In these wintry months, auto accidents seem to amass in Connecticut. As previous posts have mentioned, the state has made a serious effort to incorporate laws which protect pedestrians from negligent or distracted drivers. However, there is only so much a government entity can do to prevent tragic car accidents like the one that occurred in Milford.
According to police, during the late morning, four pedestrians walked on the shoulder of a local road when a car struck them from behind.
Tragically, a 53-year-old pedestrian died as a result of the injuries he sustained. At least two other pedestrians were transported to local hospitals. A 51-year-old woman remains in critical condition and a 21 year old was released following treatment.
The driver of the vehicle in question is a 31-year-old Connecticut man. The precise reason for his veering onto the shoulder is unclear at this time. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the incident.
Whatever the exact reason for the tragedy, if negligent behavior on the part of the driver related to the crash, the victim’s family may bring a wrongful death claim against the man. Further, the other injured passengers may also pursue a negligence claim against the driver. If the driver has auto insurance, his insurance policy will likely carry a monetary limit, which means it will award only up to a certain amount of funds to any and all injured parties.
This means that all pedestrians injured in the accident may have to share the policy limits if a civil suit results. Very possibly, the family of the man that passed away could be entitled to a majority of the policy due to the substantial injuries the incident caused to the man and the family. Dealing with the complexities of an insurance claim is one reason why it’s important to make sure that accident victims explore all available legal options and pursue the best course of action.
Source: Connecticut Post, “One Dead, One Critical After Car Strikes Family,” Feb. 13, 2013
