents depend on the height and weight of the person struck. In a frontal crash, adults tend to suffer from leg injuries and fractures to the pelvis and neck. Traumatic brain injuries are also common.
Smaller children struck by cars have a higher risk for traumatic brain injury, as well as chest and upper-body injuries. Cervical spine dislocations are another common result of a child being hit by a car.
Brain injuries, concussions, and other serious trauma that can be caused even by a low-speed impact should be carefully monitored. Simply falling to the ground can result in a head injury that requires a doctor’s care and follow up.
Recently, a pedestrian was fatally killed by a tractor-trailer in Darien off the 1-95 Interstate. A similar incident occurred later the same month when a man was struck by a car on Harris Avenue in Brooklyn, CT.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car, a pedestrian accident lawyer may help you secure compensation for medical expenses, as well as pain and suffering. At The Flood Law Firm, we are those attorneys. We dedicate our practice to helping Connecticut residents seek the justice they deserve under the law.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
To help avoid tragedy, those who often walk along roads or commute to work on foot are encouraged to wear bright colors and reflective gear.
The most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents include, but are not limited to:
Caused by the Pedestrian:
- Jaywalking.
- Ignoring a traffic signal, or being distracted and mistakenly entering a crosswalk or intersection.
- Tripping on uneven or cracked sidewalks.
- The pedestrian not walking toward traffic so they can observe oncoming cars and move if needed.
- The pedestrian is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Caused by the Driver:
- Inattentiveness due to texting, GPS, individuals in the car, etc.
- Driver fails to comply with traffic signals.
- Driver doesn’t stop at the cross-walk.
- Driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Driver is operating the vehicle at high speeds.
A study on pedestrian injuries published in the National Library of Medicine, Irvine found that 40% of pedestrians injured were intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Time and place also plays a significant factor in pedestrian accidents with most incidents occurring between 6 PM and midnight.
Two-thirds of pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas, and three-fourths of those accidents happen in non-intersections. Rural areas increase the likelihood of dying from internal injuries after being hit by a car, due to the length of time it takes to get the accident victim to a hospital.
What to Do if You’re a Pedestrian Hit by a Car
The injuries from being hit by a car can be life-changing, either ending the pedestrian's life or greatly altering the quality of it. Broken bones, hospital bills, physical therapy, and time missed from work to heal can severely impact a person’s emotional and financial well-being.
Injuries from a pedestrian accident are rarely minor, often requiring immediate intervention for the victim’s survival.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys offer free case evaluations that are confidential and without obligation to file a lawsuit. We encourage you to contact our office right away so you can be well-informed of your legal options. We have the resources necessary for a thorough investigation to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Often insurance companies will be eager to settle your claim, but may not offer you the full amount you’re entitled to. For your own protection, never sign anything from an insurance company until you have spoken with an attorney.
Contact a Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Our legal experience involves fighting on behalf of Connecticut residents who have been victims of a car accident. We understand what it takes to successfully pursue a claim and achieve positive results for our clients.
Contact The Flood Law Firm to receive your no-obligation case evaluation. The sooner you understand your legal rights, the quicker we can begin our fight for you.
Connecticut Office
190 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
P: (860) 346-2695
