There are many hazards to confront on the road while driving a motor vehicle. Negligent drivers, fallen trees and poor road conditions are just some examples of factors that have the potential to cause serious injury. Sometimes, driving late at night can be a contributing factor to a car accident. On the dark roads, drivers are more likely to be tired. Visibility is reduced. Some drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The late hour may have played a part in a recent crash on Interstate 95 in Connecticut between an SUV and a tractor-trailer. Authorities say the wreck occurred at approximately 1 a.m. on a recent Wednesday. Two women in an SUV somehow collided with a tractor-trailer. The SUV driver, a 51-year-old Rhode Island woman, and her passenger, a 34-year-old woman, also from Rhode Island, were seriously injured in the accident. Both women were transported to a New London hospital.
The driver of the tractor-trailer, a 51-year-old New Jersey man, was also injured in the incident and transported to the New London hospital with a serious head injury. Subsequent to the collision, the road was closed for some time. At last word, the accident was still under investigation.
If accident investigators determine either party was negligent in causing the accident, the injured parties may be entitled to compensation. Even if a victim was partially negligent, he or she may recover monetary compensation for the percentage of fault not attributed to his or her actions.
Civil litigation following an accident can be life changing for an injured person who has sustained substantial medical bills, lost work and wages, and pain and suffering. However, comparative fault laws, or partial recovery for partial fault issues, are complicated matters and the assistance of an attorney is recommended to ensure the best possible outcome.
Source: The Bulletin, “Two Westerly women among those injured in I-95 accident,” James Mosher, Oct. 24, 2012
