By understanding the common causes of car accidents and taking necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in one. However, if the unfortunate happens, knowing the steps to take and what are your legal rights in Connecticut can help you deal with the aftermath effectively.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation identifies the following as among the most frequent causes of accidents:
Driver distraction or inattention — In today's fast-paced world, driver distractions abound and accidents are the result. Texting, talking on the phone, applying makeup or even adjusting the car’s sound system can divert a driver's focus from the road. In 2022, the last full year for which statistics are available, there were roughly 5,200 crashes attributed to distracted driving.
Aggressive driving — Impatience and a disregard for traffic laws are at the root of aggressive driving. Speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic and ignoring stop signs and red lights are behaviors that put everyone on the road at risk.
Driving under the influence — DUI is a major cause of crashes. Alcohol and drugs impair drivers’ judgment, reaction time and coordination, making it nearly impossible to drive safely.
Speeding — Exceeding the speed limit considerably reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. The faster the vehicles speed, the less control the driver has and the greater the potential for disaster.
Vehicle malfunctions — Poorly maintained vehicles often contribute to accidents. Faulty brakes, worn tires or malfunctioning steering systems can all lead to a loss of control.
If you're involved in an accident and may be injured, take the following steps to attend to your well-being and to protect your rights:
Get to safety — Check yourself and others in your vehicle for injuries. If necessary, call 911 immediately. Turn on hazard lights and if possible move your car off the roadway to prevent further accidents.
Exchange information — Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved. Get contact information from witnesses as well. Take photos of the damage to vehicles and the surrounding area.
Seek medical attention — Even if you don't feel immediate pain, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Contact your insurance company — Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
Obtain a police report — This is an important document for proving accident causation.
Call an attorney — A lawyer experienced in auto accident cases can negotiate with insurance companies and work effectively to get you fair compensation for your injuries.
If your injuries in a car accident were caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to damages for associated medical bills, the physical and emotional pain you suffered, the income you lose due to your inability to work and the costs of repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle.
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven advocates on behalf of Connecticut clients injured in car crashes. To discuss your case, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.
Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. is located in Hamden, CT and serves clients in and around North Haven, Hamden, Waterbury, Bethany, Milford, Wallingford, Prospect, Woodbridge, Northford, Madison, Beacon Falls, Branford, Cheshire, North Branford, East Haven, Naugatuck, Meriden, Ansonia and New Haven County.
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