Pedestrian accidents are tragic events that can cause physical, emotional, and financial harm to individuals and their families. In most cases, these accidents occur as a result of careless or negligent drivers who fail to adhere to traffic laws and signals. From 2017 to 2021, Connecticut witnessed a cumulative count of 5,620 pedestrian injuries and 254 tragic fatalities. Remarkably, pedestrian fatalities are escalating at a higher pace compared to any other type of traffic-related deaths throughout the United States. It is essential for pedestrians injured in such collisions to hold these negligent drivers accountable and receive compensation for their losses.
The city of Middletown is no stranger to unfortunate pedestrian accidents. If you live in Middletown and have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you must hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you seek justice and fair compensation. The following sections provide crucial information on pedestrian accidents which include causes, common injuries sustained in an accident with a motor vehicle, how to hold the responsible party accountable, as well as prevention measures that pedestrians can take.
Causes of Pedestrian AccidentsÂ
Several factors may contribute to pedestrian accidents ranging from environmental issues like poor road designs or inadequate street lighting to driver-related issues such as aggressive driving or driver distraction. The following are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents:
– Distracted driving – texting, talking on a cell phone while driving
– Speeding – exceeding speed limits set by law
– Failing to yield when needed – crosswalks, turning left/right into walkways
– Impaired driving – drunk driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
– Poor weather conditions affecting visibilityÂ
Common Injuries Sustained in an Accident with a Motor VehicleÂ
When pedestrians encounter fast-moving vehicles weighing several thousand pounds per square inch and necessitating abrupt halts over distances spanning hundreds of feet, it can result in significant injuries such as multiple fractures, head trauma, and other severe consequences. Here are some injuries commonly associated with pedestrian-related crashes:
- Head injuries – concussions, skull fractures,
- Spinal cord injuries – paralysis (paraplegia/ quadriplegia )
- Fractures – causing bone damage or deformity
- Lacerations & bruises – penetrating deep wounds often leading to infectionsÂ
- Internal bleeding or organ damage– involving vital organs, i.e., heart, lungs, kidneys, liver
Recovering Damages from a Pedestrian Accident:
After a pedestrian accident, recovering the financial damages incurred via medical bills, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering is crucial. It can be challenging to navigate the legal process alone, especially when dealing with an insurance company. Here are some steps you could take following a pedestrian accident:
- Report incident & document: You should promptly report an accident to local law enforcement and ensure that evidence takes account of eyewitnesses, photographs, or video captures.
- Visit a doctor: Seek immediate medical treatment even if no symptoms have appeared, as underlying injuries may surface after weeks or months.
- Consult with a Lawyer: A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the claim process, from insurance dealings to recovery amounts.
- File Your Claim: Once all your documents have been compiled and remedial care has been completed, file your claim in court.
Preventing Pedestrian Accidents:
Pedestrians must adopt defensive safety precautions while walking on roadways. It is advisable to use footbridges or crosswalks equipped with traffic lights when crossing streets. Particularly during nighttime, pedestrians should ensure that vehicles have completely stopped before proceeding.
While traveling near residential areas or dense pedestrian movement, drivers should adhere strictly to all signage and signals and not get distracted by mobile devices, texting, eating, lighting cigarettes, etc., especially in poor lighting conditions.
Concluding Thoughts
Individuals who survive pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles endure physical, emotional, and financial trauma, significantly impacting their future well-being. Seeking appropriate compensation, as mandated by existing laws, becomes crucial for their healing process. Holding negligent drivers accountable is of utmost importance, and raising awareness serves a dual purpose: promoting safe travel practices while safeguarding lives and preventing avoidable losses. Unfortunately, the compensation for such incidents often falls short. Therefore, pursuing legal remedies, as explained in the aforementioned fundamentals, becomes necessary to establish a solid understanding and framework for achieving these goals.
