In any circumstance, when a person is struck by a moving vehicle, the situation is turned serious. It is possible for pedestrians to sustain serious injuries when involved in an accident. If you have been involved in an accident, it is essential to reach out to an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney to consider your legal options. You may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. Continue reading to learn the most common causes of pedestrian accidents, what to do immediately after an accident, and the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Connecticut.
What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Connecticut?
In most cases, pedestrian accidents are caused by negligence behind the wheel. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Connecticut are as follows:
- Reckless driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Use of electronic devices
- Irresponsible speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving while tired or fatigued
It is also possible for other factors to come into play when a pedestrian accident occurs. Some of these hazards include the following road and weather conditions:
- Poor visibility
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Potholes
- Uneven surfaces
- Closed sidewalks
- Construction
You may want to file a personal injury claim against a municipality for their failure to keep up with road maintenance if you believe your accident was caused by road conditions.
What steps should I take after being involved in an accident?
For any worst-case scenario, it is important to have a plan in place. Being involved in an accident leads to panic, stress, and fear. Putting a plan of action in place can help you to protect yourself and act accordingly. Follow the following steps after being involved in an accident as a pedestrian:
- Call 911. It is important to immediately seek assistance from the police and medical professionals. Be sure to request both the police and an ambulance to arrive on the scene. With the police on the scene, they will be able to make a safer environment for everyone involved and redirect traffic if necessary. Once the ambulance arrives, you should immediately seek medical attention.
- After your injuries have been treated, you should collect all medical documents that relate to the accident. These records should include the date, time, and severity of your injuries. You may use these documents in a personal injury claim.
- Have a short conversation with the negligent party to solely collect their contact and insurance information.
- Collect any witnesses’ contact information.
- Take photos or videos of the scene. This should include any damages and personal injuries.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you to recover the compensation you deserve.
What is the statute of limitations for pedestrian accidents in Connecticut?
The statute of limitations is a deadline put into place to take legal action. If you wish to file a personal injury claim, you will need to do so within the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally two years in Connecticut. You will want to take immediate action regarding this claim because if you fail to file within two years of the accident, you will likely be barred from suing. Contact an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney to help you begin your case.
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.