Summer days in New England often evoke thoughts of vacations and other good times. But sadly, the warm weather months have a dark side. They are tied to deadly crashes involving teen drivers.
According to a report in Hartford HealthCare, over 7,000 people died in teen-related summertime crashes between 2010 and 2019. Inexperienced teen drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes than adult drivers, according to Hartford HealthCare, which cited AAA statistics.
The following are factors identified by AAA that play a part in teen accidents:
- Distractions: Many drivers fail to focus on the road in front of them and instead look at cell phones or let themselves otherwise be distracted. Studies find that distractions factor into six out of 10 crashes involving teen drivers. In addition to using devices, teens can be distracted by talking to passengers in the car.
- Failing to wear a seatbelt: A federal study finds that more than half of teens killed in accidents were not buckled up.
- Speeding: Unfortunately, teens sometimes exceed the speed limit and cause deadly accidents. Going too fast plays a role in 30 percent of fatal teen accidents, according to the Hartford HealthCare report.
- Drunk driving: According to the report, one doctor said alcohol is a dangerous factor in accidents. Connecticut is fourth in the nation in impaired driving accidents.
What to do after a Connecticut car accident?
Car accidents happen without notice in Connecticut. Sometimes teen drivers are responsible, but they also can be injured or killed through no fault of their own.
Anyone can be injured in a car accident when negligence is involved.
Some of the common car accident injuries we see in crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions.
- Whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Shoulder injuries, such as a torn rotator cuff or dislocated shoulder.
- Spinal cord injuries that cause partial or permanent paralysis.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Fractured and broken bones.
- Facial injuries involving scarring.
- Fatal injuries.
A car accident injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit can become a complicated ordeal. Insurance companies may deny a driver is responsible or may make lowball offers to settle a case. Sometimes, victims of accidents get frustrated and accept offers that don’t begin to cover the full extent of their losses.
How an accident attorney in Connecticut can help
With so much at stake, it’s wise to consult with an experienced Connecticut accident attorney if you were injured or lost a loved one.
Accidents often result in expensive medical bills. Victims may be unable to work temporarily or even permanently.
When you have an attorney at your side, you can focus on your recovery and let your lawyer handle the details of the claim. At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, attorneys who serve Hartford and cities and towns throughout Connecticut, we have extensive experience fighting for compensation. We know tricks the insurance companies play to keep payments to a minimum.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There is no obligation. Best of all, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call or contact us online today to learn more.