When a person collides with a vehicle, the aftermath can be devastating. The shock of the crash often leaves victims grappling with physical, emotional and financial hardships. Understanding who is in the right and who bears responsibility for the accident can be complex, especially during such a challenging time. However, it’s crucial to uncover the details of the incident and establish fault accurately.
Doing so gives both parties clarity on who can be held liable for damages and the subsequent costs on the road to recovery.
Assigning fault to who caused the accident
Understanding who is at fault in a car-pedestrian accident in Connecticut is crucial. This is because it directly influences the compensation one can receive. The state follows a system known as modified comparative negligence. This system divides responsibility for the accident between the parties based on how much each party was at fault.
In a car-pedestrian accident, it’s possible for both parties to share the blame. In terms of compensation, if Connecticut courts decide a person is less than 50% at fault, that person can receive compensation. But if someone is at fault by 50% or more, they won’t be able to get any compensation.
For example, the court might find the pedestrian partially responsible if a pedestrian jaywalked and collided with a car. Similarly, if a driver were speeding or ignoring traffic signals when they hit a pedestrian, the driver would likely bear most of the fault. In this scenario, the court would evaluate each party’s degree of fault. After doing so, they would adjust the compensation accordingly.
Compensation rules and liability
It’s important to understand that the final decision on compensation rests with the court, based on each case’s specific facts and circumstances. In such cases, seeking assistance could be necessary. So, those involved in an accident should consider seeking the help of a lawyer to assist them with their case.
