Numerous motor vehicle collisions end with nothing more than minor injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, several crashes in Connecticut result in fatalities. Sometimes, the collisions result in multiple fatalities. An examination of information surrounding fatal crashes could give insights into what collisions bring the greatest risks.
Car crashes and fatalities
A review of data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looks closer at the charges drivers involved in fatal collisions. The data covered 2012 through 2021 revealed 23,663 drivers faced violations for reckless driving. Reckless driving can be an umbrella term for a range of risky behaviors. Speeding and tailgating would be two examples of reckless driving.
The second most common violation category involved drivers with license issues. The driver may operate a vehicle while their license was revoked or suspended, suggesting a history of serious violations. Impairment ranks as the third most common violation. This information notes that drunk and otherwise impaired drivers continue to present hazards on the road.
Legal consequences
Reckless drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents may face civil and criminal penalties after a fatal crash. A driver who goes through a red light and T-bones another vehicle would likely face a lawsuit because the illegal act of going through the red light may establish recklessness and negligence.
Negligence could take many forms, including making an illegal left-hand turn or driving on the wrong side of the street. Even momentary distractions might result in a crash that takes someone’s life. Drivers who do not operate their vehicles safely may jeopardize others, and punitive awards after fatal crashes could punish such drivers. Victims may sometimes file a lawsuit above the driver’s insurance limits.
