A person walking on the road is vulnerable to accidents. Although motor vehicle drivers are supposed to watch out for pedestrians, sometimes negligent actions by a driver may cause an accident. Connecticut residents must be aware of pedestrian accidents that take place while using a crosswalk or walking in a parking lot. Recently, a person was hit in a crosswalk by a pickup truck.
According to authorities, a man was crossing a road when a truck hit him. The man sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment. It was also reported that the truck driver did not receive any injuries.
Neighbors stated that they heard a crash and found the victim moaning loudly due to pain. It was also stated that the victim was lying on the road when an emergency team arrived at the scene. Police documented shoes and clothing that were found on the road. The road was closed for some time because of the investigation.
People residing near the accident location stated that many vehicles often speed on the road. It has been noted by the Department of Transportation that 91 accidents have taken place on the same road from 2008 to 2010. However, none of them were reported to be pedestrian accidents. As officials were concerned about the safety of pedestrians, medians were built at crosswalks. But at this location where the victim was crossing the road, there was no median.
When a pedestrian is involved in an accident, it may result in life threatening injuries. The person may receive catastrophic injuries to the head, neck and back. In this case, the person is likely to have medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and loss of wages due to his or her injuries.
According to Connecticut law, a person injured in an accident may be eligible to file a claim for compensation from the driver responsible for the accident. The person may make a claim for loss of wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation and medical expenses. The person also may claim damages for diminished quality of life, particularly if some injuries become permanent in nature.
Source: The Cheshire Citizen, “Pedestrian struck on West Main Street in Cheshire,” Richie Rathsack, Nov. 2, 2012.