Personal Injury Cases – Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli

Driving on wet roads in Connecticut can be extremely hazardous, even deadly, especially on leaf-covered roads in autumn. Just recently, a three-car accident in West Hartford occurred on a wet road on Avon Mountain. And last year, wet road conditions contributed to a 50-car pile up in which 46 people were injured on Route 110 in Shelton.

Each year, wet road conditions cause 1,170,000 car accidents or 75 percent of all weather-related vehicle accidents. The numbers are even more staggering for injuries in car accidents: 81 percent or 544,700 of all injuries in weather-related accidents are caused by wet road conditions. And in terms of fatalities, 5,700 deaths or 77 percent of all people killed in weather-related accidents can be traced back to wet roads.

What can you do to avoid an accident on wet roads? Here’s some tips to stay safe this fall and all year long.

• Slow down. Driving at or below the speed limit on wet roads will give you more time to stop or slow down.
• Keep a safe distance between your car and other vehicles. 3 seconds minimum. Even more if the roads are extremely wet.
• Drive in the middle lane. Water sometimes pools near the side of the road.
• Avoid using your breaks. If you need to slow down, take your foot off the accelerator.

Even so, even the safest driver can still be involved in an accident. What would you do? Who would you turn to for help? You need someone who knows how to help victims of weather related accidents. You need someone you trust to fight for your rights. You need the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.

Our skilled lawyers have years of experience defending people injured in weather-related car accidents. We know how to successfully navigate through such complicated cases. Don’t be a victim. Take action. Contact Salomone & Morelli today.

What would you do if you were injured in a motorcycle accident? Sound far fetched? Sadly, motorcycle accidents are far too common. In the last decade, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents has more than doubled. In 1998, motorcycle accidents killed 2,294 people and injured more than 49,000 nationwide. In 2008, 5,290 died and more than 96,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents.

Why the increase in motorcycle accidents? Experts have cited the recent rise in the number of motorcycles on the road. In 1998, there were 3.8 million motorcycles on the road. By 2008, that number had skyrocketed to 7.7 million motorcycles. But there may be another reason for this increase. During the same time period, many states relaxed their motorcycle helmet laws.

Helmets drastically reduce the likelihood of dying in a motorcycle accident. Riders wearing helmets are 37 percent less likely to die in a crash than riders without helmets, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s why many states still require motorcyclists to wear helmets. In Connecticut, motorcyclists 17 years old and younger are required by law to wear helmets.

Unfortunately, accidents happen. In Connecticut, a total of 50 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2008.  Just recently, a 25-year-old Milford, Connecticut motorcyclist was killed in an accident in North Haven, Connecticut.

What would you do if you were injured in a motorcycle accident? Who would you trust? You need someone in your corner that will fight for your rights. You need someone who will work tirelessly to make sure you’re fully compensated for your injuries. You need the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.

The Law Offices of Salomone & Morelli have years of experience defending the rights of motorcycle accident victims in Connecticut. We understand the law and know how to get results. We also realize insurance companies often blame motorcyclists for causing the accident, even if it wasn’t their fault.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Take action. Contact Salomone & Morelli today. We’re on your side.

August is the deadliest month to go boating, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2008, more people (112 total) died in boating accidents in August nationwide than any other month of the year. Certain days and times are also much more dangerous than others. The deadliest day of the week was Saturday: 208 deaths. And the deadliest time of day was between 4:31 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., when 112 deaths occurred.

But any time any day, the risk of being killed or injured in a boating accident is real. Just recently, two people were hospitalized after a 19-year-old Connecticut boater collided into another boat and fled the scene of the accident. Deadly boating accidents on Long Island Sound occur all too often as well.  In addition, special maritime rules may apply to accidents and injuries which occur on the water, regardless of the size of the body of water or the size of the vessel upon which an injured party is operating or a passenger.

Sometimes, you don’t even have to be on a boat to sustain an injury. People often get hurt when they slip and fall on a wet dock or boat ramp.

Overall, 709 people died, 3,331 were injured and $54.2 million worth of damage was caused by boating accidents nationwide in 2008. In Connecticut, boating accidents killed 11 people, injured 31 and caused $1,133,366 worth of damage in 2008. And in nearly half the cases (four deaths) of the 11 people killed in Connecticut in boating accidents that year, alcohol was a contributing factor.

Don’t let someone else’s reckless behavior ruin your family’s lives. If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in a boating accident, you deserve justice. You need someone who will stand up for you and defend your rights. You need the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli. When you choose us, you get experienced, dedicated lawyers who will vigorously fight to get you the compensation you’re legally entitled to for your boating injury.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Take action. Contact Salomone & Morelli today. We mean business.

The flight attendant who famously quit recently by sliding out of the plane down its inflatable slide with several beers in his hands has been all over the news. Who doesn’t sometimes fantasize about storming out of the office on a bad day and telling an annoying customer or boss to take a hike? But as funny as this situation was, the incident also reminds us of the real risk of workplace violence.

Before Jet Blue flight attendant Steven Slater stormed off the airplane on the runway at Kennedy International Airport in New York, a passenger struck Slater on the head with a suitcase. Workplace violence is a serious health hazard that affects the lives of people across the country. Sometimes, it’s a funny incident like the one on the Jet Blue airplane. Other times, it’s sadly much more serious, like the fatal shootings recently at a beer distribution facility in Manchester, Conn.

Are you a victim of workplace violence? Has someone made going to work a nightmare for you? Take action. Take back your life. The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli know how to fight for people just like you.

Serving clients throughout Connecticut, our tough-minded attorneys know how to get results. We have years of experience helping victims of workplace violence get the justice they deserve. Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Salomone & Morelli today. We mean business.

