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Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Connecticut

You may have many questions when you are involved in a car wreck, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by car accident victims in the state of Connecticut.

Steps To Take After A Car Accident In Connecticut

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you know that the aftermath can be confusing and hard to navigate. While there are possibly many things that you will need to handle after a car wreck, the following are some of the most immediate steps that should be taken:

  1. Contact 911 – It is important to contact emergency services after being involved in a collision of any kind. No matter how minor the accident, filing a police report is important for building a case later on. Also, injuries can often be masked by adrenaline, so you may not even realize how badly you are injured until later. The 911 operator knows who and what services to send. Generally, they will dispatch police officers, fire trucks and emergency medical technicians. In most states, you are required to remain at the scene of the accident until you have been given permission to leave. Make sure to exchange contact information with the other driver if it is possible.
  2. Collect any documents regarding medical care you receive – If you do need to go to the emergency room or to your personal physician, it is important that you collect and hold onto any documentation they give you. This can include medical bills and medical records. These will be important for your insurance company when factoring the settlement amount.If you decide to file a personal injury case, your personal injury attorney will be able to help you find these documents, but having them on-hand will save time.
  3. Contact the police for your accident report – When the police are called to the scene of the accident, they immediately begin to create a report. The report will have important information such as who was involved, evidence of what happened such as pictures and videos and witness reports. They will also be able to give both insurance companies an idea of who is at fault for the auto accident. If this case is going to court, your car accident lawyer will need this in order to build a strong personal injury case for you. Tip: most police departments have a form to request your accident report on their website.
  4. Call your insurance company – As soon as you are in an accident, the clock starts ticking. You need to make sure you contact your insurance company to file a car accident claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the longer it will take for your insurance claim to be finalized and closed.

These are just the first few steps that should be taken following an automobile accident. Each accident case is unique and may require different filings. Hiring a car accident attorney can make this confusing process easier to handle.

What Are The Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

It is no surprise that the human body can get quite banged up as the result of being in a car crash. Car accidents are violent and can be disastrous. Car accident victims can receive all types of injuries of various severities, from minor wounds like small cuts and bruises to serious injuries such as brain and spinal trauma. Below are a few of the injuries that are commonly seen as the result of a car wreck:

  • Bruises and bumps
  • Scrapes and cuts
  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ failure
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Death

Wearing a seatbelt and being a vigilant driver can help keep you and others safe while on the road. It only takes a few seconds to receive a life-altering injury, or to even lose your life. If you have been in an auto accident it is important to receive medical attention, even if you feel okay. There are a plethora of injuries that can only be detected by medical doctors.

When Should You Hire A Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer?

Oftentimes car wrecks are simple fender benders with no injuries or serious property damage. However, there are instances where a car crash has changed the course of someone’s life due to catastrophic injuries or so much property damage that the repair expenses seem insurmountable. This is when a car accident lawyer can be of great assistance to car accident victims.

Connecticut car accident lawyers are required to be very knowledgeable about Connecticut’s personal injury laws. You may not be aware that you have very important, non-negotiable deadlines for filing personal injury claims and suits. They can also be very helpful when navigating the insurance process.

The attorney-client relationship is very valuable to all attorneys. In order for them to build the best possible case so that you receive a favorable settlement, they need your trust and cooperation. Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not even get paid unless you win your case. This can ease a lot of the financial anxiety that often comes with the decision to hire a car accident attorney.

To make things even smoother, personal injury lawyers often offer no obligation consultations. They will meet with you and discuss the details of your case and the possible outcomes that could occur. If you are in the market for a car accident lawyer, use LegalFinders to help you connect with an attorney who has years of experience in personal injury law.

What To Know Before Contacting Your Insurance Company

One of the most important steps in clearing the aftermath of a car accident is contacting your insurance company. Most of the time people are doing whatever they can to avoid contacting their insurance company. The time spent on the phone, the details and the general hassle can be a deterrent, but it is so important to call them as soon as possible.

After an accident, you will need to call your insurance provider and file a claim. To do so, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Contact information and policy number – this is part of the basic information they will need to file your claim. Your policy number can be found online on your account or on your bill. They will often ask a few questions, such as phone number and address in order to verify your identity. Your insurance company will usually contact the other driver’s insurance company themselves.
  • Medical documentation – No matter the severity, if you received an injury during the course of the accident, your insurance company will want any medical bills and records you have. This will offer proof of your injuries and help the insurance company decide who was the driver at fault.
  • Any evidence of the car accident – Anything you have accumulated relating to the car wreck needs to be given to your insurance company. Medical bills, repair bills for property damage and the police report will all be valuable. You will also need to give them any photos, videos and witness statements you may have.

Once your insurance company has received the documentation, the next step is the insurance adjuster’s investigation. The insurance adjuster will come out and look at the scene of the accident (tire marks and property damage may still be visible after the wreck has been cleared), interview both the drivers and then talk with any witnesses. After they have concluded this, they will determine what they believe happened. The adjuster will give this information to your insurance company who will then make a decision on a settlement offer.

