Pedestrian accidents are often serious, leading to severe injuries or even death. When a person is hit by a vehicle, they have no protection against the impact, making these accidents particularly dangerous. These accidents are often caused by drivers who are not paying attention, driving too fast, or breaking traffic laws.
Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our New London pedestrian accident lawyer, is here to help people injured in these accidents. We understand how overwhelming this experience can be and are dedicated to ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact us for a free consultation if you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident. We can help you understand your options and start the process of recovering from this life-altering event.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Recent statistics show that more than 7,500 people lost their lives as a result of pedestrian accidents in the United States. In Connecticut alone, more than 1,470 crashes involving pedestrians occur annually. In 2023, these accidents left more than 180 victims severely injured while taking the lives of 64.
In many cases, these accidents are preventable. Although pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, they usually involve driver negligence.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Distracted driving: Drivers not paying attention to the road may not see pedestrians traveling nearby. As a result, they may crash into them at crosswalks, parking lots, and other areas where foot traffic is expected.
- Speeding: Driving too fast makes it harder for drivers to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian. Due to the vehicle’s high rate of speed, pedestrian vs. speeding car accidents in New London are often the worst.
- Illegal turns and failure to yield: Drivers who don’t follow traffic laws, such as turning without checking for pedestrians, can cause serious accidents.
- Drunk or drugged driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs slows reaction times and impairs judgment.
Driver negligence is a significant factor in many pedestrian accidents. When a driver fails to follow the rules of the road, it’s essential to identify what went wrong so the victim can hold them accountable and seek compensation.
Injuries and Long-Term Effects of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which are life-changing. Common injuries include:
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
The long-term consequences can be devastating, affecting a person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Victims may require expensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and time off work.
Our New London pedestrian injury lawyer works to ensure clients receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses related to the accident.
Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims
In Connecticut, pedestrians have certain legal rights to protect them from harm. Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians and obey traffic laws. When drivers fail to do this, pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
A Pedestrian accident attorney in New London, CT, can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through filing a claim. This includes collecting evidence, determining who was at fault, and ensuring you are compensated fairly for your injuries.
Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
Figuring out who’s at fault in a pedestrian accident can be challenging because, sometimes, more than one person or group might be responsible. Here’s how it works:
The Driver
In most cases, the driver is at fault, significantly if they were speeding, distracted by their phone, or ignoring traffic rules like running a red light. If the driver is careless or not paying attention, they are usually responsible for the accident.
The Vehicle Owner
Sometimes, the person who owns the car can also be responsible, even if they weren’t driving. For example, if they let someone who wasn’t fit to drive their car, like someone without a license, or if they didn’t take care of the car’s maintenance and something went wrong, the owner could be held accountable, too.
Third Parties
A third party, like the city, might be at fault in certain situations. This can happen if the accident is caused by something out of the driver’s control, like a broken traffic light, a missing stop sign, or dangerous potholes. If the city didn’t take care of the roads or signals, they could share responsibility for the accident.
Our New London pedestrian accident injury attorney investigates each case thoroughly and considers all possibilities to determine who is responsible. We gather all the necessary evidence, such as photos of the scene, witness statements, and police reports, to ensure the right party is held accountable.
The Role of Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers in Pedestrian Accident Cases
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our New London pedestrian accident lawyer takes a detailed approach to each case. We gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and consult experts when necessary. This helps us build a strong case for our clients.
We also handle negotiations with insurance companies, who often try to pay as little as possible. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll take the case to court to fight for our clients. Having a lawyer who understands pedestrian accidents and local laws can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims
After a pedestrian accident, victims are often entitled to compensation. This can include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income lost while recovering from the accident.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Our top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer, New London, calculates the accident’s full impact, ensuring no costs are overlooked. We seek economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident is essential. You should be able to get the compensation you deserve. Our No-win, no-fee pedestrian accident lawyer in New London can take on your case without any upfront costs, so you don’t have to worry about legal fees until we win your case.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
The legal process for a pedestrian accident claim can be complex, but our Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers team is here to guide you through every step. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:
Initial consultation
We start with a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and your options. This is a chance for you to ask questions and understand your next steps.
Investigation
Our New London pedestrian accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case by collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, and reviewing police reports. This helps us build a strong case that shows what happened and who’s responsible.
Negotiation
We will handle all the back-and-forth with the insurance companies, working hard to get a fair settlement. We fight for the best outcome, so you don’t have to worry about being lowballed by the insurance company.
Legal action
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are prepared to take your case to court. We’ll present your case to a judge and jury to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the deadline for filing a claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s crucial to act quickly. Our Pedestrian accident lawyer near me in New London will make sure all paperwork is filed on time and your legal rights are protected.
Why Choose Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers?
When it comes to choosing a Pedestrian injury lawyer near me in New London, CT, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers stands out because of our experience, track record, and commitment to our clients. We’ve helped many pedestrian accident victims recover the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Here are some reasons why people choose us:
- We focus on personal injury cases, so we know the local laws and how to handle insurance companies.
- Our clients appreciate our dedication and the personal attention we give each case.
- We have a history of winning cases and securing favorable settlements.
If you’re looking for the Best pedestrian accident lawyer in New London, you can trust our team to handle your case with care. We’re here to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our New London Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
Pedestrian accidents can have life-altering consequences, but victims don’t have to face the aftermath alone. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, our Affordable pedestrian accident attorney in New London, CT can help you get the compensation you need to recover.
Reach out to Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today. Our New London pedestrian accident lawyer is ready to fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.