New Connecticut traffic law protects the ‘vulnerable’

Wednesday November 12, 2014

Connecticut lawmakers have passed a new law against careless drivers who seriously injure or kill “vulnerable users” of the state’s roads, including pedestrians, bicyclists and wheelchair users. The law applies when accident victims had been using reasonable care at the time of the accident and can result in a maximum fine of $1,000.

Until the law went into effect on Oct. 1, it was difficult to prosecute careless drivers unless they had been drunk or fled the scene after the accident occurred. The Vulnerable User law was pushed for by Bike Walk Connecticut, a statewide nonprofit with the mission of making the state more bike and pedestrian friendly.

A member of Bike Walk Connecticut said she thinks that the new law serves as a good way to hold careless drivers responsible for their actions, but also said that there could be an unintended consequence to the law. He said it could be used as a way for a driver charged with manslaughter to plead down.

In addition to criminal charges, careless drivers who seriously injure or kill pedestrians and other “vulnerable users” can also face civil consequences in the form of personal injury lawsuits. The victim or the victim’s family must prove that the driver was negligent at the time of the accident and can seek compensation for the damages they suffered as a result.

In criminal law cases, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” But in civil cases, the plaintiff must prove that is it “more likely than not” that the defendant was negligent, which is a much easier burden to meet.

See our website for more information on personal injury lawsuits following bicycle accidents or pedestrian accidents.

Source: Wilton Bulletin, “New law fines careless drivers,” Patricia Gay, Oct. 29, 2014

Get in Touch

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation

At Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, L.L.C., we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not get paid unless and until you receive a settlement or a jury award.

Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer today.

News & insights
Meta Inc. Files Motion to Move CT Product Liability Case to MDL
News

Meta Inc. Files Motion to Move CT Product Liability Case to MDL

23

March
2023

Is It Illegal To Drive With Your Hazard Lights On?
Articles

Is It Illegal To Drive With Your Hazard Lights On?

23

March
2023

How to Handle Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
Articles

How to Handle Chemical Exposure in the Workplace

20

March
2023

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023
News

Brain Injury Awareness Month: March 2023

16

March
2023

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut
ArticlesInsights

Dram Shop Laws in Connecticut

28

February
2023

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Articles

The Leading Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

20

February
2023

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online
News

Upcoming Bipartisan Congressional Bills Focused on Protecting Children Online

20

February
2023

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.
News

KJSR Files Suit Against Meta Platforms Inc., Snap Inc.

6

February
2023

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur
Insights

Wrong Way Accidents: What They Are and How They Occur

23

January
2023

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut
Articles

Crosswalk Laws in Connecticut

6

January
2023