The Connection Between Speeding and Fatal Accidents

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In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone seems to be in a hurry, speeding on the roads has become a common issue. Unfortunately, the consequences of excessive speed can be severe, leading to an alarming number of fatal accidents. If someone you love suffered fatal injuries in a car accident because of the negligent actions of another driver, an experienced car accident attorney can establish liability and help you obtain justice and the largest possible compensation for your loss. 

Statistics on Speed-related Fatal Accidents in Connecticut

In recent years, Connecticut has witnessed a concerning increase in fatal accidents. The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s data reveals a notable correlation between high-speed incidents and the overall fatality rates on the state’s roads. In 2022, there were 367 reported fatal accidents as per the Connecticut Crash Data Repository (CTCDR). The state is statistically tied with Wyoming for the third-highest surge in traffic fatalities nationwide. In 2023, 322 individuals lost their lives in accidents on Connecticut’s rural roads. 39% of these fatalities were attributed to speeding.

How Does Speeding Impact Car Accident Injuries?

Increased Impact Force

Speed directly correlates with kinetic energy, which determines the force of impact during a collision. Higher speeds result in a substantial increase in impact force upon collision. This heightened force can lead to more severe vehicle damage and, more critically, cause significant injuries to the occupants.

Reduced Reaction Time

Speeding diminishes a driver’s ability to react promptly to unexpected situations on the road. A driver traveling at higher speeds has a shorter reaction time, making it challenging to maneuver or brake quickly in response to sudden obstacles, road hazards, or other vehicles.

Extended Stopping Distance

The braking distance required to bring a speeding vehicle to a halt is considerably longer than that of a vehicle traveling at a moderate speed. This extended stopping distance poses a significant challenge when attempting to avoid collisions or navigate through congested traffic.

Limited Control and Maneuverability

Speeding compromises a driver’s control over the vehicle. At higher speeds, it becomes difficult to maintain stability and execute precise maneuvers. Sudden turns, lane changes, or emergency maneuvers are less effective, increasing the likelihood of loss of control and subsequent accidents.

Exacerbated Injuries to Occupants

The severity of injuries sustained by occupants in a speeding-related accident is notably higher. The increased force of impact translates into more severe trauma, including head injuries, fractures, and internal injuries. The likelihood of fatal outcomes is also heightened in high-speed collisions.

Impact on Crash Survival Rates

Speeding significantly impacts the chances of survival in a car accident. The force generated in high-speed collisions often exceeds the designed safety measures of vehicles, reducing the effectiveness of safety features such as airbags and seat belts. This, in turn, increases the vulnerability of occupants to life-threatening injuries.

Legal Options for Families Coping with the Loss of Loved Ones in Connecticut Fatal Car Accidents

Families can file wrongful death claims against the party responsible for the accident. These claims can help you recover compensation for the emotional and financial losses resulting from the death of your loved one. Damages may include:

  • Funeral expenses
  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Loss of consortium
  • Punitive damages

You would need to prove negligence on part of the speeding driver. This usually involves demonstrating that the at-fault party breached a duty of care owed to the victim, leading to the fatal accident. This makes it important to obtain legal guidance from a competent wrongful death attorney. 

Why Early Legal Representation Helps in Connecticut Wrongful Death Claims?

Families should consult with experienced wrongful death lawyers as soon as possible after the loss of a loved one for the following reasons:

Preservation of Evidence

You need to gather and preserve evidence for building a strong case. Your wrongful death attorney can act promptly to secure evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and other critical information before it is lost or becomes unavailable.

Early involvement allows for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wrongful death. This includes assessing liability, identifying responsible parties, and determining the potential strengths and weaknesses of the case.

Timely Filing of Claims

Connecticut follows a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. If you fail to file within this timeframe, it can result in the loss of your right to recover compensation. In most cases, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. Wrongful death cases involve complex legal processes, and having legal representation early on can help families understand their rights and responsibilities.

Negotiations and Settlements

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging for you, especially during the grieving process. Your lawyer can handle communications with insurance providers. They can advocate for the family’s rights and negotiate fair settlements. Early legal representation provides sufficient time for car accident lawyers to prepare a compelling case, whether for negotiation or litigation. 

This preparation enhances the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome. Your lawyer will work to recover fair and just compensation for your losses, covering economic and non-economic damages. Early involvement allows for a more strategic approach to obtaining the appropriate amount of compensation.

