Connecticut Car Accident Statistics

It is important for state and federal organizations, such as Departments of Transportation, to keep track of car accident statistics. Gathering and analyzing crash numbers can help these entities identify hazards and improve the safety of roadways. Below are some of the latest car accident statistics, both in Connecticut and nationwide.

The Most Recent Numbers in Connecticut

The University of Connecticut Crash Data Repository is one of the main sources of car accident statistics in Connecticut. According to the most recent available information from this repository, in 2020, there were a total of 83,734 reported car accidents in the State of Connecticut, which involved 155,886 total vehicles and 189,754 people. These car accidents were broken down into the following facts:

• Fatal injuries: 301
• Suspected serious injuries: 1,100
• Suspected minor injuries: 9,274
• Possible injuries: 10,878
• No apparent injuries: 62,180

The top 10 routes in Connecticut for automobile accidents in 2020 were 95 (3,665 accidents), 84 (3,045 accidents) and 15 (2,876 accidents). The weather and road conditions during fatal crashes were mostly dry (81 percent), with 15.2 percent in wet weather and 1.6 percent in snow. Although the data for 2021 is not yet complete, preliminary statistics show a total of 52,210 car accidents in Connecticut from January 1 to September 31, 2021. About 700 of these accidents caused serious injuries and 163 were fatal.

National Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of death in the United States. Unfortunately, the number of deadly car accidents is increasing. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there was an 18.4 percent increase in the number of vehicle accident deaths in the U.S. in 2021 compared to the same six months in 2020. From 2011 to 2020, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled has increased from 1.10 to 1.37 – the highest the rate has been in 10 years. The rising number of fatal car accidents may be due in part to more distracted driving and cell phone use behind the wheel. In 2022 there were 43,000 fatal car accidents in the United States, that number is up from 38,000 in 2021.

How to Avoid Getting Into a Car Accident in Connecticut

As a driver in Connecticut, your odds of eventually getting into a car accident are relatively high. Statistically, there are thousands of drivers on the road behaving dangerously at any given moment. Don’t be one of them. Protect yourself and others by being proactive in preventing vehicle collisions. Take the following steps to minimize your odds of getting into a car crash in Connecticut:

• Do not let anything distract you. Driver distraction took 3,142 lives in 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pay attention to the road at all times while driving
• Keep a safe following distance. Always keep at least one car length of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This can give you room to hit the brakes and avoid a car accident if the driver in front of you brakes.
• Don’t drive drunk. Drunk driving is another common cause of fatal car accidents in Connecticut. Do not drive with any amount of alcohol in your system, even if it is technically under the legal limit.
• Obey all traffic laws. They are there for a reason. Following the rules can keep you from harm’s way. Some of the most important laws to follow are speed limits, traffic signs and rights-of-way.

What To Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident

Often, even the most careful drivers have accidents. There is no way to predict when you will be involved in one, so it is crucial to know what to do when one occurs. Listed below are the action steps you should take after being involved in a car accident. 

1. Call 911. Evaluate your injuries and, if you are able, the people in the car with you or in the other involved vehicles. This will allow the 911 operator to relay the information to the first responders so they understand what they will have to do and can begin preparations.
2. Seek medical attention. Even if you do not believe that you are hurt, you see a medical professional for evaluation. You may be in shock, or the extent of your injuries may not have materialized yet. 
3. Take photos and videos at the scene. It is hard to remember all of the necessary details after a traumatic event. Photos of the property damage, the injuries, road conditions, and other extenuating factors could be important when determining liability later.
4. Follow doctor’s orders. By following the orders handed down from your doctor, you will not only be doing your health a favor, but you will also be demonstrating to the insurance companies that you took your injuries very seriously. 
5. Exchange contact information with those involved in the accident. You will want to gather phone numbers, email addresses, names, addresses, and insurance information. 
6. Be polite but brief. When you speak to law enforcement, answer their questions, but do not offer extra information. 
7. Do not apologize or accept blame. You are not equipped to determine who is to blame, and by admitting fault, you could have that used against you in court. 
8. Gather witness statements and their information. It is important to talk to witnesses while the incident is still clear in their minds. 
9. Contact your insurance company and explain to them what happened. 
10. If there are road conditions, traffic, weather, or other issues that might have played a role in the accident, be sure and document them. 
11. Speak to a Stratford car accident lawyer about how we can help. We will collect the evidence it takes to create a compelling story. 
12. Contact nearby homes and businesses prompt to see if there are videos of the accidents on security cameras. 

Statistically speaking, car accidents happen every day, even though we try hard to avoid them. If you find that you have experienced damages due to a car accident, the professionals at Connolly Brennan Ralabate, PC, can help you to determine what damages you are entitled to by looking at the evidence you have collected. By following the list above, you give more to your attorney to deal with. You deserve justice today. Reach out for your free consultation.

If you get into a car accident despite your best efforts to prevent a collision, you may not have to pay for your own bills and losses if the other driver caused the wreck. Contact a Stratford car accident attorney for assistance with the claims process. A lawyer can help you collect evidence to prove that the other driver is at fault to present to an insurance company, judge or jury.