Hamden Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Help Injured Clients Pursue Justice
Professional representation for people hurt in Connecticut pedestrian accidents
Even in the most pleasant Connecticut towns, pedestrians face risk. Unfortunately, we live in an age of aggressive and distracted driving where walkers are more vulnerable than we might suspect. At Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in East Haven and Hamden, our auto accident attorneys often represent pedestrians who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck in traffic. If you’ve been struck by a car or truck, we’re prepared to investigate your accident and fight aggressively for the full compensation you deserve.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Connecticut
There are many factors that contribute to pedestrian traffic accidents. Most often, drivers are at fault for:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to stop at a crosswalk, stop sign or red light
Road conditions are also a factor, since many intersections, roadways and crossings have not been designed properly to accommodate pedestrians, especially the elderly who need more time to cross and young children who are less visible to motorists. When roadways are unreasonably unsafe, municipalities can be held liable for accidents. Our firm thoroughly reviews the evidence to learn what contributed to the collision and push back against unwarranted defenses, such as claims that the victim was inattentive, darted out into traffic, or otherwise contributed to the incident.
Common pedestrian accident injuries
Pedestrians can sustain severe injuries when struck by a car or truck, but often suffer worse harm from a secondary impact with the hard road surface. Common injuries include:
- Head injuries — Impacts can easily cause concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, that can have devastating long-term consequences.
- Spinal cord injuries — Twisting and snapping of the neck and back can cause spinal cord injuries that could result in permanent paralysis.
- Bone fractures and crush injuries — Some bone breaks are so severe that even multiple surgeries cannot repair the damage.
- Internal injuries — Damage to internal organs can permanently hamper bodily functions.
- Whiplash — Contortions to the neck and spine when a person’s body is hit by an approaching car can tear ligaments and discs, causing a lifetime of chronic pain.
In many cases, the injury may produce life-changing disability or even death.
New Connecticut pedestrian laws
Connecticut recently changed traffic laws to give pedestrians greater protections. The new laws require drivers to stop in response to specific actions by pedestrians that indicate the intent to cross at a crosswalk. When a driver is cited for violating the law, this can be used to support an accident victim’s claim in a civil lawsuit for monetary damages.
What to do after a pedestrian accident
The moments after an accident are crucial for the victim’s well-being and preserving evidence that could be used in an injury lawsuit. Unfortunately, pedestrian victims are rarely in a condition to help themselves on either count. People who witness pedestrian accidents can do a great deal to help, including:
- Calling police and an ambulance
- Remaining on the scene until help arrives
- Without moving the victim, making sure he or she is comfortable
- Collecting contact information of witnesses
- Taking photographs of the accident scene
To the extent that a victim is able, he or she should follow this checklist as well. However, the most important steps to take are to seek medical treatment and call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a trustworthy Connecticut pedestrian accident lawyer
The knowledgeable accident lawyers at Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. represent pedestrians injured on Connecticut roadways. To schedule a free consultation, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online. We have offices in Hamden and East Haven.