No matter how skilled a Connecticut driver may be, they are always at risk for becoming involved in a car accident. This is because they have no control over whether other drivers pay attention to the roadway, whether a driver drinks and drives, or whether another driver choses to drive while fatigued.
Some car manufacturing companies have taken the initiative to bring new technologies to consumers. For example, some vehicles now offer forward collision warnings, electronic stability control and lane departure warnings, among others. This new technology has reportedly improved driver’s ability to react to unique or unexpected circumstances. However, it should be known that most of these options are add-ons and not standard on many vehicles. Additionally, performance standards have not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to the NHTSA, it is estimated that 23 percent of accidents are caused by the vehicle running off the road, rear-end crashes account for 28 percent of accidents, and dangerous lane change maneuvers account for approximately 9 percent. The technologies available as add-ons in many vehicles can help drivers avoid these types of crashes, ultimately keeping more people from suffering serious injuries or even dying.
While these technologies are available, not all vehicles have them equipped. If a driver causes a car accident, such as a rear-end accident, because they are driving dangerously or are not paying attention, a person who becomes injured as a result may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the injured person can provide evidence that the other driver was responsible, they may be able to recover the cost of certain damages that they sustained. Depending upon the severity to the injuries, the damages may include medical costs and lost income.
Source: National Transportation Safety Board, “Mandate Motor Vehicle Collision Avoidance Technologies“, November 21, 2014
