While an accident with another driver can cause serious injuries, an accident that involves a pedestrian is often especially severe and, in some situations, results in a fatality. Our attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have the resources, expertise, and knowledge to investigate and pursue these types of accident cases.
In some situations, liability for these accidents is an area of disagreement, which is why it is so important to have experienced and capable attorneys working to protect your rights.
Retailer Pedestrian Accident Risk
Today, drivers on the roads in New Haven are more distracted than ever before. This is clear with more and more reports of vehicles colliding into storefronts. In fact, it’s now estimated that this type of accident occurs around the U.S. over 20,000 times per year.
There are some large retailers that experience these types of accidents regularly in the area. Unfortunately, when these accidents occur, pedestrians are also victims of the collision.
While some companies have opted to install bollards to help protect their assets, they haven’t implemented the same basic safety measures to protect customers and others outside the store.
Proper Site Design and Bollards to Help Protect Pedestrians
Proper site and parking lot design can help reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in these types of accidents. Installing high-quality, durable pipe bollards where there is heavy pedestrian traffic is a cost-effective, simple way for businesses to protect customers from potential vehicle strikes.
Usually, bollards are placed in areas that get a lot of foot traffic, like entrances and exits of businesses, and in other activities where pedestrians tend to be. Having bollards installed close to one another (less than five feet apart) is important. If a store has just a few bollards in place and they are placed too far apart, it can allow a vehicle to slip in between them, reaching the pedestrian area and buildings.
Common Causes of New Haven Pedestrian Accidents
In most situations, a pedestrian accident can be avoided. This is true no matter if they are the fault of a motorist, pedestrian, or even a business owner. Some of the most common reasons that these accidents occur include:
- A motorist not yielding the right of way to a pedestrian
- The failure to use a marked intersection when crossing the road
- Poor visibility or lighting
- Walking or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving (especially drivers using their phones behind the wheel)
- Moving into the roadway or suddenly lying, standing, or playing on the road
Types of Compensation You Can Claim in a New Haven Pedestrian Accident
If you happen to be hit by a motorist and suffer an injury because of their negligent actions, you can recover compensation for the following losses and damages:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lost income or lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Medical costs or the need for ongoing treatment
- The inability to go back to the same type of job
Can Pedestrians Receive Compensation if They Are Jaywalking at the Time of the Accident?
While a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, they are considered to have the right-of-way. In this case, the driver who hits them will be held liable for their injuries and damages.
In situations where a pedestrian is jaywalking, and they are struck by a vehicle, they may be held partially responsible for the accident. When you are found partially responsible, it does not mean you cannot recover any compensation.
The state of Connecticut works on a comparative negligence system. This means that if you are less than 51% responsible for your accident, you can recover some amount of compensation for the accident and injuries you sustained.
Contact New Haven Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for Help and Information
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, our legal team at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is here to help. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and fight for your rights to compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained. We are here to help with your accident case, and the first step is to call our offices to schedule a free consultation.
We have years of experience handling cases like yours and are ready to help with your situation. Give us a call to get started. We will fight for your rights and ensure the liable party is held responsible for their actions and the injuries you sustained.
