At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we understand the serious consequences pedestrian accidents can have on victims and their families. Pedestrian accidents often result in life-altering injuries, expensive medical treatments, and long-term rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Stamford, our experienced team is here to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. As a top-rated accident lawyer in Stamford, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate, and effective legal representation.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Stamford
Stamford is a bustling city, and pedestrians face numerous risks every day. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on their phones, or using GPS systems are less likely to see pedestrians in crosswalks or on the side of the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving contributes to thousands of pedestrian accidents each year.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions may not have enough time to stop when a pedestrian crosses their path. Speeding is a significant factor in the severity of pedestrian injuries; the faster a vehicle travels, the more severe the impact.
- Failure to Yield: Connecticut law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and intersections (Connecticut General Statutes § 14-300b). Unfortunately, many drivers fail to comply, leading to severe accidents and injuries.
- Drunk Driving: Intoxicated drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making it more likely that they will fail to notice pedestrians or stop in time. The NHTSA reports that nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities involve alcohol, either by the driver or the pedestrian.
- Unmarked Crosswalks: Pedestrians may be at greater risk when crossing at unmarked crosswalks or intersections, especially in areas with poor visibility or insufficient lighting.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the injuries are often severe due to the lack of protection pedestrians have. Common injuries include:
- Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A blow to the head during an accident can lead to concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries, which may cause long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Pedestrian accidents can result in spinal cord damage, leading to partial or total paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Pedestrians may suffer broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, and pelvis, which can require surgery and prolonged recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: The impact from a vehicle may cause internal bleeding or organ damage, necessitating immediate medical attention and surgery.
- Lacerations and Contusions: Cuts and bruises are common in pedestrian accidents and may lead to permanent scarring or disfigurement.
If you have suffered any of these injuries, our Stamford pedestrian injury lawyer is here to help you seek justice and secure the compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Connecticut Laws Protecting Pedestrians
Connecticut has specific laws designed to protect pedestrians and hold negligent drivers accountable. As a pedestrian accident lawyer in Stamford, we are well-versed in these laws and how they apply to your case.
- Crosswalk Laws: Connecticut General Statutes § 14-300c requires that vehicles yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and stop when a pedestrian is in the roadway. If a driver fails to yield and causes an accident, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
- Pedestrian Signals: Drivers must also obey pedestrian signals and ensure that pedestrians crossing at designated areas have the right-of-way. Ignoring traffic signals or speeding through intersections is illegal and a common cause of pedestrian accidents in Stamford.
- Right-of-Way for Pedestrians with Disabilities: Connecticut law requires drivers to exercise extra caution around pedestrians with disabilities, such as those using mobility devices or service animals. Failure to do so could result in legal consequences for negligent drivers.
Our Stamford injury attorney team leverages these laws to build a strong case for our clients, ensuring drivers who disregard pedestrian rights are held accountable.
Why You Need a Stamford Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Filing a claim after a pedestrian accident can be a complex and overwhelming process, especially when you are dealing with injuries and recovery. Here’s why working with our top-rated pedestrian accident lawyer in Stamford is crucial:
- Proving Negligence: To recover compensation, you must prove that the driver was negligent. This may include gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. Our experienced attorneys know how to investigate thoroughly to build a compelling case.
- Navigating Insurance Claims: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. Our pedestrian injury lawyer in Stamford will negotiate aggressively with insurers to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
- Calculating Damages: Determining the full extent of your damages is critical for maximizing your claim. We calculate your current medical expenses and lost wages, future medical needs, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering. We fight to secure the full value of your claim so you can move forward with your life.
- Court Representation: We will take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and a track record of successfully securing favorable verdicts for our clients.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Stamford, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and other medical costs related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost income and, in severe cases, lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Pedestrian accidents often cause physical pain and emotional trauma. We pursue compensation for both the physical and emotional impact of the accident.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Serious injuries often require long-term rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or home modifications.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was fatally injured in a pedestrian accident, can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in Stamford, follow these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, even if you feel fine. Visit a doctor to ensure you receive proper care and have a record of your injuries.
- Contact the Police: File an official police report to document the accident and request a copy for your records.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicles involved. Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
- Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to accept a low settlement. Speak with our pedestrian accident lawyer in Stamford before making any statements.
- Contact Us for Legal Assistance: Contact our team for a free consultation. We will discuss your case, provide guidance, and build your claim immediately.
Why Choose Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers?
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to providing top-quality representation for pedestrian accident victims in Stamford. We have decades of experience fighting for injured clients and recovering millions in compensation.
Our commitment to personalized service, aggressive advocacy, and a results-driven approach has earned us a reputation as a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer in your area.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you or a loved one has been injured. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney in Stamford. We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.