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You may not have even seen it coming. Or you may have watched the other vehicle in what seemed like slow motion as it slammed directly into your car. Either way, once you’ve been in an auto accident, nothing’s more important than to make sure you’re all right. But other actions you take can also make a big difference.
As auto accident attorneys, we’ve gathered some information for you to keep in mind if the above scenario ever does happen to you - or to a loved one.
- Go ahead and accept medical help - or offer it, if needed by the other party. Under Connecticut law, it is illegal to not seek medical attention for someone with whom you’re involved in an accident requires it. Do not, however, discuss the accident, even if you believe it is your fault. Admissions of this nature are valid in court.
- Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses. Although police officers should do this, sometimes the information may not be reliable, get misplaced, etc. Also, write down this information as soon after the wreck as you are able. Some witnesses may not wait around for the police.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, if possible. Personal injury attorneys credit these pictures as one of the most significant advantages to plaintiff litigation in recent years. Take pictures not only of the vehicles involved, but also of any skid marks and damage to surrounding objects, like guard rails, telephone poles, etc., if applicable.
- Claims investigators from the other party’s insurance company may call you. Don’t take the call. Any after-accident interviews should be conducted only with your attorney present!
Statutes of limitations vary on vehicular accidents, so please don’t hesitate to call or contact our offices if you have been hurt or injured. The experienced auto accident attorneys at Trantolo & Trantolo are here to make sure your interests are protected.
A 1998 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report revealed that it was not only the large number of jet ski accidents that have occurred, “but the distinctive way in which fatalities occur,” that prompted the Board to examine the nature and design of jet skis, especially in regard to steering loss.
The report stated that, “steering difficulties were evident in many of the personal watercraft accident reports examined in the study.” For example, in Four Bears Park in Michigan, on June 29, 1997, a 29-year-old driver lost control of his Sea Doo. The vessel skidded over the water into a swimming area and struck six children, ages 5 to 12, and then hit a seventh person on the beach.
In Texas, according to the Board’s report, a 24-year-old swerved in front of his mother, lost control, and the 400-pound vessel hit her in the back. She was pronounced dead the next morning. The report stated that the accident “involving a mother and son on a Texas lake illustrates the consequences that can result from steering difficulties.”
The NTSB 1998 report, now a key piece of documentation in liability suits, provides personal injury attorneys with convincing evidence that jet skis are unsafe, and that inherent defects in their design cause numerous injuries and fatalities each year.
Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of conditions that affect control of an individual’s movement and posture. Because of damage to one or more parts of the brain that control movement, a CP affected child cannot move his or her muscles in a normal fashion. CP symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Fortunately, CP does not get worse as the child gets older. With treatment and therapy, and a supportive environment, most children will be able to significantly improve their abilities.
Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with CP each year. It is estimated that 20% of the children diagnosed with congenital CP developed it due to a brain injury during the birthing process. While the United States does not currently have a system to track the rate of CP incidents, studies have shown that there has been an increase in doctor error, birthing mistakes, and medical malpractice associated with CP.
In most of the 10,000 CP diagnoses each year, the direct causes for the condition will never be revealed. However, medical mistakes that could cause CP include:
- Misreading fetal monitoring equipment
- Failure to diagnose fetal distress during labor
- Waiting too long to perform a C Section
- Failing to act in a timely manner
- Administering too much Pitocin (a drug given to induce labor)
In 1998 the National Transportation Safety Board criticized the basic design of all personal watercraft, including jet skis, by stating: “Personal watercraft have no braking mechanism. They coast to a stop, and while coasting, there is no turning ability.”
Most experts concur. Jet skis present special hazards because they will not steer when you let go of the throttle. This presents inexperienced jet skiers with an unexpected loss of control when something unforeseen happens. Unlike traditional boats, jet skis are rudderless. When the throttle is off, a speeding jet ski has been compared to a car sliding on ice because it can't stop or turn and the driver has no control. It would be surprising if accidents were not frequent.
Many safety experts also believe that, contrary to industry claims, the vehicles themselves, not just the riders, cause numerous injuries and fatalities. These critics believe that the design of jet skis makes them a menace, not only to their own riders, but to swimmers, kayakers, boaters, and anyone else who shares the water in good faith.
If you have questions or comments please contact us.
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