New Haven is a relatively busy area on Long Island Sound. While there’s a great deal of traffic along I-95 most days, the city area can also see lots of traffic, and pedestrians in the area must be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, the driver responsible is liable for the resulting damages. An experienced New Haven pedestrian accident lawyer can be a valuable asset for your recovery efforts. Knowing the right steps after a car accident in Connecticut can help you build a strong case.
The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe have more than 100 years of combined experience handling all types of personal injury cases for clients in New Haven and surrounding areas of Connecticut. Whenever a motor vehicle driver hits a pedestrian, this accident has a very high chance of resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Whether you have been injured or you are seeking accountability on behalf of a loved one, our team is ready to fight for you. If you’ve suffered injuries, a New Haven personal injury lawyer can guide you toward fair compensation.
The Connecticut Crash Data Repository recorded a total of 1,428 pedestrian-involved vehicle accidents in New Haven during 2024. According to the National Safety Council, a total of 9,076 pedestrians died in 2023 from traffic and non-traffic accidents. Non-traffic accidents include backup accidents, accidents in parking lots, or accidents in driveways. Of all these total deaths in 2023, 7,314 pedestrians died in traffic crashes. Recent Connecticut crash statistics show how common pedestrian accidents are in busy areas like New Haven.
Bartlett & Grippe can help you pursue compensation for damages if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, and you can also rely on us to represent you if a family member has died in a pedestrian accident. Wrongful death cases are challenging in many ways, so having an experienced wrongful death lawyer on your side is a tremendous asset in this difficult situation.
Many people assume that when a motor vehicle driver hits a pedestrian, the driver is automatically at fault. The reality is that liability for these accidents is often contested. A driver may claim that the pedestrian crossed a street illegally or suddenly darted in front of their vehicle, and they had no time to stop. Proving liability is an essential first step in your recovery process after a pedestrian accident. Avoiding common errors is key, and learning about mistakes that could hurt your claim can strengthen your case.
Your New Haven pedestrian accident lawyer can gather the evidence you need to prove the exact cause of the accident. Eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, cell phone records, and the police report from the accident could all be essential to your case. Once you have proven fault, you can claim compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident. A police report from your accident can provide critical evidence to support your claim. So, you must gather the car accident police report after your accident.
If a motor vehicle driver hits a pedestrian, the injured pedestrian has the right to file a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. All Connecticut drivers are required to have auto insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage. Unfortunately, insurance companies will almost always attempt to settle claims for as little as possible. Knowing typical settlement amounts for Connecticut accidents can help you judge a fair offer.
It’s a good idea to hire a New Haven pedestrian accident lawyer before speaking with an insurance company about your claim. They may attempt to use your own words against you in their efforts to devalue or deny the claim. Your attorney can ensure you are treated fairly and that you receive a suitable settlement. If the insurance company disputes your claim in any way, your attorney will know how to respond.
You may need to file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver. Success with any personal injury case in Connecticut requires proving how the injury happened and showing the full extent of the resulting damages. If you can firmly prove liability for the accident, you have the right to seek compensation for various damages, including:
If a family member died in a pedestrian accident, you are likely eligible to file a wrongful death suit in place of the personal injury case the victim could have filed if they had survived. The plaintiff has the right to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost future income the deceased can no longer earn, damages to the deceased’s estate, and compensation for the pain and suffering the victim experienced prior to their death.
Pedestrian accidents often result in life-changing injuries, and victims and their families can face severe economic strain from medical bills and the inability to work. When you have lost a family member in a fatal pedestrian accident, it can not only create a financial problem for your family, but the emotional stress of the situation can make it difficult to stay focused on your practical concerns when it comes to pursuing accountability for the at-fault driver. Pursuing a wrongful death claim in Connecticut can help you seek justice for your loved one.
The team at Bartlett & Grippe is confident we can guide you to a positive outcome for your pedestrian accident case. We have years of experience handling all types of accident cases for clients in New Haven and surrounding areas of Connecticut and look forward to assisting with your recovery. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a New Haven pedestrian accident lawyer and learn how we can help.