Walking on the sidewalk can be dangerous for a pedestrian in Connecticut. As they move through the streets, pedestrians run the risk of suffering severe injuries if a car or truck loses control, veers off the road, or comes into their path. Sadly, pedestrians are frequently hurt in car accidents and occasionally lose their lives as a result of their injuries. It is essential to have a pedestrian accident lawyer like Brandon J. Broderick on your side if such a tragedy takes place. Your or a loved one's primary concern after suffering injuries in a pedestrian accident should be getting medical attention.

It can be very difficult to figure out how you will be compensated after figuring out your medical costs, lost wages, and other potential losses. The attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick are experienced in personal injury law and are experts at helping accident victims recover from their injuries and receive the compensation that they are entitled to after an accident. Our top priority is to handle all legal issues for you so that you can focus on caring for your family and recovering. We are committed to achieving the best result for you and will fight to protect your rights in the process.

Remember that retaining a Connecticut pedestrian accident lawyer like Brandon J. Broderick is free. In order to be paid, we must win your case. Because we do not get paid if you do not win, it is in our best interest to obtain the largest possible settlement or award for you. There is also a high likelihood that an insurance company will attempt to offer you a settlement that is insufficient to cover your expenses. If you lack legal representation, this is typically the case. Do not place yourself in this situation; contact us immediately so that we can assist you in overcoming your setback.

Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about pedestrian accidents in Connecticut, as well as important information about filing a personal injury lawsuit following a pedestrian accident in Connecticut.

After My Pedestrian Accident, How Can a Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney Assist Me?

A Connecticut Personal Injury Attorney Is Able to File a Claim For Expenses and Damages Related to Your Injuries.

In Connecticut, nobody ever plans on being a pedestrian in an accident. Injuries are stressful in and of themselves, but the prospect of a personal injury lawsuit further adds to the burden. Being knowledgeable of your rights and how to defend them is essential, though. In the aftermath of an accident, the insurance company will often reach out to the victim directly in an attempt to reach a swift and affordable settlement. This way, they can avoid paying for any expenses that may come up in the future.

You should not attempt direct negotiations with the insurance provider. Your insurance policy may also cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term treatment and rehabilitation, in addition to the immediate costs associated with your accident-related injuries. You likely qualify for all opportunities.

We Are Trial Lawyers and Skilled Negotiators.

Due to their financial resources, insurance companies can contest claims for severe injuries. Hiring a legal representative, such as Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, will significantly improve your chances of winning your case. Our team of skilled pedestrian accident attorneys will handle all correspondence with your insurance company and work as hard as possible to make sure that you receive the settlement you deserve. And if we cannot come to an agreement, we will take the matter all the way to trial. We will do everything possible to win.

We Stand By Your Side

You can begin to work on recovering while knowing that Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is working to find a solution that is in your best interests.

It might be challenging to arrange your finances, recover from your injuries, and decide what to do next after a pedestrian accident. Our pedestrian accident attorneys place a strong emphasis on client service and communication to ensure your care is provided for at every stage.

What Causes Accidents Involving Pedestrians in Connecticut?

Several factors contribute to the high rate of pedestrian accidents. One significant factor is the increase in dangerous driving behaviors, which escalated at the start of the pandemic and has not lessened. Larger, heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, also pose a greater risk to pedestrians, as they are more likely to cause serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Additionally, many roads are designed to prioritize fast-moving traffic over slower speeds that are safer for pedestrians. Inadequate infrastructure like sidewalks, crosswalks, and lighting also plays a role in these accidents.

In The United States, What is The Primary Cause of Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accidents have become an increasingly concerning issue, with recent statistics highlighting a troubling trend. In 2022, there were at least 7,508 pedestrian fatalities in the United States, marking the highest number since 1981. This represents an average of about 20 pedestrian deaths every day and an increase of 2.37 pedestrian deaths per billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT), continuing a disturbing trend that began in 2020. These figures are part of a broader context where pedestrian deaths rose by 77% between 2010 and 2021.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) attributes the increase in pedestrian fatalities to factors including increased traffic volumes, distracted driving, and impaired driving.

Alcohol or Drug Intoxication While Driving

Drunk driving is a major factor in pedestrian accidents, as stated earlier. If you have been drinking or using any kind of drug, even prescription ones, you should never drive.

Driving While Distracted

Bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers are all at risk when distracted drivers are on the road. When a driver is engaged in activities like texting, using a mobile device, or using a GPS, their focus is taken away from the road, even for a brief period of time. This is yet another major factor in auto accidents.

Nighttime Walking

At night, it is much more challenging to see pedestrians, especially those dressed in dark colors. Statistics indicate that the majority of pedestrian deaths occur at night.

Turning Automobiles

To avoid colliding with pedestrians who may be crossing the intersection, drivers should be aware of their presence. In addition, cars entering traffic may ignore pedestrians on the opposite side of the street.

Speeding

Besides being illegal, the law may also classify a driver as "reckless" if they are caught going too fast. Drivers who disobey traffic laws, such as going too fast through intersections or running red lights, can be held responsible for pedestrian accidents, particularly those resulting in serious injuries. Even though there are serious consequences for careless driving, people still do it.

Reversing Vehicles

For pedestrians, crossing parking lots presents serious risks. Backing into people, especially small children, can result in serious or even fatal injuries when drivers are in a hurry, distracted, or otherwise inattentive.

Who is at Fault For a Pedestrian-Involved Accident?

When a car hits a pedestrian, the driver is frequently, or at least partially, held responsible. A pedestrian who suffers injuries has the right to sue the reckless driver for damages in a personal injury case.

