Everyone deserves to feel safe on the streets of Enfield. Unfortunately, not all motorists pay enough attention to pedestrians while driving through crosswalks or other areas with heavy foot traffic. Worse, drivers who choose to operate their vehicles drunk or text while driving greatly increase the likelihood that they will not see or be able to avoid people walking around them.
When you have been struck by a negligent driver, an Enfield pedestrian accident lawyer could stand in your corner to make sure they are held responsible for their actions and reimburse you for your injuries and losses. Speak to an experienced local personal injury attorney from Berman & Russo today.
Generally, Connecticut law does not allow an injured person to simply name a figure they think they deserve as “damages,” or compensation. In most instances, damages are intended to put the injured person as close as possible to the position they were in before the accident. This means an injured pedestrian must prove exactly how they were injured and, to the extent possible, what effects their injuries have had on their life.
Any documentation or records that show a person lost a specific and identifiable amount of money because of the accident are of great value. Such losses can include:
An injured person may also be able to prove losses that are less readily identifiable in an objective manner—these are called non-economic damages. Non-economic damages might include pain and suffering, mental stress and anguish, or loss of consortium. A court may also require an at-fault motorist to pay additional amounts as punishment for particularly egregious actions. However, instances of this are exceptionally limited.
An Enfield attorney who is skilled in handling pedestrian accidents could be able to help an injured person understand what damages may be available in their situation and what will be necessary to prove those damages in a lawsuit.
When a person is injured by a car while walking in Enfield, it is critical that they contact an attorney as soon as possible. Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584 allows for an injured person to file a lawsuit up to two years from the date the accident occurred. A strong legal case, however, takes time to build and good evidence related to the accident will become harder to come by the more time passes as eyewitnesses’ memories fade and become less clear. Even if a lawsuit does not turn out to be necessary, speaking with an attorney right away could help an injured person fully understand their rights and options going forward.
Sustaining injuries because of a careless driver can cause a great deal of physical pain, emotional trauma, and stress. An experienced legal advocate could help you recover the financial portion of your losses by working to help define and prove your damages. Call an Enfield pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm today to learn more.