Getting hit by a car while you’re walking in a crosswalk is one of the most shocking and physically painful things anyone can experience. While Connecticut law says pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks, that rule doesn’t always stop careless drivers who run red lights, speed through intersections, or just fail to watch out. If a driver’s negligence leaves you seriously hurt, you deserve to seek compensation for your pain, suffering, disability, and the way it affects your life.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our personal injury law firm has decades of experience standing up for people who were hurt through no fault of their own. We handle pedestrian accident cases throughout Connecticut and New Jersey, and we know what it takes to build a strong claim against the responsible drivers and parties. If you were hit in a crosswalk, here is what you need to know about your rights.
Connecticut Law and Pedestrian Right of Way
Connecticut’s pedestrian protection laws are clear. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-300, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing within any marked crosswalk or at an intersection. Failing to do so is a traffic violation, and when that failure causes an injury, it can also be the foundation of a personal injury claim.
What “Right of Way” Actually Means for Your Case
Having the right of way does not mean a driver’s insurance company will simply hand over a settlement. What it does mean is that a driver who failed to yield may be considered negligent, and negligence is the cornerstone of any personal injury claim. To succeed, you generally need to show that the driver owed you a duty of care, that they breached it, that the breach caused your injuries, and that you suffered real damages as a result.
Shared Fault in Connecticut
In Connecticut, you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident, but the amount you receive may be reduced based on your share of responsibility. For example, if you crossed outside a marked crosswalk or went against the signal, your compensation could be reduced based on your level of fault. And if you’re found to be more than 50% responsible, you wouldn’t be able to recover anything. This makes it critical to understand the specific circumstances of your accident and how pedestrian liability may factor into your case.
The Injuries Pedestrians Commonly Face
Being struck by a vehicle while walking in a crosswalk is one of the most jarring and physically devastating things that can happen to you.
According to the Connecticut Highway Safety Office, there were 1,474 crashes involving pedestrians in the state in 2023 alone, resulting in 180 serious injuries and 64 deaths. Connecticut law gives pedestrians the right of way in marked crosswalks, but that legal protection doesn’t always stop drivers from running red lights, speeding through intersections, or failing to yield. When a driver’s negligence leaves you with serious injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation for your pain, suffering, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life.
These are some of the most common injuries seen in crosswalk accident cases:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Blunt force impact to the head can cause concussions, hemorrhaging, or lasting cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries: Fractures and compression injuries to the spine could lead to partial or full paralysis
- Broken bones: Arms, legs, hips, and ribs are frequently fractured during impact or when a person hits the pavement
- Internal injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and are not always visible at the scene
These types of injuries often fall under the category of catastrophic injuries, which carry the highest financial and personal costs for victims and their families. Seeking medical attention immediately is crucial for an injured pedestrian; a prompt diagnosis not only ensures proper care but also establishes a clear, immediate record linking the crash to the pedestrian’s injuries.
What Compensation May Be Available
If another driver’s negligence caused your crosswalk accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses. Connecticut personal injury law allows victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages, covering both the financial impact and the human cost of the injury.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the concrete, calculable losses tied to your accident. Economic damages represent the tangible, quantifiable losses stemming from your accident. These could include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages account for what cannot be easily calculated on a spreadsheet. They cover your pain and suffering, disability and impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life due to permanent injuries suffered in the accident. These are meaningful losses that the legal system recognizes, and they often make up a significant portion of a pedestrian accident settlement or verdict.
Gathering strong evidence in a pedestrian accident claim is key to maximizing what you may recover. Witness statements, traffic camera footage, police reports, and medical records all contribute to building a compelling case.
Speak With Mandelbaum Barrett PC After a Connecticut Crosswalk Accident
When you or someone you care about has been hit in a crosswalk, the physical recovery is only part of what you face. Medical bills pile up quickly, time away from work creates financial pressure, and navigating an insurance claim while injured is exhausting. You should not have to do it alone. Attorney Michael J. Jones brings decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Connecticut and is ready to fight for you. We are dedicated to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.Mandelbaum Barrett PC serves clients throughout Connecticut and New Jersey, combining deep legal knowledge with a genuine commitment to the people we work with. We have helped injured pedestrians recover meaningful compensation, and we are ready to evaluate your case. To get started, reach out to us through our contact form.