Why do so many pedestrians and cyclists keep getting injured?
In Connecticut, streets are becoming increasingly hazardous for pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly in urban areas such as Hartford and New Haven.
According to recent data, Hartford ranks second in the state for crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists. Between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., these incidents spike, creating a daily risk for anyone trying to get home on foot or by bike, according to a WFSB Eyewitness News report.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, we’ve represented countless injury victims in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. We know how devastating these incidents can be, physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why our Connecticut personal injury lawyers want residents to understand both the dangers they face and the rights they have if they're hurt as a result of someone else's negligence.
High risk of pedestrian accidents in Hartford
More than 1,300 pedestrians have been injured or killed in Hartford in the past decade, WFSB reports. Hotspots such as Park Street, Albany Avenue, Capitol Avenue, and Wethersfield Avenue continue to experience high crash rates. These streets serve neighborhoods where many residents don’t own cars and rely on walking or biking to get to work, school, or the store.
Hartford has recently introduced “traffic calming” tools, such as bollards, which are vertical posts placed at intersections to narrow lanes and slow drivers down. While they’ve already made some areas safer, residents still report near-misses and dangerous driving habits that put lives at risk.
What to do if you’re hit while walking or biking in Connecticut
If you’re injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, here are key steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s critical to get checked out. Head injuries, internal trauma, or spinal issues may not be immediately obvious.
- Report the incident: Call the police and file an accident report. Make sure that your side of the story is documented and get a copy of the report when it becomes available.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the scene, your injuries, damaged property, and any traffic signs or signals. Get names and contact info from witnesses.
- Don’t negotiate alone: Insurance companies are often quick to make lowball offers. Don’t sign anything or agree to a settlement without speaking to a lawyer.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer: An experienced accident attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Why legal representation matters when you've been injured
Connecticut law offers protections for vulnerable road users, but securing justice takes more than proving fault: It requires a clear legal strategy.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, our Connecticut personal injury lawyers know how to investigate pedestrian and bicycle crashes, preserve evidence, and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Hit by a car? Contact a Connecticut personal injury lawyer today
Whether you were hit in downtown Hartford or on a suburban road, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. While cities like Hartford continue to explore solutions like bollards and better road design, these changes take time, and lives remain at risk every day.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while walking or biking, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the justice and financial compensation you deserve. "Tell Them...You Mean Business!
"I was hit, and then completely run over by, a van driving at about 40 mph. Within that first week, Mr. Morelli came to see me at the hospital. I literally didn't have to do anything. Three months later, they already had a settlement for me. These guys are awesome." - Morrn M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