Greenwich, CT
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Getting hit by a car while walking can change your life in an instant. A crosswalk that should be safe, a sidewalk that should be protected, or an intersection that should follow the law can become the scene of a serious crash when a careless driver fails to pay attention. Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles often suffer some of the most serious injuries in personal injury law, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and, in the worst cases, death.
At Mandelbaum Barrett PC, our Greenwich personal injury attorneys have deep roots in Fairfield County and across Connecticut. We are committed to helping injured victims and their families pursue the full compensation they deserve under Connecticut law.
Pedestrian Accidents in Greenwich
Greenwich’s mix of residential streets, busy commercial corridors, and high-traffic intersections creates real hazards for people on foot. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s 2023 Motor Vehicle Injury Fact Sheet, more than 33,975 Connecticut residents were treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries in 2023 alone, and pedestrians account for a significant portion of these outcomes. These are not just statistics. Each one represents a real person whose life was turned upside down by someone else’s failure to drive responsibly.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian crashes in Greenwich often follow the same patterns. Drivers who are distracted by their phones, speeding through neighborhoods, or failing to yield at crosswalks put people on foot at serious risk. Accidents happen most often near schools, shopping areas, and residential streets where foot traffic is highest.
Some of the most common causes we see in these cases include:
- Distracted or inattentive driving: Looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or simply not paying attention behind the wheel
- Failure to yield: Drivers who do not stop at marked crosswalks or intersections where pedestrians have the right of way
- Speeding: Drivers going too fast in residential or school zones
- Impaired driving: Alcohol or drug use that slows a driver’s reaction time
- Turning without checking: Drivers making right or left turns without looking for pedestrians in their path
- Poor conditions: Insufficient lighting, missing crosswalk markings, or unclear signage
Each of these failures may give rise to a valid personal injury claim, and the details of your accident matter when building the strongest possible case.
Connecticut Law and Pedestrian Rights
Connecticut law provides important protections for pedestrians, but using those protections after an accident can be complicated. Under the Connecticut General Statutes, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and take reasonable care to avoid collisions. When a driver fails to meet this standard and causes injury, they may be held responsible for the full range of damages the victim suffers.
How Connecticut’s Fault Rules Work
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes it essential to have legal help that can push back against any attempt by an insurance company to blame you for what happened. Gathering and preserving evidence after a pedestrian accident is a critical step that can protect the strength of your claim from the very start.
Damages Available to Injured Pedestrians
When a pedestrian is hurt because of a driver’s negligence, Connecticut law allows recovery for a wide range of losses. You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, both current and future, as well as lost wages and reduced earning ability. Connecticut law also recognizes compensation for pain and suffering, disability and impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where a pedestrian’s injuries prove fatal, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for their loss.
Serious Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Because pedestrians have no protection between themselves and a vehicle, the injuries they sustain are often severe. Traumatic brain injuries can affect a person’s memory, behavior, and ability to work. Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or full paralysis. Catastrophic injuries of any kind may require years of ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. We understand the weight of these situations, and we approach every case with the seriousness it deserves.
Contact Mandelbaum Barrett PC: Greenwich, CT Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Attorney Michael J. Jones brings decades of experience handling personal injury claims throughout Connecticut and is ready to fight for you. Our Greenwich team also includes seasoned Connecticut trial attorneys who have successfully handled pedestrian accident cases for victims and their families throughout Fairfield County and beyond. We also secured a $495,000 settlement in a pedestrian injury case, reflecting our track record of results for injured clients.
If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Greenwich, do not wait to get legal guidance. Time limits apply under Connecticut law, and the steps taken right after an accident can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and let our team go to work for you.
