Meriden Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Today’s drivers face an increasing number of distractions. Too often, these distractions lead to a number of preventable accidents. Even if you are obeying the laws as a pedestrian, you can easily become the victim of a serious accident due to the negligence of a careless or distracted driver. The ensuing damages caused by a car striking a pedestrian can result in severe and sometimes fatal injuries. Along with physical injuries, the psychological trauma connected with such an accident can be debilitating and last a lifetime.

A seasoned Meriden pedestrian accident lawyer knows pedestrians are often at risk of injury, whether at a crosswalk, on the street, or in a parking lot. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a preventable accident, an experienced personal injury attorney could be a strong and compassionate legal advocate on your behalf and work hard to help you pursue the compensation you are entitled to.

Claims Against Drivers Versus Claims Against Local Municipalities

Connecticut’s negligence and traffic laws emphasize safety and awareness while behind the wheel. If a pedestrian in Meriden is struck by a car, the driver of the car that hit the pedestrian may be considered to be at fault, even if the victim was not in a crosswalk at the time of the collision.

According to state law, drivers should be alert to what is around them and pay attention to any hazards that may be present on the road. A pedestrian may qualify as a “hazard,” so drivers have a legal obligation to act with caution and avoid anything or anyone in their path.

That being said, some pedestrian accidents might be the fault of the city because of how the streets are designed or because of broken or malfunctioning traffic control devices such as traffic lights or stop/yield signs. For instance, if a traffic light malfunctions and causes a pedestrian accident, a Meriden pedestrian accident lawyer could file a claim for negligence against the municipality on a plaintiff’s behalf.

However, certain circumstances may alter the claim, such as if the pedestrian noticed that there was a malfunction but proceeded to cross regardless. Comparative negligence like this may reduce a plaintiff’s potential recovery in proportion to their own degree of fault for their own injuries.

Civil and Criminal Penalties for Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are common enough that an average of one pedestrian death ensues roughly every 1.6 hours, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When a driver accidentally hits a pedestrian but stops to aid and assist the victim while following proper protocol, the ensuing consequences might stop at a personal injury lawsuit for damages like medical costs, lost wages, and general pain and suffering.

However, if a driver strikes a pedestrian but flees the scene, the driver could face criminal charges and, if convicted, possibly a potential prison sentence. In many cases, criminal charges are a result of the driver’s conduct going beyond ordinary negligence.

Wrongful Death Suits

If a driver was operating a vehicle in a reckless manner right before the accident, any death resulting from the crash may spur a criminal charge of involuntary manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter. An important component in a manslaughter case is the driver’s reckless disregard for pedestrians.

In Connecticut, a wrongful death lawsuit allows the surviving family of a deceased person to bring a civil lawsuit against the parties responsible for the death. Moreover, a lawsuit of this nature seeks to establish the driver’s negligence, then proceeds to ask for compensation for the survivor’s losses such as funeral expenses, lost wages, lost companionship, and loss of the deceased’s support. A Meriden pedestrian accident lawyer could help an individual dile a wrongful death suit and seek justice for their loved one.

A Meriden Pedestrian Accident Attorney Could Fight to Protect Victims

The devastating repercussions that may stem from a pedestrian accident can permanently impact a family’s way of life. Fortunately, there are a wide array of legal options available to you if you suffer injury because of another person’s reckless actions.

A knowledgeable Meriden pedestrian accident lawyer could help you take stock of your damages and fight on your behalf to obtain justice and accountability. Call today to schedule an initial consultation and see what options may be available to you.