If the settlement amount is not what you feel is needed to cover your expenses, or if you feel that the insurance company did not fully investigate the car accident to the best of their abilities, you are entitled to ask for legal advice regarding the matter. A personal injury attorney can assist you with understanding your rights and how to proceed with a case.

Is Connecticut A No-Fault Insurance State?

In Connecticut, all drivers are required by law to carry a minimum amount of car insurance and liability insurance. They are also required to purchase and maintain insurance for underinsured or uninsured motorists. Disclaimer: Failing to carry and maintain insurance coverage can result in legal repercussions.

As of 1994, Connecticut is no longer a no-fault insurance state. This means that if you are the cause of an accident, you are responsible for the damages. That can be the cost to repair a car, a fence, or medical expenses that can add up quickly.

Connecticut is a “modified comparative negligence” state. This means that if you are found to be responsible for any portion of a car accident, that amount will be deducted from any compensation you may receive.

What Is Connecticut’s Statute Of Limitation For Personal Injury Cases?

It is very important that car accident victims understand there are very strict deadlines when it comes to filing a claim or a lawsuit. These strict deadlines are called statute of limitations, and once they have passed you are out of time.

In Connecticut, you have two years from the date of the car accident to file anything regarding property damage or personal injury. In the unfortunate event that someone should die due to a car accident, their family members have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death claim. The clock starts ticking when they die, so if a person sustains catastrophic injuries and later dies from them, the statute of limitations does not begin to count down until they have passed away.

Connecticut is full of some of the most beautiful scenery in America. It is no wonder that motorists flock to the state for long scenic drives. Unfortunately, with the added traffic comes a great risk for accidents. Drivers who have been in a car accident in Connecticut have options! LegalFinders was created for people who are in need of trustworthy law firms without the hassle of a stressful search. If you are in the market for a personal injury lawyer, let LegalFinders assist you today!

Connecticut Car Accident Statistics

When you learn how to drive and receive your driver’s license, you are making an agreement with the state that you will obey all of the laws that are required in order to drive. However, the longer people drive, they become more comfortable and relaxed. From distracted drivers to drunk drivers, this is when car accidents begin. In America, car accidents have become almost common. Driver’s have a multitude of distractions and often do not recognize dangers until it is too late. 

In 2020, Connecticut reported 83,828 car accidents for the entire state. Of these accidents, 299 were fatal with 599 people tragically losing their lives. More than 21,000 injuries resulting from car accidents were also reported for the year. Not surprisingly, motorcyclists are also in danger of being involved in an accident. In 2020 there were 58 total motorcycle accidents.

The following statistics were gathered to help better paint a picture of what accidents look like around the state in 2021:

Bridgeport, Connecticut car accidents

4,799

Hartford auto accidents

2,767

New Britain, Connecticut total wrecks

1,390

New Haven car accidents

5,021

22 of which ended with fatalities

Waterbury, Connecticut car accidents

4,119

Some of the most commonly reported types and causes of car accidents are:

When operating a motor vehicle it is important for you to always be alert and prepared for anything. Make sure you are wearing your seatbelt, adjust your mirrors and radio before you put your car into motion. Do not answer your phone and let your passengers know it is important for you to be able to maintain your focus on the road. Driving accidents may be common, but you can do your part in avoiding one.

 

Most Dangerous Connecticut Highways

Connecticut is a tourist destination for a reason: it has some of the most stuffing scenery in America. Tourists flock here for long beautiful drives through the countryside. Unfortunately, with the increase in crowds comes an increase in your chances for an accident. All roads can be dangerous and even deadly if drivers are not careful. The following roads have been deemed some of the most dangerous for drivers in Connecticut:

Highways Descriptions
I-91 This road is well known for its crowdedness and poor road conditions.
I-95 The highway is notorious for speeding and traffic congestion.
Route 1 The lack of sidewalks makes this highway especially concerning for pedestrians.
Route 6 This highway is known for its lack of police presence because of being a backroads highway.
Route 17 This highway is especially well known for the great amount of read-end collisions that occur due to lack of merging. 

If you happen to find yourself driving in Connecticut, make sure you are obeying the laws of  the road. Following the law not only protects you but others as well.

LegalFinders Helps You Find The Best Connecticut Car Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one have been involved in an auto accident, you know that the aftermath can feel chaotic and overwhelming. There are so many calls to be made, bills to be copied, doctors to see and property to repair. The last thing you need is the added pressure of keeping track of important filing deadlines and the details of Connecticut car accident laws. That is what car accident attorneys are for.

LegalFinders provides users with everything they may need to find the personal injury lawyer that is right for them. Car accident victims can see a list of attorneys in their area, testimonials regarding peoples’ experiences with them, and then they can fill out a contact form all in one spot. Do not let the stress of a car accident overwhelm you and keep you from receiving the fair compensation you deserve. For a free consultation with an experienced attorney about your car accident case, use LegalFinders today!

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Published: 10 March 2022

ARTICLE SOURCES

Connecticut General Assembly — AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS IN CONNECTICUT

Connecticut General Assembly — NO-FAULT AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE (ct.gov)

University of Connecticut — Connecticut Crash Data Repository

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