Archive for July, 2010

Pedestrian accidents common in Connecticut. Steps to stay safe.

What would you do if a car hit you while crossing the street? Sound far fetched? Pedestrian accidents happen every day. Actually, every 8 minutes, to be exact, a pedestrian sustains an injury in a traffic accident in America, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s more than 69,000 injuries each year. Just recently, a Connecticut teenager was seriously injured while crossing the street in Simsbury.

Even worse, such accidents are sometimes fatal. In 2008, 4,378 pedestrians were killed in accidents nationwide. That figure has fallen every year since 1998, when 5,228 pedestrians were killed in America. But every death counts.

What can you do to protect yourself? Know the facts. Here’s who, when and where pedestrians are most often killed nationwide, according to statistics.

  • Men be cautious – more than 70 percent of pedestrians killed are men.
  • Be careful at night – 70 percent of pedestrian accidents happen after dark.
  • Urban areas higher risk – 72 percent of accidents happen there.
  • Weather not a factor – 89 percent of all pedestrian accidents happen during normal weather conditions.

That’s why the NHTSA recommends taking these steps to keep pedestrians safe.

  • Cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
  • Be careful at intersections. Drivers may fail to yield to pedestrians.
  • Increase your visibility at night. Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.
  • Walk on a sidewalk or, if you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.

Know the facts. Be aware. Pedestrian accidents are serious. If you’re a victim of a pedestrian accident, you need an aggressive law firm that means business. You need The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.

Pedestrian accidents can change your life forever. This may be your only shot at getting the justice you deserve. Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.

Don’t Delay Justice: The Statute of Limitations Means the Clock is Ticking

Who isn’t busy these days with family, work and other responsibilities? If you suffered a personal injury because of someone’s negligence, you may be tempted to put off taking any immediate legal action.  But it’s important to be aware that your rights may be affected if you wait too long to file a lawsuit for any type of wrongful conduct, from an auto accident to a workplace injury or a slip and fall. You may be unable to seek justice in your case because time has run out under the statute of limitations.

In personal injury law, the statute of limitations refers to the window of time you have to file a lawsuit after wrongful conduct has caused you harm. In general, the time period runs from the date the accident occurs, or when it was “discovered,” which could be later, to the date the time expires to file a lawsuit.  If you are injured and try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expiration date, a court may dismiss the lawsuit entirely.

The time period on statute of limitations varies from state to state and from claim to claim. Because it can be difficult to keep track of the various statutes and exceptions, it’s wise to contact a qualified attorney who can tell you how the statute of limitations might apply to your specific case.

The following are examples of different types of cases and how the statute of limitations would apply to them in Connecticut. There may be some exceptions:

Don’t delay filing your case beyond the time period outlined in the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you may lose your rights. If you or a loved one was injured due to another’s negligence, contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli today. An experienced attorney can provide a free and confidential consultation and answer any questions you have about your case and the statute of limitations. Get in touch with us today before it’s too late. We vigorously defend the rights of our clients and pursue the full compensation entitled to them under state law.

Connecticut drunk drivers pose threat on July 4th. Protect yourself.

What day is the deadliest one on American highways? Sadly, it’s July 4th. On average, 161 people are killed each year on this day in car accidents nationwide, making Independence Day the deadliest day on America’s highways. And right behind it, July 3rd ranks as the second deadliest day of the year to drive.  But fatal accidents can happen at any moment, especially on busy highways like Connecticut’s Interstate 84.

The July 4th holiday also ranks near the top for alcohol sales each year nationwide. Statistically, this holiday ranks number one – ahead of Labor Day, New Year’s Eve and Memorial Day – for beer consumption nationwide.

Not surprisingly, drunk driving can be a serious hazard facing people on the road any day in Connecticut and especially this holiday weekend. What can you do to protect yourself? How will you stay safe on the road this July 4th?

Here’s some suggested tips aimed to keep you safe.

  • Stay off the road if you don’t have to travel on July 4th.
  • If you must travel to get to your holiday destination, travel on days other than July 3rd or 4th.
  • Drive during daylight hours. Statistically, fatal accidents involving drunk drivers are more than four times as likely to occur at night versus during the day.

Drunk drivers wreak havoc on the roads across the country. Don’t become another statistic. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, take action. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli. Our experienced lawyers will vigorously fight for your rights and the justice you deserve.

Don’t let someone else’s reckless behavior ruin your life. Contact Salomone & Morelli today. We’re on your side.