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In Connecticut, pedestrians have specific legal rights that help protect them in the event of auto accidents.
These rights and the protections offered to pedestrians help ensure fair treatment and compensation for injuries and damages.
Understand pedestrian rights
Connecticut laws say that pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections without traffic signals. Pedestrians should follow traffic signals and use crosswalks when they are available. When accidents occur at these locations, the driver of the vehicle typically bears the responsibility, especially if the pedestrian is adhering to traffic laws.
Deal with accidents
If a car injures a pedestrian, they can claim compensation from the driver’s insurance company for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. If the pedestrian can show the driver was negligent, such as by speeding or not stopping, they may also seek punitive damages, which punish particularly reckless behavior.
Impact of comparative negligence
Connecticut uses a rule called comparative negligence, which might change how much money a pedestrian gets if they are partially at fault. For example, if they were crossing where they shouldn’t or against a light, they might get less money based on how much the accident was their fault.
Statute of limitations
Pedestrians need to know there’s a time limit for filing a lawsuit, which is two years from the accident date in Connecticut. If they don’t file within this time, they won’t be able to sue.
Why legal help is important
The rules around these accidents can be complex, and injuries can be severe. That’s why pedestrians should think about getting a lawyer to help deal with the insurance company, guide them through the legal process and make sure their rights are protected.
Understanding their rights helps pedestrians protect themselves and get the right compensation after an accident. Knowing these rules also helps make roads safer by holding drivers responsible for their actions.
