Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Waterbury CT

No Fee Until You Win.

When you’ve experienced the trauma and shock of a pedestrian accident, your primary focus should be your health and recovery. Unfortunately, that journey comes with medical bills, lost income, and mental and physical trauma.

Insurance companies take advantage of the chaotic aftermath of pedestrian accidents and try to get you to settle for less. However, pedestrian accident victims who settle independently often make three times less than they would have if they had taken their pedestrian accident claim to court.

To get maximum financial compensation for your pedestrian accident, you need a Waterbury pedestrian accident lawyer in your corner to fight for every dollar you deserve.

The pedestrian accident lawyers in Waterbury at Carter Mario Law Firm have been fighting insurance companies for over 30 years, winning more than one billion dollars in compensation for accident victims. Plus, we work on a contingency basis, so you only pay us when we win your case. That’s our Zero Fee Warranty.

Many pedestrian accident victims aren’t aware of all they can do to get maximum compensation for their injuries and recover economic damages. Contact us today for a free consultation to fully understand your legal rights.

Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Earn Due Compensation for Expenses and Financial Losses

Pedestrian accidents result in terrible consequences for injury victims. There are physical and emotional injuries, which can be severe and life-altering. Many injury victims’ lives are not the same after their accident.

Then there are the medical costs: surgeries, doctors’ visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, and psychotherapy.

There are other economic damages as well — lost wages due to missed work and the greater financial strain the injury has on the family members of the victim.

You may be tempted to settle for less during settlement negotiations, but you have the potential to recover compensation far beyond what the driver’s insurance company would have you believe.

Let us help you get the compensation you deserve, not the compensation the driver’s insurance company prefers. Talk to one of our seasoned pedestrian accident attorneys in Bridgeport today.

You Only Pay When You Win

The Carter Mario Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. You will not be charged any legal fees until we win your case.

How Do Pedestrian Accident Claims Work in Waterbury, CT?

In Waterbury, pedestrian accident claims follow a legal process to secure compensation for victims injured due to another party’s negligence. To secure due compensation from the other party, the victim (plaintiff), often aided by a pedestrian accident attorney, must prove two things:

1. The driver (defendant) had a duty to exercise reasonable care
2. The driver breached their duty to exercise reasonable care due to negligence that resulted in the accident and the victim’s injuries.

Your Waterbury pedestrian accident lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury case, collecting evidence, handling negotiations, and advocating for your rights in court.

What Are Primary Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Waterbury, CT?

Several factors may cause pedestrian accidents in Waterbury.

Distracted Drivers

Distracted driving is a leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Activities like texting, using a GPS, or even eating while driving can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of hitting a pedestrian.

Unmarked Crosswalks

Unmarked crosswalks are quite risky for pedestrians, especially in more dense urban environments. Lack of clear pedestrian pathways due to lack of maintenance or poor lighting can confuse drivers and pedestrians, leading to a collision.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drugs reduce a driver’s reaction time and impair their judgment. A reckless or drunk driver might fail to notice pedestrians in a crosswalk or react quickly to avoid collisions.

Rolling Stops

Rolling stops occur when a driver doesn’t come to a complete stop at stop signs. When rushing through an intersection, drivers neglect their duty to follow traffic laws. Rolling stops increase the chances of a pedestrian accident occurring.

Connecticut’s Crosswalk Laws

Connecticut’s crosswalk laws were developed to protect pedestrians and regulate vehicle traffic. In Waterbury and across Connecticut, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are either in a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

These traffic laws protect pedestrians, especially in urban areas that experience high volumes of foot and car traffic. However, pedestrians are also responsible for exercising caution by not leaving the curb, adhering to pedestrian signs, and sticking to the crosswalk.

Connecticut’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Connecticut employs a modified comparative negligence rule, which significantly impacts pedestrian accident claims in Waterbury.

The comparative negligence rule allows for compensation to be reduced by the injured party’s percentage of fault. A large part of personal injury legal proceedings involves establishing the percentage of fault under the comparative negligence rule.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Pedestrian Accident Claims

The total compensation an injured victim can earn is reduced by the percentage of fault under this rule.

If the pedestrian is found to be 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover any damages.

This is why you need an experienced Waterbury pedestrian accident lawyer on your side. Our legal professionals are adept at handling these complex nuances, ensuring our clients receive just compensation for their injuries.

What Financial Losses and Damages Can You Win in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Victims of pedestrian accidents in Waterbury, CT, can pursue various types of financial compensation to cover the losses and damages that result from the accident. Some of them include:

Loss of Wages

Your injuries may prevent you from working full-time, or even working at all. You can claim compensation for your lost wages if you cannot work or must work at a reduced capacity due to your injuries. This includes the income lost immediately after the accident and any future earnings.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life are non-economic damages that you can be compensated for. Though these types of damages are less tangible than economic losses, they are nonetheless part of your deserved compensation and reflect the personal impact of the accident.

