There has been less traffic on Connecticut roads since the pandemic began. This has reduced the number of car accidents, but not the number of traffic fatalities.
As of October 2020, Connecticut has experienced a 9 percent increase in traffic fatalities. States all across the nation have experienced this increase despite an estimated 40 percent drop in traffic. It seems that despite fewer crashes on the roads, injuries from those crashes are more severe. Experts blame more reckless driving and speeding during these unprecedented times.
What does this mean for the average person on Connecticut roads? It means that we all need to refocus on highway safety. In that spirit, our Hartford car accident attorneys have some tips to help you in the event of a car crash.
What Should I Do After a Connecticut Car Accident?
- Move Out of Harm’s Way – After an accident, are you able to move? Are there still other vehicles on the road where you stopped? Staying on the road, where your crash happened, can actually lead to more injuries. Another car could collide with yours causing more catastrophic injuries. If you are able, try to get out of harm’s way.
- Seek Medical Attention – Did you, your passengers or persons in the other vehicle sustain visible injuries? If so, contact first responders right away. Moving injured individuals could worsen their condition so try to avoid it. The exception is when the injured person is in immediate danger. Even if you have no visible injuries, you should still get checked out by a medical professional. Some severe injuries are not readily apparent due to the chaos of an accident.
- Call 911 – Notifying the authorities will draw emergency responders and police to your crash. These first responders can attend the injured and document the scene. These police reports and medical records will be critical for future insurance and personal injury claims.
- Signal That a Crash Has Happened – Do not forget that letting others know that there has been a crash can help prevent further injuries. Try to mark your crash by turning on your hazard lights. If your crash happened at night, use a flashlight or road flare. Some emergency roadside kits include fold out markers, so use those too. Help prevent more accidents by letting people know what has happened.
- Check and Note the Damage – Have you gotten to safety, notified the authorities and marked the accident? Now you should consider documenting the crash. Most smartphones have a high-quality camera built in. Use it to take as many photos/videos as you can. Get contact and insurance information from the other driver. They will want your insurance and contact info as well. However, you should avoid discussing the crash or apologizing. Insurance companies could use your words as an admission of fault and deny your claim.
- Contact an Attorney – As mentioned in the last tip, even a small apology can cost you the compensation you deserve. It is easy to make a costly misstep when it comes to auto accidents. Let an attorney guide you through the process. They can prevent mistakes and help you deal with insurance companies that are looking for excuses to deny your claim.
Still Have Questions? Seek the Help of Our Hartford Car Accident Attorney
At Polinsky Law Group, LLC, we fight for your right to fair compensation. Attorney Eric A. Polinsky and his team have years of experience helping the injured recover compensation for their losses. To learn more about how we can help you, call us at 860-248-7807 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.