Submitted by Paul McConnell on
If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident, you know how serious these accidents can be. Many pedestrian accidents leave victims with permanent injuries, emotional trauma, and hefty medical bills. Unfortunately, these accidents are all too common in Connecticut.
In 2021, Connecticut introduced a new set of laws that seeks to lessen pedestrian accidents and keep pedestrians safer on the road. Read on to learn more about these laws and how you can prevent pedestrian accidents. Then contact our qualified pedestrian accident lawyers for a free consultation.
What Is the New Pedestrian Law in Connecticut?
In October 2021, Connecticut introduced two new laws that attempt to prevent pedestrian accidents. These laws involve yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and opening vehicle doors.
The first new law broadens the circumstances in which drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Before this law, drivers only needed to yield to pedestrians who were currently in the crosswalk or stepping off the curb into the crosswalk. Now, drivers must also yield to pedestrians who are:
- Within any part of the crosswalk
- Indicating intent to cross at a curb by a crosswalk
- Moving any body part or extension of a body part, such as a wheelchair or stroller, into the crosswalk
Drivers who disobey these laws can receive a $500 fine.
Additionally, this new law prohibits drivers from opening their doors in moving traffic and leaving doors open longer than necessary to unload passengers. Moving traffic can include:
- Bikes
- Motor vehicles
- Electric bikes
- Electric foot scooters
Common Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur due to numerous circumstances. Often, these accidents occur when a driver is unaware of their proximity to a pedestrian, or a pedestrian is unaware of moving vehicles.
Here are a few of the most common types of pedestrian accidents:
- Backup accidents: Accidents that occur when a motor vehicle backs into a pedestrian due to low visibility
- Distracted driver accidents: Accidents that occur when drivers fail to notice pedestrians in crosswalks due to distractions inside or outside their vehicles
- Multiple threat accidents: Accidents that occur when several drivers must stop for a pedestrian at a crosswalk
- Turning vehicle accidents: Accidents that occur when drivers fail to notice pedestrians crossing the road they are turning into
- Changing signal accidents: Accidents that occur when pedestrians enter a crosswalk during a "Walk" signal, then the signal changes to "Don't Walk" while they are halfway through, trapping them in the crosswalk
Our pedestrian accident attorneys have seen accidents happen from all of these scenarios and more.
Who Is At Fault in a Pedestrian Accident?
Pedestrians and drivers can both be liable for pedestrian accidents.
Pedestrians only have the right of way on roads in specific circumstances, such as at the curb near a crosswalk or within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Outside of these circumstances, they may be at fault for entering the path of moving traffic.
However, drivers also have a responsibility to watch out for pedestrians in parking lots. Additionally, if a pedestrian has entered a roadway and a driver has sufficient time to slow down or stop and fails to, they may be partially liable for the accident.
Pedestrian accident liability can be complex and messy. If you were a victim in a pedestrian accident, you need a qualified pedestrian accidents lawyer on your side to help you navigate this complicated case.
Tips to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents
Following traffic laws isn't always enough to prevent pedestrian accidents. As a driver, you must be vigilant at any point a pedestrian could enter the roadway. Likewise, as a pedestrian, you must ensure that all drivers notice your presence before entering moving traffic.
Here are a few tips from a pedestrian accident lawyer to avoid pedestrian accidents as a driver:
- Scan crosswalks as you approach them to observe any pedestrians traversing them or planning to step into them.
- Watch for pedestrians waving at crosswalks.
- Yield to pedestrians crossing the street even if they do not have the right of way.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks.
Additionally, here are a few ways pedestrians can avoid accidents:
- Only enter a crosswalk when you are sure it is clear.
- Wave before entering a crosswalk to signal your approach to drivers.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them at a crosswalk.
- Wear bright, reflective clothing, especially at night.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Attorney Team Today
At The Doctor Lawyer Team, we know how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. Our pedestrian injury attorney team combines legal and medical expertise to help pedestrian accident victims claim adequate compensation and move forward from their injuries.
Contact our pedestrian accidents lawyer team today at (833) DLT-WINS; (833) 358-9467, or fill out our online form, to request a free case evaluation. If we represent you, you won't pay a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
