Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Laws [Updated-2025]

All pedestrians in Connecticut walk near traffic with the expectation that nearby drivers will yield the right-of-way as necessary and that they can reach their destinations safely. If you or a family member is hurt in an accident while walking, it’s vital to know Connecticut pedestrian accident laws that apply to this situation and the value of hiring an attorney to help you recover.

Important Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Laws

In Connecticut, both motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians have rights and responsibilities. Connecticut’s pedestrian accident laws aim to minimize the risk of pedestrian accidents, but both drivers and pedestrians must know their duties of care.

Despite the rules in place for both drivers and pedestrians, the Connecticut Crash Data Repository reported more than 1,400 accidents involving pedestrians throughout the state in 2024. Motor vehicle accidents are one of the top causes of accidental injuries and deaths throughout the state each year, and pedestrians are especially likely to suffer life-changing injuries.

According to the National Safety Council, there were more than 9,000 pedestrian deaths throughout the US in 2023, most of which occurred in traffic accidents. More than 7,300 pedestrians died in accidents that occurred on public roads. Whenever a motor vehicle driver hits a pedestrian, even at relatively low speed, the pedestrian is likely to suffer severe injuries.

Drivers in Connecticut are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians, however, are required to obey crossing signals at all intersections and only attempt to cross streets when it is safe to do so. Additionally, Connecticut recently implemented a new law that requires drivers to yield to pedestrians who signal that they intend to cross a street.

Pedestrian accidents can happen when drivers are negligent or when they disregard traffic signals. It is also possible for these accidents to result from pedestrians’ negligence, such as jaywalking or crossing the street outside of the crosswalk. Liability for a pedestrian accident could be contested if there is any evidence showing the pedestrian was negligent.

Resolving Pedestrian Accident Cases in Connecticut

Many people assume that if a driver hits a pedestrian, the driver is automatically at fault for the accident, but this isn’t necessarily true. While a driver does have a duty of care to avoid hitting pedestrians at all times, it is possible for a pedestrian’s own negligence to contribute to causing an accident. It’s possible for a pedestrian to be found partially liable for causing their damages.

Connecticut upholds a modified comparative negligence rule that can apply to any civil claim for damages in which multiple parties share fault. This means it’s possible for a pedestrian to bear partial liability for their recent accident.

Under the modified comparative fault rule, the pedestrian can still recover compensation if their percentage of fault is lower than the defendant’s, but their fault percentage is subtracted from their case award.

Connecticut’s fault-based system for vehicle accidents dictates that whoever caused an accident is liable for all resulting damages. If you believe another party is responsible for your damages, you must hire a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer you can trust to build your case. They can gather evidence to show the cause of your accident and help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for your damages.

You may be able to claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering after a pedestrian accident. Generally, more serious injuries lead to more substantial case awards and settlements. The team at Bartlett & Grippe has decades of experience handling all types of accident cases for clients throughout Connecticut, so we are confident we can guide you to a positive outcome in your case. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Fault for a Pedestrian Accident in Connecticut?

Proving fault for a pedestrian accident in Connecticut could require various forms of evidence, some of which you may not be able to obtain on your own. When you hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to represent you, they can secure police reports, cell phone records, vehicle computer data, and testimony from eyewitnesses to help you establish fault.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right-of-Way in Connecticut?

Yes, pedestrians usually have the right-of-way in Connecticut at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. This means that when a driver notices that a pedestrian intends to cross, the driver must yield to the pedestrian and let them cross. When there is a crosswalk signal, the pedestrian has the right-of-way before all drivers nearby when the “Walk” signal is illuminated.

Will a Driver Go to Jail for Hitting a Pedestrian?

It is possible for a driver to face jail time and other penalties for hitting a pedestrian, depending on the reason why the accident happened. If the driver was negligent, they face liability for resulting damages, but if they were engaged in any illegal misconduct like drinking and driving, they are likely to face criminal prosecution as well.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth in Connecticut?

The value of a pedestrian accident case in Connecticut largely depends on the scope and severity of the victim’s injuries. Under Connecticut’s fault-based system for resolving vehicle accidents, the at-fault driver is liable for all economic and non-economic damages the defendant caused. Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer who can accurately calculate the full extent of your damages and maximize your recovery.

Why Should I Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to have a better chance of winning your case. You may need to file an auto insurance claim or file a personal injury suit, and you are more likely to succeed with an attorney’s help. Your attorney can also accurately calculate all of your damages, maximizing your compensation if you win.

Pedestrian accidents have a high chance of resulting in severe or even fatal injuries. Connecticut pedestrian accident laws exist to protect pedestrians, but negligence and misconduct behind the wheel can easily result in serious accidents. Bartlett & Grippe can help you make sense of your legal options after your accident, so contact us today and schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you recover.