Get a Proven and Compassionate Car Accident Attorney on Your Side

The tenacious Connecticut wrongful death lawyers at the Dodd Law Firm, LLC are equipped to preserve important evidence, conduct thorough investigations, and ensure the timely filing of claims, respecting Connecticut’s two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits. Our dedicated legal team has successfully negotiated over $250 million in workers’ compensation settlements and over $100 million in personal injury cases.

Beyond the legal challenges, the Dodd Law Firm recognizes the human aspect of your struggle. We understand the pain, grief, and sense of loss you are experiencing, and are determined to get you justice and compensation. To set up your free consultation, call (203) 272-1883 or reach us online.

Important Tips for Preventing Winter Car Accidents

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As we gear up in Cheshire for another season of nor’easters, you’re probably already getting ready for the increase in car accidents we see every single year. This includes standard two-vehicle crashes, multi-car pileups, and vehicles ending up in ditches. How can you protect yourself from becoming a statistic? Use these tips to minimize your accident risk.

No matter how much you prepare, you can’t control everything. If you’re involved in a crash this winter, it’s important to talk to a car accident attorney about your legal options. Call The Dodd Law Firm at 475-275-8649 to set up a consultation now.

Vehicle Maintenance

A big part of avoiding winter accidents is ensuring that your vehicle is as prepared for winter as it can be. You can start by checking out your tires. Look at the tire tread depth to check if your tires can handle the demands of snowy and icy roads. In Connecticut, it’s often better to switch entirely to winter tires rather than hoping that your regular tires will make it through. Make a point of checking your tire pressure on a regular basis to catch any leaks early.

You may also want to take your vehicle to a local mechanic to get a thorough check. Have them check your brakes and verify that they are ready for quick stops on icy roads. You may also ask them to test the battery, as cold weather can put a lot of strain on car batteries. If you need a replacement, it’s better to find out now than when you’re on the side of the highway with a dead vehicle.

Adjusting Your Driving

You just can’t drive the same in winter as you do in summer. Too many people forget what winter driving means in the eight months between winters, which is why accidents are so much more likely in the first few weeks of snowy weather. By being proactive and addressing your bad driving habits early, you can likely save yourself from being in a crash.

First, know that speeding is linked to increased accident rates and a greater likelihood of fatal accidents. This is especially dangerous in winter weather, where speeding makes it even harder to slow down and stop. Get in the habit of driving slightly slower than you need to be. You can always speed up if the roads are clear, but you never want to be in a position of driving too fast for conditions.

It’s also important to leave more space between you and other vehicles. It takes more time to stop on snowy roads. As you drive around Cheshire, try to leave more than a full car length between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Be particularly cautious while driving on bridges and overpasses. Because of the cold air that flows beneath them, these roads freeze more quickly than other roads. Expect slippery stretches.

Emergency Preparation

If you are involved in an accident, you should at least ensure that your family will be safe until you can get help. That’s why proper emergency preparation can save lives. Pack your vehicle up with everything you may need if you get stranded, including:

  • Blankets
  • Non-perishable food items
  • Portable chargers
  • Extra warm clothing, hats, and gloves
  • Bottled water
  • A flashlight and extra batteries
  • A first aid kit

Whenever you go out, make sure your phone is fully charged. You may even want to share your location with loved ones via an app like Life360. Some phones allow you to share your location directly; Apple lets you share your location with other Apple users indefinitely. Should you get stranded, there’s a better chance that a loved one will be able to help you.

Keep yourself informed of all weather updates. The weather forecast can change rapidly, and checking frequently can help you adjust your plans as needed.

Choose The Dodd Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case

If you’re involved in a Cheshire car accident, it’s time to talk to the team at The Dodd Law Firm. Our personal injury attorneys can help investigate your crash and fight for compensation. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 475-275-8649 or reaching out online.

Car Accidents in Rural Areas: Unique Challenges and Safety Measures

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Life in a rural area can be calm and peaceful, giving you the chance to enjoy the feel of a tight-knit community without the hustle and bustle of a city. However, living in a rural area of Connecticut also comes with its own challenges and problems. Car accidents in rural regions can result in worse outcomes than those that occur in the city, which means you need to be especially vigilant while behind the wheel. The NHTSA reports that 40% of fatal crashes are in rural areas, despite the fact that just 20% of Americans live in the countryside. This is a significant disparity.

If you’re involved in a Cheshire automobile crash, it’s time to talk to the personal injury team at The Dodd Law Firm. Give us a call at 475-275-8649 to set up a consultation with our team now.