Since a person crossing the street in a crosswalk has the right-of-way, a pedestrian accident almost always results in the driver of the car being held accountable or labeled "at fault.”

In Connecticut, drivers are required to come to a complete stop and give way to pedestrians at all intersections and crosswalks. Additionally, the drivers must hold their position until they have finished crossing. The law deems a driver to have breached their duty of care if they strike a pedestrian while they are within the lines of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

A "duty of care," or a set of obligations, applies to both drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians must cross at designated crosswalks and must always look both ways before doing so, but only when the crossing signs indicate that doing so is safe. This is in accordance with their duty of care. If a pedestrian crosses the street intoxicated or without giving oncoming traffic a chance to avoid them, some of the blame for any accidents will fall on their shoulders. In Connecticut, a pedestrian had the right to pursue comparable damages even in cases of negligence. As long as the pedestrian did not cause more than 51% of the collision, they are eligible to file a claim for damages.

What is The Value of My Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Claim?

The severity of your injuries and their long-term consequences will significantly affect the value of your claim. Intangible losses like pain, suffering, and a lower quality of life are additional factors that could influence value.

You should first try to negotiate a settlement with the driver if you are hit by a car while walking. In other words, you will submit a claim to the driver's insurance company for your losses. If a hazardous road or traffic situation contributed to your accident, you might be eligible for compensation from a third party, such as the municipality where the accident occurred. If a dangerous parking lot condition caused the accident, you might also be able to file a claim for compensation against the property owner's insurance.

The following are some examples of damages to which you may be entitled:

  • Accommodation and treatment costs
  • Rehabilitation
  • Ambulance Services
  • Medication prescriptions
  • Transportation to doctor's appointments
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages


When calculating the value of your case, it is essential to take into account all potential outcomes. One should file a personal injury claim for compensation for future medical costs if they suffer injuries that may necessitate long-term care or rehabilitation. The income you would have earned if the accident had not happened should be taken into account.

The law of modified comparative negligence in Connecticut allows accident victims to be compensated for their damages even if they contributed to the accident that caused them. You are entitled to compensation as long as your fault remains below 51%. The lower your fault is deemed in the accident, the higher the possibility of compensation

As stated previously, the amount of compensation you receive from the other party's insurance company will be deducted from your losses based on your degree of fault. As an example, an insurance company may declare you 30% responsible for a pedestrian accident in which the pedestrian was under the influence of alcohol. Your $100,000 claim would now only be worth $70,000.

In Connecticut, What is The Deadline For Filing a Claim?

Personal injury claims in Connecticut must be filed within two years of the incident or the time you first became aware of the injury. If you intend to sue Connecticut and think the city or state is responsible for your damages, you must give written notice within ninety days of the injury. You will not be entitled to compensation after these dates have passed.

In any case, you should call an attorney for pedestrian accidents right away. The best time to build a strong case is while the witnesses' memories are still recent. If you or someone you care about has been injured, speak with a lawyer right away.

Which Injuries Occur Most Frequently In Pedestrian Accidents?

Because of the significant mass disparity between pedestrians and vehicles, pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe injuries to the victim. Usually, the car's windshield, hood, or bumper strikes the pedestrian, sending them flying into the ground. Such an impact may cause the following severe injuries:

  • Trauma-induced brain injury
  • Bone fractures
  • Amputations
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Fatal injury

In Connecticut, How Dangerous is it For Pedestrians?

Pedestrian accidents in Connecticut have shown a worrying increase in recent years. From 2011 to 2021, the number of pedestrians struck and killed by cars in the state more than doubled. This rise can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the prevalence of larger and heavier vehicles, higher speeds, and distracted driving. For instance, in 2020, Connecticut recorded 65 pedestrian deaths, a significant increase from the 26 deaths reported in 2011.

The state's Department of Transportation and advocates for road safety have identified several causes for this increase. Firstly, the growing use of larger vehicles, such as SUVs, has been a concern, as these vehicles tend to cause more severe injuries in accidents. Secondly, there has been a noticeable trend of faster and more reckless driving, partly attributed to reduced fear of being pulled over, especially during the pandemic. Lastly, many roads, particularly in urban areas, are not adequately designed for pedestrian traffic, contributing to the increased risk.

Should I Retain Legal Representation Following a Pedestrian Accident in Connecticut?

You are not required by law to hire legal counsel after a pedestrian accident. On the other hand, personal injury attorneys have the expertise and knowledge required to gather information, question witnesses, consult with experts, and bargain with insurance companies that you probably do not. Compared to those who represent themselves, those who hire attorneys have a better chance of winning a larger settlement.

Day or Night Personal Injury Lawyer Brandon J. Broderick is at Your Service Should You or a Member of Your Family Suffer an Injury in a Connecticut Pedestrian Accident

Any kind of accident can negatively affect your life, especially if you are hurt. The likelihood of this happening in a collision with a pedestrian is even higher. Your physical and mental well-being, as well as your financial situation, are in danger, which can be stressful. For years, we have battled insurance companies and other attorneys on behalf of our clients' rights.

The firm of Brandon J. Broderick prioritizes client satisfaction and successful outcomes, which is why we are known as one of Connecticut's top pedestrian accident lawyers. You can count on us to make every effort to resolve your claim. You shouldn’t have to deal with stressful situations as a result of someone else's negligence.

We have many office locations in Connecticut, including Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, and Waterbury. Our personal injury attorneys are always available and ready to assist you and your family. Contact us today for a free consultation, or give us a call at (877) 640-5615. We look forward to working with you and helping you.

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