Being involved in a pedestrian collision can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. The aftermath of the accident can be stressful for the victim. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Waterbury, or its surrounding areas, our lawyers at The Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC, can help.

We are ready to fight for you and provide knowledgeable legal counsel throughout the claims process. We will work with you to build a strong case while you focus on recovering from the accident and getting your life back on track.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Collisions

Pedestrian collisions occur more often than you might imagine. Many drivers think they always have the right-of-way and are outright negligent in regards to pedestrian safety. 

Some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents are:

  • Distracted driving. Drivers who are distracted by their cell phones or other devices pose a major danger when they are behind the wheel. These drivers may not see pedestrians crossing the street until it is too late, resulting in serious injury or death for those on foot. 
  • Failure to follow traffic laws. Every driver has a duty to obey traffic laws and signs when driving, including yield signs and stop lights. Failing to do so can have dangerous consequences for pedestrians, especially children or elderly individuals, who may not be able to react quickly enough if a driver fails to yield or stops suddenly at an intersection. 
  • Alcohol and drug impairment. Both drivers and pedestrians must avoid using alcohol or drugs before heading out onto the streets—the former because impaired driving can lead to deadly collisions with pedestrians; and the latter because intoxicated individuals may lack situational awareness when crossing busy streets or highways. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect judgment and reflexes, making it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians alike to make safe decisions while out on public roads. 

Obviously, there are many other factors that cause and contribute to pedestrian accidents in Connecticut, but the above-mentioned causes are responsible for a large percentage of these accidents.

Pedestrian Laws in Connecticut

Pedestrians have the right to feel safe and secure when walking, jogging, or running on the roads of Connecticut. To ensure that these rights are upheld, the state of Connecticut has put in place specific laws regarding pedestrian safety.

  • Right of way laws. Under Connecticut law, pedestrians generally have the right of way when crossing a roadway. This means that vehicles must yield to pedestrians who are crossing at a designated crosswalk or at an intersection. Additionally, vehicles must always stop for any person who is crossing outside of a crosswalk if they are within any portion of the crosswalk or intersection. Pedestrians also have the right of way when walking on sidewalks along roadways and highways. 

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Waterbury?

There are specific steps you should take following a pedestrian accident to ensure that your legal rights are protected.

  • Get medical care. The first thing you should do after being involved in a pedestrian accident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you do not feel like you have been injured, it is crucial to get checked out by a medical professional and get the necessary treatment for any injuries. Doing so will help ensure that your health and safety are taken care of right away.
  • Call the police. You should also contact the police immediately after an accident. The police will come to the scene of the accident, investigate what happened, and create an official report about what occurred. This report can be used as evidence if you decide to pursue legal action against those responsible for causing the accident.
  • Speak with witnesses. If there were any witnesses at the scene of the accident, be sure to speak with them and get their contact information (name, phone number, address). Their testimony may prove invaluable if it comes down to proving who was at fault for the incident. 
  • Hire an attorney. Finally, it is important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents as soon as possible after being involved in one. An attorney can protect your rights and help ensure that you receive all of the compensation you deserve following such an incident. They can handle all aspects of your case and provide valuable advice on how best to proceed throughout this process. 

Following these steps can help make sure individuals receive the compensation deserved for personal injuries and losses associated with pedestrian collisions in Connecticut.

In-Depth Legal Guidance and Fearless Advocacy

If you or your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian collision in Waterbury, you should contact our fearless and results-driven attorneys at The Kaloidis Law Firm, LLC. We provide in-depth legal guidance to victims of pedestrian collisions. 

Schedule a case review with our personal injury attorneys by calling 203-597-0010.