Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Navigating Complex Pedestrian Accident Claims
Being involved in any type of motor vehicle accident can have serious consequences, but for pedestrians who are struck by vehicles while walking, the aftermath can be particularly devastating. People on foot simply do not have the same protections as someone in a vehicle; there is no way for a person to protect themselves when they are faced with an oncoming car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle. Tragically, this means that many pedestrian accidents result in catastrophic injuries and, in the worst cases, fatalities.
When pedestrian accidents result from the careless, reckless, or wrongful conduct of others, injured victims and the families of those who die due to their injuries have the right to take legal action. At Carter Mario Law Firm, we have been representing severely injured accident victims throughout Connecticut since 1989. In that time, we have successfully recovered over $1 billion for our clients. We know the serious implications of your injuries—and we know how to fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Connecticut pedestrian accident lawyers, please call (203) 876-2711 or contact us online.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents are commonly caused by the negligence of others, namely motorists. All too often, drivers are simply not paying attention or fail to use reasonable caution when driving near people on foot.
Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Failing to stop at red lights/stop signs
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Failing to check for pedestrians when turning
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Violating traffic laws and regulations
Although motorist negligence is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents, drivers are not always at fault. In some cases, pedestrians might share some or all of the blame. This could be the case if they fail to follow pedestrian laws, such as yielding to motor vehicles when crossing outside of a marked or unmarked crosswalk where there is no intersection or crossing against a red light or “do not walk signal.”
Additionally, pedestrian accidents can also involve negligent bicyclists, defective sidewalks or crosswalks, and other outside factors. It’s important to have an experienced attorney review your case and determine exactly which factors contributed to your injuries. At Carter Mario Law Firm, our Connecticut pedestrian accident lawyers offer free case evaluations and conduct exhaustive investigations to build the strongest possible cases for our clients.
What Is Connecticut’s Comparative Negligence Rule & Why Does It Matter?
Connecticut follows a rule of modified comparative negligence, which could play a large role in your case. Under this rule, plaintiffs are not barred from filing claims and recovering compensation if they were partially at fault for an accident—as long as they were less than 50% to blame.
Insurance companies will often try to pin the blame on the victim as a way of avoiding paying out claims. The total value of your claim will be reduced by your at-fault percentage, meaning you cannot recover the full amount of your damages if the jury determines you were partially at fault for the accident. And, if the insurance company argues that you were more than 50% at fault, you could be unable to collect any compensation for your damages.
It is critical that you have an experienced legal team on your side that can fight back against the insurance company. At Carter Mario Law Firm, we aggressively advocate for our clients and work tirelessly to prove the other party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. Our goal is to maximize your recovery and help you get back on your feet.
Damages in Pedestrian Accident Claims
Because pedestrians are extremely likely to suffer serious, life-altering injuries when they are hit by larger, heavier motor vehicles, they often sustain significant damages. Whether the victim suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken leg, spinal cord injury, or soft tissue trauma, he or she is likely to need extensive, long-term medical care. The victim may be unable to return to work during his or her recovery, and he or she may even be unable to work ever again if the injuries are disabling. All of this can lead to serious financial hardships and considerable distress on top of already-challenging physical pain and emotional suffering.
Depending on the specifics of your case, a personal injury claim could allow you to recover compensation for the following damages:
- All past, present, and future medical expenses associated with your injuries
- Past, present, and future lost income/wages
- Loss of earning ability/disability
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and trauma
- Counseling services and similar treatment for mental health issues associated with the accident
- Disfigurement, inconvenience, and lost quality of life
Additionally, if your loved one died in a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim and seek compensation for certain economic and non-economic losses.
Contact Carter Mario Law Firm Today
Navigating the many challenges that come after a pedestrian accident can be difficult, but with the right legal team on your side, you can have faith that your future is protected. At Carter Mario Law Firm, we strive to recover maximum compensation for our clients so that they can move forward with their lives.
We serve clients throughout all of Connecticut and can travel to meet you in your home or the hospital if needed. We provide services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and do not charge any attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you—that’s our No-Fee Warranty!
