If you or someone you know has been a pedestrian accident victim, it is important to seek the help of an experienced Hartford pedestrian accident lawyer.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we understand the toll a pedestrian accident can take on your life. Our legal team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Hartford
According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, 178 pedestrian accidents in Hartford in 2020 resulted in 167 injuries and 4 fatalities. Most of these accidents occurred on weekdays, with Friday having the highest number of pedestrian accidents.
Most of the accidents occurred between 3 pm and 9 pm, indicating that rush hour traffic is a significant factor in these accidents. The statistics also show that the age group most affected by these accidents is 25-34, followed by the 65+ age group.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The negligence of drivers often causes pedestrian accidents in Hartford. However, there are many potential causes of these accidents, including the following:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who are distracted by their phones, eating, or engaging in other activities while driving may not see a pedestrian crossing the road until it is too late.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving contributed to 9% of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2019.
Speeding
Speeding is another common cause of pedestrian accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as a pedestrian crossing the road.
Speeding drivers may also find it harder to stop their vehicles to avoid hitting a pedestrian. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding contributed to 17% of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2019.
Failure to Yield
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. When a driver fails to yield, they may collide with a pedestrian crossing the road.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that failure to yield contributed to 19% of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2019.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under drugs or alcohol is a serious offense with devastating consequences. Impaired drivers may have slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and poor coordination, which can lead to accidents.
In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that alcohol-impaired driving contributed to 28% of fatal pedestrian accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. Potholes, uneven pavement, and poorly maintained sidewalks can make it difficult for pedestrians to navigate the streets safely.
In some cases, poor lighting can also contribute to making it hard for drivers to see pedestrians on the road.
Pedestrian Behavior
While drivers are responsible for the safety of pedestrians on the road, pedestrian behavior can also contribute to accidents. Pedestrians who jaywalk, cross the road in non-designated areas, or fail to obey traffic signals may be more likely to be involved in an accident.
Pedestrians need to follow the rules of the road and use caution when walking or jogging on the streets.
Common Injuries in Hartford Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in many injuries, some of which can be life-threatening. The following are some of the most common injuries sustained by pedestrians in accidents:
Head and Brain Injuries
Head injuries are common in pedestrian accidents, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI occurs when there is a blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can also result in spinal cord injuries, leading to permanent paralysis or limited mobility. A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, and the victim may experience symptoms such as loss of sensation, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder and bowel control.
Broken Bones
Pedestrians may sustain broken bones in various ways during an accident, such as being hit by a car or falling to the ground. Broken bones can be painful and require extensive medical treatment, including surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains are also common in pedestrian accidents. These injuries can occur when the body is jolted suddenly or when there is a direct impact on a vehicle or other object. While soft tissue injuries may not be as severe as some other injuries, they can still be painful and require physical therapy or other treatment.
Internal Injuries
Pedestrian accidents can also result in internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and may require medical testing to diagnose.
Pedestrian Accident Laws in Hartford
Connecticut has strict laws to protect the rights of pedestrians. Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-300c states that drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. It also states that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
Pedestrians also must use reasonable care for their own safety. Pedestrians must obey traffic signals and signs and not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle.
In Connecticut, drivers found to have violated pedestrian safety laws can be charged with negligence. If a pedestrian is injured due to a driver’s negligence, the driver can be held liable for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced Hartford pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident.
Statute of Limitations
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those related to pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the accident date. This means that a pedestrian accident victim has two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
If the victim fails to file the lawsuit within the two-year time frame, the statute of limitations may bar their claim, and they may not be able to recover any damages for their injuries.
It is important to note that there may be exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations, depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, if the victim was a minor during the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended. Additionally, if the victim was not aware of their injuries until a later date, the statute of limitations may be extended to two years from the date they discovered their injuries.
Steps to Take if You are Involved in a Pedestrian Accident in Hartford
If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Hartford, it is important to take certain steps to protect your health and legal rights.
These steps include:
- Seek Medical Attention: The first priority is to seek medical attention for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional to ensure that there are no underlying injuries that may have gone unnoticed.
- Contact the Police: Contact the police immediately after the accident. The police will create a report that will document the details of the accident and help establish liability.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including the location, the vehicles involved, and any injuries or damages. If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information.
- Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: An experienced Hartford pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers for Help with Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
If you or someone you know has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we have years of experience helping victims of pedestrian accidents receive the compensation they deserve. Our team of skilled lawyers understands the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a pedestrian accident can take on you and your loved ones. We are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We will handle every aspect of your case, from negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Hartford or the surrounding areas, do not hesitate to contact Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers for help. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have. Our team of skilled lawyers is ready to fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
