Bridgeport Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian accidents can occur at any time, and being struck by a car or truck can be a devastating and traumatic experience. Though roadways are specifically designed for motorized vehicles, there are designated areas where pedestrians can cross or walk alongside the road. When a pedestrian is struck by a negligent or reckless driver, severe injuries and even fatalities can occur. In these situations, the legal help of a Bridgeport pedestrian accident lawyer is vital.
At Sorrentino Legal – Injruy & Accident Law, our personal injury legal team is here to help those who have suffered harm due to negligent or reckless parties. If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law can help you file and negotiate all injury claims as they pertain to your case. We understand that the last thing you want to do after suffering a traumatic injury is handle the legalities of an injury claim.Allow us to take care of legal matters so you can focus on healing.
In the state of Connecticut, personal injury law allows victims of injury accidents to pursue damages in order to recover from the harm they have suffered at the hands of another party. However, in order to do so, the assistance of an attorney can prove vital. While it is not legally required to have an attorney present in a personal injury case, they can make all the difference when it comes to gaining the compensation and justice you deserve. Speak to an experienced Bridgeport pedestrian accident lawyer
The Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Bridgeport
Every pedestrian accident in Bridgeport is unique and comes with its own set of factors.However, the most common cause of these accidents is errors by drivers of vehicles. Some of these include the following:
- Distracted driving. When a driver operates their vehicle in a distracted manner, this can cause them to take their eyes off the road and run the risk of not noticing when a pedestrian is crossing the road. Common behaviors of distracted driving include eating, texting and driving, grooming while driving, adjusting radio or temperature controls, interacting with the GPS, or reaching for something inside the vehicle.
- Impaired driving. When a driver operates their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this can affect their safe driving abilities. An impaired driver may swerve into a crosswalk or onto a sidewalk or stop too late and strike a pedestrian. Any kind of impairment from drugs or alcohol can lead to severe injuries and even death.
- Reckless driving. When a driver takes part in actions that are reckless, such as speeding, ignoring traffic laws, or disregarding the presence of pedestrians, they can cause a serious accident. Reckless behavior when driving can cause individuals to have slower reaction times, leading to the increased potential for severe injuries and fatalities.
- When a driver becomes impatient, they may attempt to speed up or try to maneuver around pedestrians on the road. When they attempt these behaviors, they can accidentally strike pedestrians, causing injuries and fatalities.
- Dark clothing. When a pedestrian wears dark clothes at night, it can make them less visible to drivers on the roadways, and the driver may not be able to see them until it is too late. Even in areas illuminated by street lights or traffic lights, ensuring that you remain visible to drivers on the road around you is important.
- Road construction. When a pedestrian is forced to walk around a construction site, this can place them closer to traffic and increase their risk of being struck by an oncoming vehicle. This is why it is vital to always be aware of your surroundings and to ensure that no matter the traffic signs or signals or the rules of a crosswalk, you always check to make sure drivers are aware of your presence.
- Poor conditions. The way in which a road is engineered can play a role in how safe it is for a pedestrian to cross a roadway. Due to bends in the road or hills, a driver might not always be able to spot a pedestrian. Likewise, poorly maintained roads can lead to dangerous situations for both the driver and the pedestrian.
- Bad weather. Bad weather conditions such as sleet, snow, wind, and rain can make it dangerous to walk or drive on roads. Visibility can be decreased, and drivers or pedestrians who wish to get out of the weather can make poor decisions or become impatient, causing an increase in their likelihood of becoming involved in an accident.
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What to Do Following a Pedestrian Accident
At Sorrentino Legal, our personal injury lawyer has handled many pedestrian accident cases over the years and can advise you on the correct steps to take if you become involved in a pedestrian accident. Certain actions can help both your claim and protect your physical safety. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is vital that you take the following steps:
- Move yourself to a place of safety. First and foremost, it is vital that you move yourself to a place of safety off the roadway to avoid being hit by any other vehicles. Of course, if you are injured to the point where you cannot move, seek help and have someone else direct traffic away from you.
- Check for injuries. If you are able to move yourself to a place off the road, check yourself over for injuries. Remember, not all injuries will present themselves immediately, so it is important that you seek medical attention even if you do not feel physically injured.
- Call 911. You will then want to call the police and any emergency medical services that are necessary. If the driver of the vehicle that hit you left the scene, you can file a hit-and-run report with the police. Otherwise, the police can respond to the scene and file their own accident report, which will help with your future claim.
- Gather evidence. If you are physically capable of doing so, it is important to gather specific forms of evidence from the scene of the accident. You can use your cell phone to take photos and videos of your injuries, along with videos and photos of the scene itself. You will also want to gather the contact information of any eyewitnesses, as your attorney may be able to call on them for testimony in a future claim.
- Do not admit to fault. You will also want to discuss your side of the story with the police and exchange contact and insurance information with the driver. However, during these two instances, do not, under any circumstances, admit to or discuss fault.
- Hire an attorney. Finally, you will want to consult with a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney who can help you take all the necessary steps to file a claim for compensation. At Sorrentino Legal, we are here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape of all personal injury claims.
FAQs
There are many injuries that can occur as a result of pedestrian accidents, each one varying in its degree of severity. The most common injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident include broken bones, blood loss, damage to internal organs, traumatic brain injuries, muscle strains or sprains, bruises, burns, cuts, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, road rash, and concussions.
The damages you may be able to recover in a pedestrian accident depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. However, the most common types of damages typically available include medical bills, lost wages, loss of your future earning potential, future anticipated medical costs, pain and suffering damages, loss of the enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, wrongful death damages, and punitive damages in rare cases.
Pedestrian accidents often take place in urban areas like Bridgeport. These accidents tend to happen in areas such as parking lots, biking lanes, medians between lanes of traffic, access points to driveways, crosswalks, and sidewalks. Pedestrians may also be struck while walking alongside the shoulder of busy roads and highways.
Though having an attorney on your side in a personal injury case is not legally required, it can make all the difference in recovering the maximum amount of compensation available to you. Your attorney can review the details of your case, determine liability and the overall value of your claim, help you gather evidence, and enter into negotiations with the liable party, their insurance company, and their legal team.
Speak with a Trusted Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, our personal injury lawyer has the experience and access to resources necessary to help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation you deserve in your pedestrian accident claim. If you have been injured by a vehicle while walking alongside or crossing a road, you have legal options, and Sorrentino Legal can help you decide which option is right for you. Contact our office today to learn more and to schedule your initial consultation.
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If you are looking for a personal injury lawyer or accident attorney in Connecticut, Sorrentino Legal can provide you effective advocacy.