As you’re walking down the street, the last thing you can imagine is suffering an injury in a pedestrian accident. While this thought might be far from your mind, pedestrian accidents frequently happen for many reasons.
If you’ve sustained injuries after a pedestrian accident in Waterford, Polito & Harrington is ready to hear your story and help you get on track to financial recovery.
We regularly obtain six- and seven-figure settlements and awards for our clients injured in traffic accidents, and we can assess your rights.
Common Causes of Waterford Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are prone to happen in Waterford. For example, Waterford’s Fog Plain Road has been called “a living nightmare” due to speeding drivers. Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranked Connecticut 29th for state pedestrian fatality rates. While the state is not the worst in the U.S., it certainly is not the safest.
Pedestrian accidents occur for various reasons.
Some of the most common pedestrian accident causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Violation of traffic laws
- Failure to check for pedestrians before turning
While most pedestrian accidents involve motor vehicles, they can also happen with motorcycles and bicyclists.
Injuries Resulting From Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accident injuries can range in severity and often include:
- Fractured and broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
In the most unfortunate cases, pedestrian accidents can result in the victim’s death.
Injuries from a pedestrian accident can leave you facing extensive medical bills, time lost from work, and rehabilitation expenses. Pursuing compensation can help with the financial stresses resulting from your accident.
The Burden of Proof for Pedestrian Accidents in Waterford
In a pedestrian accident case, the victim has the legal burden of proof. This means you, as the victim, must prove the other individual acted negligently and caused your accident and injuries.
As the victim, you must establish the other person’s negligence.
For negligence, you must prove:
- The other person owed you and other pedestrians a duty of care
- Their actions caused a breach of this duty
- The breach resulted in your accident
- You suffered injuries and losses
In some cases, law enforcement may find the other individual violated a traffic law. If they receive a conviction for a citation, you can use this as proof the other driver was negligent and liable. Establishing liability for a pedestrian accident can be challenging but is necessary for your case.
Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident in Waterford
If you sustained injuries after a pedestrian accident, you likely have extensive medical bills and lost time from work. Your injuries, along with bills and lost wages, can result in significant losses. Pursuing compensation can help greatly.
You may seek compensation after your pedestrian accident covering:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Determining what your case is worth can be difficult when you have serious injuries. A pedestrian accident lawyer can review the details of your case to assign a value to your case. Having our legal team seek damages can help you recover financially while you focus on recovering physically.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be scary and traumatizing. Taking certain steps can help you recover from your injuries while protecting your right to compensation.
Get Medical Treatment
While you might have received emergency medical care at the accident scene, follow up with a doctor to treat your injuries. Your medical records are often one of the most critical pieces of evidence, and you want to ensure you’re following through with all medical recommendations and treatment.
Keep a Record of Your Losses
It is easy to forget details, so keep a record of all your losses, including:
- Time off from work
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
A detailed list along with receipts can help your lawyer when calculating the value of your case.
Consult a Waterford Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Discussing your case with a pedestrian accident lawyer can help give you peace of mind during a trying time. An attorney can provide legal guidance and next steps to help get you on the path to financial recovery.
Waterford Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Do I Have a Pedestrian Accident Case?
After a collision with a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or bicyclist and sustained injuries, you may have a case. If you have a valid claim, you can seek financial compensation for your harm.
If you don’t know whether you have a case, talk to our pedestrian accident lawyers right away.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Waterford?
If you wish to file a lawsuit for your pedestrian injury claim, a statute of limitations limits your time to do so. A pedestrian accident is a type of personal injury claim. In Connecticut, you have two years from the accident to file your claim. If you fail to do so within the deadline, you cannot recover compensation for your injuries.
Who Is Responsible for Paying After a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, the at-fault party or their insurance is ultimately responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Your health insurance may cover your medical expenses, but your insurance can subsequently go after the responsible party or their insurance for reimbursement.
A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Waterford Can Help You
A pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate your case from start to finish. Your lawyer will always have your best interests at heart, working diligently to get you the outcome you deserve.
Polito & Harrington has over 45 years of experience handling claims for those with injuries due to others. We foster strong connections with all of our clients, putting you and your needs at the forefront. We understand the challenges that come with a pedestrian accident, and we will strive to do everything in our power to make it right.
If you suffered injuries after a pedestrian accident in Waterford CT, contact us at (860) 447-3300 to request your free consultation.
Polito & Harrington LLC – Waterford Office
567 Vauxhall Street Ext.
Suite 230, Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: (860) 447-3300
Fax: (860) 447-3389
Mail: hpolito@politolaw.com
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