As summer approaches, many Connecticut residents find themselves truly excited to escape the confines of their homes, having been cooped up for what seemed like a winter that would never end. As the weather continues to improve, being outdoors becomes a sort of reward for folks who were beginning to wonder if the skies would ever clear. From fishing, to gardening, to simply taking a walk, plans to venture out mean increased foot traffic for local towns. One downside to throngs of people being out-and-about is the increased risk of becoming a pedestrian accident victim.
While most are aware that pedestrians should pay close attention to traffic signals, use crosswalks where appropriate and check for traffic, especially before crossing the street, sometimes pedestrian accidents are the fault of a vehicle driver. In some cases, nothing can be done on the part of a person on foot to prevent a hit-and-run pedestrian accident. These types of accidents are especially tragic, because as the driver flees, the victim lays helpless and injured.
Recently, Connecticut police received a call reporting that a pedestrian had been hit, and the driver of the offending vehicle had fled the scene. Police and emergency crews rushed to the area and found the pedestrian had suffered life-threatening injuries. The wounded man was rushed to a local hospital, but despite the best efforts of rescuers, the injuries he had suffered were fatal. Police were able to attain an accurate description of the vehicle, and are currently attempting to locate the driver.
Especially in fatal hit-and-run scenarios, it can be difficult for the pedestrian accident victim’s family to know what to do. While people are naturally in a state of shock and sadness, they must somehow manage to deal with the aftermath of the accident itself, which can often including medical bills, funeral expenses, legal proceedings, and insurance claims. In many cases, seeking the assistance of an experienced and compassionate attorney can bring relief and aid to grieving families.
Source: NBC Connecticut, “Police Investigate Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in New Britain“, Cailyn Blonstein, May 20, 2018
