Although travel has become easier over the last several decades, including expanding public transportation, easier access to ridesharing options, and more affordable vehicles, many Connecticut residents find themselves using their feet to get from place to place. For some, this means walking to and from work or school, while others may find themselves walking from one shop to the next. Regardless of how much one walks, though, their close proximity to the roads may put them at risk of being struck by a car or truck.
These pedestrian accidents are far more common than we care to think. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 5,000 individuals are killed every year in pedestrian accidents. More than 75,000 individuals were hurt in these wrecks. These crashes often occur when negligent drivers fail to yield at crosswalks, but they can also occur when a drunk driver runs off the road.
Victims of pedestrian accidents can face the same damages encountered by those hurt in car-on-car accidents, but the extent of one’s injuries may be more significant. Coping with the physical, emotional and financial losses can be difficult, especially when an individual is unable to work to earn a wage to cover some of these losses. This is where a personal injury lawsuit may prove beneficial.
However, to succeed on one of these claims, a victim must meet certain legal elements. Just as with any other accident, a pedestrian accident victim must prove negligence and causation. There may also be concerns about negligence on the part of a pedestrian, such as if he or she was crossing the street somewhere other than at an intersection. To learn how to meet legal requirements and assess how any contributory negligence may affect one’s claim, victims should consider seeking legal advice from a qualified professional.
Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents Overview,” accessed on Jan. 2, 2017