Larger Area for Emergency Services to Cover

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges presented by rural collisions is the fact that emergency services can be hard to reach. Emergency personnel are generally allocated to regions based on population and the likelihood of collisions. Rural areas have much lower population densities than urban regions, so emergency personnel have to cover more square mileage during their shifts. This results in longer response times when accidents occur, a complication that can be fatal if anyone in the collision has life-threatening injuries. 

A growing number of rural communities are now investing in local emergency services departments to assist with this issue. Satellite medical facilities can reduce response times without a massive increase in expenses.

Less Likely to Have Accident Witnesses

The lower population density of a rural area can be disadvantageous in another way. If a crash is serious and the occupants of the vehicles are unable to call for help, they are dependent on the assistance of bystanders. In the countryside, you’re less likely to be near anyone when you crash. It could be hours before someone drives by, sees your crash, and calls for assistance. This delay in care can lead to tragic outcomes for drivers and passengers. Communities have started using traffic cams and surveillance cams to look for collisions in low-population areas, ensuring that emergency personnel can respond as quickly as possible after an accident.

Inadequate Road Maintenance

Rural areas often get the short end of the stick when it comes to funding for community services, maintenance and upkeep, and other important services. You may find that rural roads are full of potholes, uneven surfaces, and other issues that make driving inherently more dangerous. 

These issues are unlikely to be addressed immediately, simply because fewer people complain about them than they do in urban areas. Additionally, you’re more likely to see pickup trucks and other vehicles meant for rugged conditions in the countryside. Those drivers are less likely to notice potholes and other road flaws since their vehicles glide right over them. It is crucial that rural communities get the funding they need to keep their roads safe and drivable.

Limited Cell Phone Service

Cell phone service has improved a lot in recent decades, with companies expanding their networks rapidly in Cheshire and other communities. However, there are still many rural communities with spotty service. There are some areas that are only served by one carrier, and others that barely have coverage at all. 

When someone crashes and tries to call for help, what happens if their phone can’t even connect to the network? The injured person loses valuable time trying to see if they can force their phone to ping a nearby tower, and that extra time can literally mean the difference between life and death. This issue is likely to continue resolving itself in coming years as cell phone carriers expand their networks to cover the entire United States.

Injured in a Crash? Call The Dodd Law Firm Now

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait any longer to reach out to the team at The Dodd Law Firm. We are committed to helping victims like you pursue fair and full compensation. Plan your next steps now by calling our team of Cheshire attorneys at 475-275-8649 or contacting us online. 

Beware of Deer on County Roads: Ways to Stay Safe as the Days Are Getting Shorter

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The days are growing shorter, and fall is underway. In addition to apple cider and pumpkin patches, fall also means a significant increase in deer crossings on Connecticut roadways. Deer are more active in autumn and more likely to take their chances crossing the road. Unfortunately, these collisions can cause lots of property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.

It’s important to plan ahead so you know how to drive safely and avoid deer collisions. If you’ve been injured in a crash, it may be time to talk to a lawyer. Call The Dodd Law Firm at 475-275-8649 to set up a consultation with our team of Cheshire car accident lawyers.

Expect Deer Crossings to Increase

Accidents involving deer are on the rise in Connecticut, causing local news stations to sound the alarms. Between October and December of 2022, there were 460 crashes on Connecticut roads. That’s the highest it has been in five years.

Deer tend to be most active during dawn and dusk. That’s also when many people tend to be going to work or returning home from work. Knowing that accidents are more likely during this time can allow you to plan your route accordingly and avoid high-risk driving times in and around Cheshire.

How to Protect Yourself

It’s important to ensure you have the proper insurance to cover a deer-related accident. The Connecticut Insurance Department reports that damage caused by an animal strike is covered under the optional comprehensive portion of a policy. Policyholders with liability-only or liability with collision coverage will be unable to recoup compensation after a deer-related collision. If you chose the least expensive insurance option when you signed up for your policy, this is a good time to make sure that it will cover damage caused by deer.

If you can be flexible about when you’re driving, this is the time to take advantage of that. Try to get on the road when the sun is out, rather than being on the road at dawn, dusk, or at nighttime. When you are traveling after dark, use your high beams whenever possible. However, don’t forget to switch to your regular headlights when a vehicle is approaching—you don’t want to cause a car accident while trying to avoid hitting a deer.

What to Do After a Deer-Related Crash

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. If you do hit a deer or a deer runs into your vehicle, it is important to keep calm and take the right steps to protect yourself and your vehicle. If your vehicle is drivable, move it off the roadway out of the way of other vehicles. Otherwise, you risk another car hitting you if your tail lights are out.