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.

What day is the deadliest one on American highways? Sadly, it’s July 4^th. 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 3^rd 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 4^th 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 4^th?

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

• Stay off the road if you don’t have to travel on July 4^th.
• If you must travel to get to your holiday destination, travel on days other than July 3^rd or 4^th.
• 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.

On June 3, 2010, Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell signed into law a bill that closes a loophole in the state’s regulations regarding cell phone usage while driving. The new law in no uncertain terms bans texting on a cell phone or other hand-held wireless devices while driving. However, “hands free” voice activated texting will still be allowed, along with hands-free cell phone usage in general.

When the new law goes into effect on Oct. 1, it will clear up much confusion about whether or not texting is allowed while driving in Connecticut. The confusion came about because Connecticut is one of eight states nationwide that has already banned the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Drivers must use a hands-free device while talking on a cell phone. But that law doesn’t specifically state that Connecticut drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.

The new law also eliminates the one-time exemption that violators had been able to claim by submitting proof of purchase of a hands-free cell phone. Now, first time violators face a fine of $100. A second offense of texting while driving will cost you $150. All subsequent violations will each result in a $200 fine.

Keeping up with the latest laws can be mind boggling. Knowing what’s legal or not can be confusing. We can help. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli. If you have been involved in a car accident involving a texting driver, we know how to navigate through the complex legal hurdles standing in your way for justice.

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

Dogs bite people when you least expect it. Just last month, a Ridgefield, Connecticut man and his puppy were viciously attacked by another dog. One in five dog bites nationwide result in injuries requiring medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Each year, dogs bite more than 4.7 million Americans nationwide. What should you do if a dog bites you or your child? And what if you are the owner of a dog that has bitten someone else?

State laws vary concerning dog bites. In Connecticut, a dog must be quarantined for 14 days after biting a person. State law also holds the owner of a dog liable for most dog attacks. But there are exceptions. They include if the victim was trespassing, committing another crime or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. Children under 7 years old who are bitten by a dog are presumed to have not done these things, but even that’s up for debate by law.

So who pays for injuries inflicted by a dog? Don’t worry about having deal with your friends or neighbors directly if you or a loved one is a victim of a dog attack. Insurance companies handle dog bites. That means you get the compensation you’re entitled to without having to make enemies with the owner of the dog.

Certain steps should be taken right after a dog bite. There’s also things you can do as a dog owner to reduce the likelihood of a dog attack. These include:

• Don’t leave your dog alone with small children.
• Take your dog to obedience classes.
• Don’t teach your dog to play rough.
• Keep your dog in a fenced yard.

Dog bite cases are complicated. You may be entitled to more money than you realize. Confused? We can help. Contact the Law Offices of offices of Mark E. Salomone and Morelli today. When you chose us, you get experienced, dog bite injury lawyers who will aggressively fight to get you the justice you deserve.

Don’t let a dog bite ruin your life. Contact Salomone & Morelli today.

Hitting the open road on a motorcycle has long been a dream for many Americans. The freedom to do so safely may soon be easier too in Connecticut.

This month, the state House of Representatives passed a bill that would require new motorcyclists to take a novice training course to obtain their license to operate a motorcycle. The House overwhelmingly passed the bill, which must be signed by the Governor to become law starting in 2011. The proposed law would not apply to current license holders.

The proposed training class will cost $200. That might seem like a steep price to pay to get a license. But making the roads safer for motorcyclists makes sense for everyone, especially since more motorcyclists than ever are on our roads.

The number of registered motorcycles – and motorcycle accidents – has increased steadily nationwide in recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 1998, there were 3.8 million motorcycles on the roads, 2,294 fatal motorcycle accidents and 49,000 motorcycle injury accidents nationwide. In 2007, there were more than 7.1 million registered motorcycles, 5,174 fatal crashes and 103,000 injuries nationwide. In 2008, fatal motorcycle crashes rose again to 5,290 fatalities. The number of motorcycle injuries dropped for the first time in 10 years to 96,000 in 2008. Statistics on the number of motorcycles registered in 2008 were not available.

Motorcycle accidents can change people’s lives forever in an instant. Knowing what to do afterwards can be difficult. We can help. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone and Morelli today. When you chose us, you get experienced, motorcycle injury lawyers who know how to fight effectively and aggressively to get your family the justice and compensation you deserve.

Don’t let a motorcycle accident ruin your family’s lives. Take action now.

Texting while driving in Connecticut can be extremely dangerous. But is it illegal? Some people think texting while driving is illegal in Connecticut. They’re wrong. The confusion has come about because Connecticut is one of seven states nationwide that has already banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Drivers must use a hands-free device while talking on a cell phone. But that law doesn’t specifically state that Connecticut drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.

That’s why Connecticut lawmakers are taking action. They’re trying to outlaw texting while driving across the state. The proposed law has the support of the Governor and many legislators. The new law would carry hefty fines for anyone who texts or uses a handheld phone while driving.

But just because Connecticut may outlaw texting while driving and has already banned the use of handheld cell phones on the road does not guarantee that people will be safer. Many drivers still use cell phones illegally in Connecticut. So who knows if people will stop texting while driving even if it is illegal in Connecticut?

We sure hope they do! Such activities distract drivers, making them unsafe at any speed. Distracted drivers often cause accidents. Sometimes, the injuries are minor. But other times, such accidents result in serious, life-altering injuries or even death.

Accidents happen. Don’t become a victim. Take action. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone and Morelli today. Our experienced lawyers will vigorously defend your rights and get you the compensation you are entitled to if you become a victim of a distracted driver. Don’t let someone else’s reckless behavior ruin your life. You deserve justice. We can help.