Pedestrian accidents in Farmington happen more often than many residents realize. When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the results can be devastating, causing serious injuries, long‑term disabilities, or even death. Understanding how these cases work in Connecticut may help you protect your rights and make informed decisions after a crash. Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers has helped injured pedestrians throughout the state understand their legal options and pursue fair compensation.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen in Farmington
Pedestrian accidents occur in Farmington for several reasons. Drivers may fail to yield at intersections, travel too fast for conditions, or become distracted by phones and other devices. Some crashes happen because drivers do not see pedestrians in low‑light conditions or at blind corners. Recognizing these risk factors can help you better understand what happened in your own case. Many of these accidents are preventable through proper driver attention and adherence to traffic laws.
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Common High‑Risk Areas
Busy roads and intersections in and around Farmington see substantial pedestrian and vehicle traffic, particularly near shopping centers, workplaces, schools, and residential areas. High‑volume intersections and roads with higher speed limits can present greater risks to pedestrians. Residential streets where drivers speed or cut through neighborhoods also create dangers for people walking. If you were injured in one of these high-risk areas, a Farmington pedestrian accident attorney can help evaluate your claim.
Typical Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Negligent driving is a factor in many pedestrian crashes. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, handling navigation systems, or eating
- Speeding or driving too fast for the weather or road conditions
- Failing to yield at crosswalks, intersections, or driveways
- Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or certain medications
- Poor visibility at dawn, dusk, or night, especially where lighting is limited
These behaviors can reduce a driver’s reaction time and ability to see and avoid pedestrians. Under Connecticut law, drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care, and violations of this duty can form the basis of a negligence claim.
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Understanding Pedestrian Accident Liability in Connecticut
Connecticut law imposes duties on both drivers and pedestrians. Drivers must exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting pedestrians and must obey traffic laws, including those governing crosswalks and right‑of‑way. Pedestrians must also follow traffic signals and use reasonable care for their own safety
Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence rule, sometimes called the 51% bar. If you are injured as a pedestrian, you may still seek compensation even if you share some fault, as long as your percentage of responsibility does not exceed 50%. If you are 51% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover damages. And if you are less than 51% at fault, any award you receive is reduced in proportion to your share of fault. For more information on how Connecticut’s comparative negligence applies to your case, consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Farmington.
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Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Because pedestrians have no protective shell around them, they face a high risk of serious injury when they are struck by a vehicle. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which can affect memory, concentration, mood, and personality
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones, including fractures in the legs, pelvis, ribs, arms, and face
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding
- Soft‑tissue injuries, including severe bruising, lacerations, and ligament damage
Many victims need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Some face permanent limitations that affect their ability to work or perform daily activities. Emotional trauma and anxiety about walking near traffic are also common after a serious pedestrian crash. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in a pedestrian accident, immediate legal guidance can help protect your rights. The firm’s case results demonstrate experience with severe injury cases.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Your actions after a pedestrian accident can affect both your health and any future claim:
- Get medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be obvious at the scene.
- If you can do so safely, take photos of the scene, including the vehicle, your injuries, traffic lights or signs, crosswalks, and road and weather conditions.
- Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details.
- Get contact information for any witnesses and, if possible, brief notes about what they saw.
- Report the crash to law enforcement and find out how to obtain a copy of the police report.
- Avoid making detailed statements about fault to the driver’s insurer before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce or deny claims based on early statements.
Documenting the scene and preserving evidence are critical steps that can strengthen your claim. An attorney can guide you through this process and help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Why Choose Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers handles injury cases for people hurt in pedestrian and other motor‑vehicle crashes throughout Connecticut. The firm reports securing significant verdicts and settlements across a wide range of serious injury cases, including a $100 million verdict in a catastrophic‑injury matter, and states that it has recovered more than $1.5 billion for clients overall. These results reflect experience with complex, high‑value claims. Learn more about the firm’s case results and verdicts.
Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, often described as “no fee unless we win,” which means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless the firm obtains compensation in your case. The Farmington office, located at 76 Batterson Park Road, Suite 301, gives local clients a convenient place to meet with their legal team. A 24/7 answering service allows injured people and families to reach the firm at any time to get information about a potential claim and next steps. The experienced attorneys at the firm bring decades of combined experience to pedestrian accident cases. Call 860-471-8333 to speak with an attorney today.
How Pedestrian Accident Cases Differ from Other Motor Vehicle Accidents
Pedestrian accident cases differ from many car‑to‑car collisions in several ways:
- Injuries are often more severe, which can increase both the possible value of the case and the level of scrutiny from insurers.
- Liability disputes can be more complex, especially when there are questions about visibility, crosswalk use, or traffic‑signal timing.
- Evidence needs may be broader, including video from traffic or security cameras, detailed witness statements, and accident‑reconstruction analysis.
- Hit‑and‑run incidents may require additional investigation to identify the vehicle and driver, and uninsured‑motorist coverage may become a key source of compensation.
Attorneys who regularly handle Connecticut pedestrian cases can coordinate with investigators and experts to build a detailed picture of what happened. The team at Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers brings decades of combined experience to these complex matters. For cases involving hit-and-run incidents, understanding uninsured motorist coverage becomes particularly important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in Connecticut?
In many Connecticut personal‑injury cases, including pedestrian accidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury, although specific deadlines can vary based on the claim and whether a government entity is involved. Because missing a deadline can bar your claim, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to identify the time limits that apply to your situation. Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-584 governs the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The Connecticut Judicial Branch provides additional information on civil procedure and filing requirements.
What compensation can I recover in a pedestrian accident case?
You may be able to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering and other non‑economic harms, such as emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage, such as torn clothing or broken personal items
The value of a case depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and how clearly liability can be established. The firm’s verdicts and settlements show the range of compensation achieved in serious injury cases.
What if I were partially at fault for the pedestrian accident?
Under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule, you may still recover damages if you are found partially at fault, as long as your share of responsibility does not exceed 50%. Your compensation would then be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. Because insurers may try to assign a greater share of blame to pedestrians, having legal representation can be important in disputing unfair fault allocations. Learn more about how Connecticut comparative negligence affects your recovery.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
There is no fixed “average” settlement or verdict for a pedestrian accident. Case value is influenced by medical costs, the permanence and severity of injuries, lost income, future care needs, and the strength of the liability evidence. An attorney can review your medical records, employment history, and the circumstances of the crash to give you a more specific range tailored to your situation. Reviewing the firm’s case results can provide insight into the types of recoveries achieved.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but many injured pedestrians find that legal representation helps them understand their rights, manage deadlines, and pursue a more complete recovery. A lawyer can handle communications with insurers, gather evidence, work with experts, and, when necessary, file a lawsuit and present your case in court. The team at Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers can answer your questions during a free consultation.
What should I do if the driver left the scene (hit‑and‑run)?
If the driver fled, report the crash to the police immediately and provide as much detail as you can about the vehicle and driver. Seek medical care and try to preserve evidence, including any potential video footage or witness contact information. An attorney can help you explore options such as uninsured‑motorist coverage and may work with investigators to identify the at‑fault driver when possible. Connecticut law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident; learn more about hit-and-run laws on the Connecticut General Assembly website.
Contact Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Farmington or the surrounding area, you do not have to figure things out on your own. Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers offers free consultations so you can learn about your options without upfront cost. Call 860-471-8333 today or reach out through the firm’s website to discuss your situation. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence, protect your claim, and give your legal team more time to build a strong case on your behalf. The Farmington office is conveniently located to serve clients throughout the area.