It would be best if you stayed in your vehicle or at least away from the deer. If it’s just injured, it may be unpredictable. Injured animals can lash out and cause further injuries. You may want to notify the local animal control department so they can provide rehabilitative assistance for the deer if that is an option. Report the accident to the Cheshire police so they can clean up the scene and, if necessary, arrange for the removal of the dead animal.

As soon as possible after the accident, take photos of the damage. You may also want to take photos of the crash scene to prove that the damage was caused by an animal collision.

If your vehicle is too damaged to drive, get it towed. From there, you can contact your insurance company to learn more about getting your vehicle repaired and where you can seek an estimate. If your insurance company pushes back against paying out your claim, this may be a good time to talk to an attorney about your options.

Learn More About Your Legal Options—Contact Dodd Law Firm

Have you been hurt in a crash caused by another party’s negligence? If so, it’s time to talk to a lawyer about your options. Car accidents can leave you with significant medical and repair expenses, and it’s important to hold the at-fault party accountable. Call The Dodd Law Firm at 475-275-8649 or get in touch online to set up a consultation.

Car Accidents in School Zones: Legal Responsibilities and Safety Precautions

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School zones are often chaotic and full of stop-and-go traffic, especially immediately before and immediately after school. Children aren’t known for their great judgment, and it’s not uncommon to see them run out in front of vehicles in order to get to their parents or follow a friend. That’s why many states, including Connecticut, have laws in place to protect kids from reckless drivers.

If your child has been injured by a careless driver, you could be entitled to compensation. Learn more now by calling The Dodd Law Firm at 203-272-1883.

Connecticut School Zone Laws

Many of the laws drawn up to keep schoolchildren safe focus on safe driving around buses. The Connecticut Department of Transportation indicates that this is a top priority for the state, as over 330,000 students rely on the bus to transport them to school and home safely. When a bus stops and flashes its red lights, the driver may not pass it. This is the case both for vehicles behind the bus and those approaching the bus from the opposite direction. 

Drivers must stop at least ten feet away from the bus while the red lights are flashing. There is an exception—if there is a median or other physical barrier between the bus and oncoming traffic in other lanes, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction do not need to stop.

The state can designate roads next to or near schools as school zones. The speed limit in school zones is generally 25 MPH. In these areas, the penalty for a moving violation will be twice what it would be in a non-school zone. For example, if you get a $142 speeding ticket in a school zone, you will actually have to pay $284. Anyone who passes a school bus with its flashing lights on and stop sign out will incur a $450 fine on the first offense. Subsequent offenses can be $500 to $1,000.

Safety Precautions for Drivers

As a driver, making a few changes to your driving routines and habits can help you keep students safe. Basic safety precautions include:

  • Adjusting your commute: Find out when school starts for the year so you can change your commute as needed. If your route takes you through a school zone, plan on leaving 10 to 15 minutes early to account for extra traffic.
  • Following the speed limit: Not only will this help you avoid a ticket that could cost you hundreds of dollars, but it can also prevent car accidents.
  • Being extra cautious of children walking out from between vehicles: The streets around a school are often full of parked cars around the end of the school day. Kids may walk between these vehicles to cross the street, and if they go without checking, an accident is likely. Know that children can be unpredictable and adjust your driving accordingly.
  • Watching for children walking or on their bikes: Children walking or biking home are at a greater risk of injury. Leave them plenty of space and be prepared for them to cross the road even when they do not have the right of way.
  • Avoiding distractions: Distracted driving is always dangerous, but it’s even more hazardous when you’re around unpredictable kids who are excited to get out of school for the day. Stay alert at all times.

Legal Consequences of School Zone Accidents

If you are ticketed for speeding in a school zone or failing to stop for a bus, you could be forced to pay $450 or more for your citation. If you cause an accident because of reckless or unsafe driving, you could also face criminal charges that cost additional money and may even lead to jail time.

Additionally, you may be at risk for a personal injury lawsuit if you hurt someone in a crash. While most claims settle within the limits of a driver’s insurance policy, drivers can be held liable for any damages in excess of their policy. Furthermore, even if your insurance company does take care of the victim’s settlement, you can expect your insurance rates to take a significant hike.

Injured in a Crash? Call The Dodd Law Firm Today

If you or your child have been injured in a school zone accident, it’s time to get the legal support you deserve. Call The Dodd Law Firm at 203-272-1883 or contact us online to schedule a consultation now.