West Hartford Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Someone else’s negligence can change your life in an instant. If you or a loved one was hit by a car while walking, a dedicated legal team can help. Our West Hartford pedestrian accident lawyers are ready to build a strong case for maximum compensation.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge, P.C.?
- How Our Attorneys Help After a Pedestrian Accident
- What To Do After a West Hartford Pedestrian Accident
- Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident in West Hartford?
- Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
- How Long Do I Have To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Connecticut?
- Common Causes of West Hartford Pedestrian Accidents
- Common Pedestrian Injuries
- Get Help From a West Hartford Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
Why Choose Kennedy Johnson Schwab & Roberge, P.C.?
Founding partner John J. Kennedy Jr. has more than four decades of experience representing injured people and their families throughout Connecticut. Many of our attorneys, including Patrick Kennedy, are lifelong Connecticut residents. We have deep roots in West Hartford and the surrounding areas, so we take it to heart when reckless drivers endanger our neighbors.
We’ve received many professional recognitions for our aggressive advocacy, including a designation in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms in America for Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation. Attorney Stephanie Z. Roberge was also recognized as a Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year for 2024. Additionally, Robert Schwab, Louis Annecchino, Brendan K. Nelligan, Michael Kennedy, and Isabelle L. Koch were all included in the 2025 Best Lawyers in America list for their outstanding work in personal injury litigation. These designations reflect the respect our attorneys have earned in the legal community. All of the lawyers at KJSR are diligent, knowledgeable professionals ready to help you with your pedestrian accident case.
Our Connecticut Pedestrian Accident Case Results
We’ve recovered numerous high-value settlements and verdicts for injured pedestrians and their families. These case results reflect our commitment to helping victims rebuild their lives:
- $1.42M for a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck in a crosswalk
- $890K, $860K, and $750K in three separate pedestrian-vehicle collisions
- $275K for a client who suffered orthopedic injuries at an auto auction and required surgery
How Our Attorneys Help After a Pedestrian Accident
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may use numerous tactics to get you to settle for less than you deserve. We can serve as a buffer between you and the insurance adjusters to prevent them from taking advantage of you. Our attorneys will also handle each step of the legal process while you focus on your recovery, including:
- Investigating the accident to determine what caused it and who’s at fault
- Gathering and preserving evidence
- Calculating your damages and determining your claim’s value
- Negotiating with insurers on your behalf
- Taking the case to trial if negotiations are unsuccessful
We value open communication, so we’ll keep you updated as your case progresses and promptly respond to your questions or concerns. Our attorneys will build a strategy personalized to your needs and take a team approach in pursuing fair compensation.
What To Do After a West Hartford Pedestrian Accident
Taking the right steps after a pedestrian accident can help you protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what to do if you were hit by a car in West Hartford:
- Call 911. The responding police officer will create an accident report, which can provide important evidence for your injury claim. You’ll also want to let emergency medical personnel screen you for injuries.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicle that hit you, the accident’s location, any hazards that might be related to the accident, and any visible injuries. Get the driver’s insurance details, and gather contact information from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention. Visit a doctor as soon as possible, regardless of whether you think you’re injured. The major impact of a moving car on the body can cause injuries that take time to develop symptoms. Early documentation of these injuries can help you prove that the accident caused them.
- Be careful when interacting with insurers. The insurance company may use your words against you. Avoid giving recorded statements before consulting with an attorney.
- Contact a West Hartford car accident attorney. Contacting us early allows us to preserve evidence before it fades.
Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Accident in West Hartford?
Recovering compensation for pedestrian injuries in West Hartford requires proving that someone else is liable for the accident. The driver who hit you is likely at fault if their negligence is to blame. However, other parties may also be liable in a pedestrian accident.
For example, the city government may be liable if improper road maintenance has caused your accident. If a car struck you in a parking lot, the property owner may be liable for failure to maintain lighting or remove obstructions that could have prevented the accident. Our attorneys can uncover all possible sources of liability.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
The compensation you recover for pedestrian injuries in West Hartford may include:
- Past and future medical expenses for surgeries, hospitalizations, physical therapy, and other medical needs
- Lost wages for the time you were unable to work while recovering
- Lost earning capacity, if your injury affects the type or amount of work you can do long-term
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Various factors can affect your claim’s value, including insurance policy limits, each party’s amount of fault, and the severity of your injury.
How Long Do I Have To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Generally, you must file a claim within two years of the accident date.
Some people qualify for a deadline extension, such as victims under 18. Your case also may have a shorter deadline if a municipality is liable for your injuries.
Our attorneys will explain how the statute of limitations applies to your case. Your filing deadline may be sooner than you think, and contacting us promptly can prevent you from missing your chance to recover compensation.
Common Causes of West Hartford Pedestrian Accidents
Driver negligence is often the main cause of pedestrian accidents in the West Hartford area. Common reasons that drivers hit people on foot include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Speeding
- Failing to check for pedestrians before turning
- Drowsy driving
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks
Poor visibility can also contribute to pedestrian accidents. For example, overgrown shrubbery or insufficient lighting can make it difficult for drivers to see people walking near or on the roadway, especially at night.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
People walking on foot don’t have protection to absorb the force of a collision with a vehicle. As a result, these accident injuries can be life-altering or even fatal. Pedestrian injuries often include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Amputations
- Severe skin abrasions, also known as road rash
Get Help From a West Hartford Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Our personal injury lawyers in West Hartford, CT, are here to help if a vehicle hits you while you are walking. The team at KJSR has represented pedestrian accident victims and their families since 1988, and we want to put that experience to work for you.
Contact us online or call 203-865-8430 to schedule a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win, so there’s no risk in seeking our help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents
Find the answers to common questions from injured pedestrians and their families.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Possibly. Connecticut’s modified comparative fault law allows you to recover compensation if you’re less than 51 percent at fault. The amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your share of the fault.
What if the Driver Is Uninsured or Leaves the Scene?
You may still seek compensation if the driver who hit you is uninsured or unidentified. Connecticut requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for these types of situations. If you drive a car, you likely have UM insurance that covers your pedestrian injuries.
Will My Health Insurance or the Driver’s Insurance Pay My Medical Bills?
Your health insurance may cover your medical expenses upfront. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance may reimburse your health insurance company after your case settles. If you have optional medical payments coverage for car accidents, your own car insurance may cover some of your medical expenses as well.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident Case?
The law doesn’t require you to hire an attorney for your pedestrian injury case. However, doing so is generally in your best interests. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can make the claims process easier and help you get more money for your damages.
Are Drivers Legally Required To Yield the Right of Way to Pedestrians in West Hartford?
Yes. Under Connecticut law, pedestrians have the right of way when they step off the curb or into a marked crosswalk. Drivers must yield to pedestrians who have the right of way.
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15 N. Main Street #100 Suite 217
West Hartford, CT 06107
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