According to the Connecticut State Patrol, Independence Day car accidents were up from last year while DUI and speeding arrests were down. Thankfully, there were no deaths.
Across the United States, the Fourth of July can be one of the deadliest – and in many states, the deadliest – holidays of the year. It even ranks above New Year’s Eve for the number of people killed nationally. In Connecticut this year:
- There were 323 car accidents
- Police issued 1,509 speeding tickets
- Forty-five motorists were arrested for DUI
- Forty-one motorists reported injuries
If you were injured on the Fourth
Of course, the statistics mean very little to those that suffered injuries this Fourth of July. If you were injured by a drunk driver or another negligent driver, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against that driver to recover compensation for your injuries.
What injuries can you recover compensation for? The short answer: It depends.
You may be able to recover compensation for your car damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, long-term care and other damages. The amount of money you will receive depends on many factors, including who is liable for the accident. Were you partially liable? If so, you may not be able to recover the full amount of economic and noneconomic damages you suffered. Is a drunk driver liable for your accident? If so, you may be able to recover punitive damages in addition to your other damages.
In other words, personal injury law can be complicated. A car accident lawyer can help you evaluate your odds for recovery, gather evidence and present your case to the insurance company, judge or jury in a way that reflects the full extent of your injuries.
Source: The Register Citizen, “More accidents but fewer DUIs, no fatalities this July 4th, Connecticut State Police say,” Associated Press, July 5, 2012.