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Child pedestrian accidents

It is vital for Connecticut drivers to be on a constant lookout for small children on sidewalks street corners, and anywhere else they are likely to be present. That means drive at an appropriate speed, obey traffic laws and put your cellphone away so you are not tempted to update your Twitter or Facebook feeds while operating your vehicle. Keeping your eyes on the road and being a cautious driver is essential if you want to avoid causing a horrific pedestrian crash with a child.

Something else drivers should be aware of is the fact that even if a child jumps out in front of you, and you strike him or her with your vehicle, the accident could still be your fault. Drivers who try to defend themselves against pedestrian accident claims by saying that the accident was not their fault may be up against the wall when the accident involved the child. That is because, in the state of Connecticut, drivers must employ a heightened level of care in all areas where children are present — or are likely to be present.

For example, Connecticut drivers need to be particularly careful when they are driving in a school zone. Children do not make the best decisions — and they cannot be expected to — when it comes to avoiding car accidents. Therefore, the law generally assigns more responsibility to motorists to avoid hitting children who might cross the street unexpectedly, or ride their bicycles in an erratic and unpredictable fashion. Motorists should also give more space to children and drive slower in neighborhoods, parking lots and other places where children are often found.

Has your child been involved in a pedestrian crash? You may be able to seek financial restitution in court to help pay for medical care required to treat his or her injuries. By speaking with a qualified Connecticut personal injury attorney, you can evaluate the merits of pursuing such a claim and determine the most appropriate strategies for recovery.

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