Since 1995, instances of auto accident deaths have increased by seven times with drivers who were under the influence of opioids, according to a study conducted at Columbia University. The study researched drivers in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Rhode Island, and West Virginia who died within one hour of being in an accident. Research showed that the percentage of drivers with prescription opioids in their system rose from 1% in 1995 to 7.2% in 2015. The three most commonly detected opioids were codeine, morphine, and oxycodone. Nearly 70% of those who tested positive for opioids also tested positive for other drugs and 30% also had elevated blood alcohol levels. If you or your loved one was involved in a New Haven auto accident, contact our firm. We will begin to immediately protect your rights, interests, and work our hardest to get you compensation for your injuries.

Traveling from New Haven to to an airport in the coming weeks? The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration warned of the safety risks when traveling in a passenger van. 1. Make sure an experienced passenger van driver is operating the vehicle. In the state of Connecticut, drivers operating a passenger vehicle must obtain a special endorsement from the Department of Motor Vehicles before transporting passengers. 2. Improperly sized/inflated tires. The manufacturer sets the size and inflation for optimal vehicle performance in all situations. If the vehicle is not operating with properly sized tires, or the air is too low in the tires, it can affect how the vehicle handles on the road, especially in an auto accident. 3. Incorrectly loaded cargo/passengers that affect the vehicle’s center of gravity. When a vehicle’s cargo, including passengers, is not loaded properly the balance can be off and result in a New Haven auto accident, such Read the full article…

It is no secret that our lives have become busier and busier. We are multi-tasking throughout the day, and for some, that includes when they are driving. It is proven that New Haven auto accidents are caused by distracted driving, but half of drivers ages 18-44 report responding to work-related communications while behind the wheel. Distracted driving continues to be a contributory factor in auto accidents and according to the NHTSA is the cause of 3,477 deaths and 391,000 injuries. This equates to 10% of deaths and 16% of auto accident injuries in 2015. While younger workers have had technology a part of their lives for a longer part of their lives, the older population is not immune to distracted driving. The same study found that a third of drivers ages 45-64 participate in work-related communication while behind the wheel. If you were involved in a crash, an experienced New Haven auto Read the full article…

If you are operating a motor vehicle in Connecticut, the law states you must also have insurance coverage. Insurance terminology can be confusing. The following is information on understanding your Connecticut auto insurance policy. Underinsured motorist conversion coverage – This is coverage you can purchase from your insurance provider. If you are injured in a New Haven auto accident and the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover your damages (including your injuries), you can receive payment from your own policy to cover your damages. Collision coverage – Covers damage to your vehicle when it collides with another vehicle or object. There is usually a deductible that has to be met for repairs or replacement. Comprehensive coverage – This type of coverage includes damage to your vehicle other than a collision including theft, vandalism, animal contact, flood, falling objects, or weather-related damage. There is usually a deductible with this type of coverage. Full glass coverage – Covers the cost Read the full article…