Legal Protections and Compensation
Rights of Pedestrians Hit by Vehicles in Connecticut
You’re just going about your day—maybe heading to work, picking up groceries, or meeting a friend. You begin to cross the street at an intersection when a car hits you out of nowhere. In a split second, everything changes. One moment, you’re on a mission, and the next, you’re on the pavement, reeling in pain. It’s a scary thought, but knowing your rights and the legal protections available to you can help provide peace of mind.
You should understand your legal rights as an injured pedestrian.
Walkers, take heart! Connecticut law is on your side. You’re not left to fend for yourself when you’re involved in a serious pedestrian accident. The legal system recognizes the vulnerability of pedestrians and offers protections to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to know.
Right to Safety
First and foremost, as a pedestrian, you have the right to safety. This means vehicles must yield the right of way to you at crosswalks and intersections — even if it is an unmarked crosswalk. In fact, if you are a pedestrian in Connecticut and signal your intent to cross a street anywhere, drivers must yield. If a driver fails to do so, they violate the traffic laws designed to protect you and will face penalties.
Right to Compensation
You can seek compensation if you’re injured in a serious pedestrian collision. This includes damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost future income. The goal is to make you whole again and to support your healthcare recovery.
Learn about the types of compensation you can seek.
Here’s an explanation of some types of compensation you might be eligible for:
Healthcare Expenses
From the moment you’re injured, healthcare bills can start piling up. Ambulance rides, emergency room visits, MRIs, CT Scans, surgeries, rehabilitation — they just keep coming. The good news is that you can seek compensation to cover these costs. Your health and recovery should be your primary focus, not the financial burden.
Lost Wages
A serious injury often means time away from work. Whether it’s a few weeks or several months, lost income can create significant stress. You can claim compensation for the wages you’ve lost and even for potential future earnings if your ability to work is impacted long-term.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond actual healthcare appointments and treatment, physical pain and the emotional and psychological impact of a serious accident can be profound. Compensation for pain and suffering acknowledges the non-economic damages — your severe pain, the stress, anxiety, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the driver’s actions were reckless, you might be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
You need a law firm that will fight for you.
You might be tempted to handle things on your own. Maybe you think you can negotiate with Big Insurance or navigate the legal system solo. But if you’re a pedestrian who is seriously injured in a Connecticut motor vehicle collision, very simply put, this is not a Do It Yourself situation. A veteran, dedicated legal team is what you need.
Expertise and Resources
A multilevel, intelligent, and dedicated legal team brings a wealth of expertise and resources to your case. At The Maddox Law Firm, you will meet a team of professionals who understand the intricacies of personal injury law. We know how to build a strong case, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights effectively.
Maximized Compensation
Big Insurance is notorious for lowballing settlement offers very early, before a law firm has stepped in. This is when people are most susceptible to manipulation and when Big Insurance tries to pay the least amount they possibly can. They may sound polite and interested, but they don’t care about you. The right legal team will lead you to the full compensation you deserve. We’re skilled negotiators and fierce litigators, ready to fight for you every step of the way.
Peace of Mind
Management of your health and treatment is already stressful. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. We offer no-charge strategy planning meetings, where we can take all the time you need to understand your story and chart the right course for you, your future, and your family.
Don’t do this alone.
Remember, your safety and well-being matter most at the end of the day. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious pedestrian accident, reach out to The Maddox Law Firm today for a no-charge personal injury strategy planning meeting. We will shepherd you toward the safest path for your recovery and win the maximum amount of financial compensation that you deserve. When it matters, make it Maddox.
