The number of people who died in car accidents exceeded 380 in Connecticut last year. It’s a grim number state officials say is unacceptable.
CT officials seek to reduce fatal accidents to zero
With the goal of saving lives, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and the Connecticut Department of Transportation joined Hartford officials to announce an initiative called “Road to Zero Resolution.” The plan is to end all deaths on roads by 2050, according to a Hartford Courant article. The initiative asks for increased investment and improved technology to cut road tragedies.
A Connecticut car accident attorney knows that fatal crashes happen too often and leave a mark on countless families and friends of victims. Road fatalities include pedestrians and bicycle riders struck by cars in addition to passengers and drivers of motor vehicles and motorcycles.
According to the Courant article, 2023 has been the deadliest year on record for pedestrians and cyclists in Connecticut.
How do fatal car accidents happen in Connecticut?
The following are some of the top contributing factors in car accidents resulting in deaths, according to officials in Connecticut:
- Drinking and driving
- Speeding
- Larger SUVs on the road
- Increased speed limits over the past 25 years
While officials are pushing for technological improvements and increased investment in safety measures, an injury attorney knows that crash prevention begins with the driver. Accidents typically happen because someone made a careless or reckless decision.
Drivers should keep in mind their actions have consequences. A negligent action such as texting while driving or speeding increases the risk of causing an accident with serious injuries or fatalities.
The following are common severe injuries in car crashes:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Car accidents are a leading cause of TBIs, which occur when the brain is damaged by a blow or piercing injury to the head.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: A car accident can lead to a spinal cord injury, which can result in partial or total paralysis.
- Neck injuries: Whiplash, which is a neck injury, is not unusual in car crashes, especially rear-end accidents.
- Broken bones: Car accidents may lead to broken ribs, legs, arms, and wrists. Broken bone injuries are common in accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, who have little protection in collisions with cars.
How a Connecticut accident lawyer can help
After an accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Even if you think you might be okay, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries are not immediately apparent.
Accidents, especially fatal ones, can become complex legal matters. The insurance company may reject a claim or argue you or the person who died was at fault. They often seek ways to keep payments to a minimum.
When you have an experienced Connecticut injury lawyer at your side, you will level the playing field with the insurance companies. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli for a free consultation. We put our clients’ interests first and aggressively fight to maximize their compensation. We can take on the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
Remember, there’s no obligation when you hire our law firm. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Talk to us today about your Connecticut car accident.