Medical Expenses

From emergency care and hospitalization to ongoing treatments like physical therapy, surgeries, and medications, you can receive compensation for the medical expenses associated with your recovery and rehabilitation. This includes coverage of any future medical expenses related to the injury.

Quality of Life Damages

Serious personal injuries are likely to drastically alter an accident victim’s quality of life. Compensation for these damages addresses the impact the accident and subsequent injuries have on your day-to-day life. Many factors are considered, including the inability to participate in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed, the need for lifelong care or assistance, and other ways your quality of life has been compromised.

What to Do if You’ve Been Hit By a Car or Motorcycle While Walking

Pedestrian accidents are traumatic and confusing experiences. However, you can strengthen your case if you can document aspects of your injury directly after the incident.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention right away. Even if you don’t have immediately noticeable injuries, many serious injuries like internal bleeding or concussions might not be apparent right away. Seeking timely medical attention is also crucial for getting accurate medical records of your injuries, which will help you win your case.

2. Document The Scene: Photos, Witness Statements, and Physical Evidence

If you are physically able, gather any possible evidence from the accident scene: Take photos of the area, the vehicle involved, visible injuries, and other details like traffic signals or weather conditions. Also, collect the names and contact information of witnesses.

If your belongings were damaged (like a broken cell phone or glasses), keep them as part of the physical evidence. Even bloodied clothes can be admitted as evidence.

3. Report the Accident and Obtain a Police Report

Report the accident to the police ASAP. Police reports are also important as evidence because they provide an official account of the incident.

4. Don’t Accuse or Accept Blame

Avoid discussing who was at fault, even if emotions are running high. Anything you say could be used against you later. Stick to the facts without admitting blame or accusing the other party.

5. Talk To A Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Consulting with a pedestrian accident attorney should be your next step. Personal injury lawyers offer legal guidance on how to proceed, handle communications with the insurance company, and help protect your rights.

The Carter Mario Law Firm has the expertise and experience to guide you through this ordeal and help you earn every dollar you deserve. Talk to one of our pedestrian accident attorneys in Bridgeport to get the compensation you deserve.

Trust Our Lawyers to Help You Get Due Compensation for Your Pedestrian Accident

Navigating life after a pedestrian accident is difficult.

However, with the right law firm on your side, you can protect your and your family’s future. The Law Offices of Carter Mario is ready to help you recover maximum compensation.

We’re here to help you overcome the accident and get on with your life.

Our legal team serves clients throughout Connecticut. With legal services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, we’re ready to help the residents of Waterbury earn the compensation they deserve.

Don’t forget — you pay only after we win your case. Contact us today for your free case consultation with a Waterbury pedestrian accident attorney.

Pedestrian Accident FAQs

Will someone pay the medical bills after my accident?

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, the responsibility for medical bills initially falls to you and your medical insurance company. But if another party is found liable for the accident, you can seek compensation for medical expenses through a personal injury claim. This includes reimbursement for immediate medical treatment as well as compensation for future medical costs related to the accident.

Is a pedestrian accident lawyer necessary?

Pedestrian accident cases are complex and involve negotiations with insurance companies and legal proceedings. Though you don’t need to have a lawyer, a lawyer will protect your rights, help establish the other party’s liability, and maximize the financial compensation you receive.

How long do I have to file a claim in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. Beginning legal proceedings within this period is crucial to preserve your right to compensation.

Can a pedestrian be at fault in a pedestrian accident?

A pedestrian can be found partially or fully at fault in an accident, for example, if they were jaywalking, crossing against a traffic signal, or walking while distracted. Connecticut’s comparative negligence rule might affect compensation based on the pedestrian’s percentage of fault.

Where do collisions with pedestrians occur most often?

Usually, collisions with pedestrians occur at intersections, crosswalks, and parking lots. They are more common in urban areas with higher foot and vehicle traffic.

What are the most common pedestrian injuries?

Pedestrian injuries often include broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, lacerations, and internal injuries. Though the severity varies case by case, these injuries are usually more serious than most injuries sustained in vehicle-only accidents.

Are pedestrian accident cases hard to win?

In pedestrian accident cases, the plaintiff must prove the negligence and fault of the driver. This can be a challenge for accident victims to do by themselves. However, an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help collect evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and present a strong case in court, greatly improving the chances of a successful claim.

How are pedestrian accidents different from car accidents?

Pedestrian accidents are different from car accidents because pedestrians lack the protective enclosure of a vehicle. This means the injuries sustained by the pedestrian are often severe. These cases usually involve different dynamics for who is liable and who is at fault.