Accidents Happen: What You Need to Do After a Car Accident
There are over six million motor vehicle accidents in the United States each year, many causing serious injuries. From minor fender-benders to head-on collisions, our[…]
If you were injured in a Connecticut car accident as a result of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
You can be compensated for the costs of your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and even your non-economic losses.
To understand your right to compensation and how to recover the largest settlement available to you, please don’t hesitate to send an online message or call our experienced West Hartford, Connecticut auto accident attorneys at (860) 561-0651 to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.
Our lawyers serve clients throughout Connecticut.
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Providing Representation after an Auto Accident in Connecticut
Our Connecticut personal injury law firm will advocate for you after a car accident or truck accident. Our experience representing victims of several types of auto accidents.
For example, our auto accident practices areas include:
- Truck accidents;
- Passenger car accidents;
- SUV rollover accidents;
- Motorcycle accidents; and
- Boating accidents.
Our West Hartford, Connecticut car accident lawyers can negotiate auto accident claims out of court, but we can also litigate cases in court.
Connecticut Car Accident Statistics
While Connecticut saw a reduction in the overall number of crashes in 2020, the number of fatalities is rising. According to the CT Post, car crash statistics show that fatalities were significantly higher in April and June, more than the overall average from the prior three years. Between 2017 and 2019, there were, on average, 230.6 fatal crashes between January and October. Looking at 2020 for the same time period, Connecticut had 195 deadly car crashes.
Traffic decreased during the pandemic as more people were at home rather than commuting to work or going on road trips. However, the possible decrease in traffic may have led to vehicles speeding, which could explain the increase in fatalities.
Heavily traveled highways like I-95 account for many accidents in Connecticut. Geotab found I-95 to be one of the most dangerous highways in America. Our stretch of I-95 sees an average of nearly 15 fatal crashes a year.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, 2019 data for Connecticut highways included statistics such as:
- 249 fatalities with a five-year average of 279.4;
- 1,335 serious injuries with a five-year average of 1,510.4; and
- 302 non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries with a five-year average of 329.6.
With fatalities on the rise, it’s crucial to remain vigilant when you’re on the road. If you are involved in an injury collision, contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you collect the compensation you are owed.
Common Causes of Connecticut Car Accidents
You have the right to pursue compensation for any type of personal injury accident that results from the actions of another party.
However, some of the most common causes of collisions include:
- Distracted driving,
- Reckless driving,
- Fatigued driving,
- Driver impairment,
- Failure to obey traffic laws,
- Aggressive driving, and
- Excessive speed.
In some cases, car accidents occur without the involvement of another passenger vehicle.
These are just a few examples of factors that can also lead to serious injury accidents:
- Roadway debris,
- Road construction,
- Inadequate roadway maintenance,
- Obstructed views,
- Unmarked road hazards, and
- Inadequate roadway markings.
Defective vehicle components can also cause devastating auto crashes. Defective tires can lead to high-speed rollover accidents, potentially injuring or even killing the vehicle’s driver and passengers.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
If the actions of another party caused your car accident, you may have the right to recover compensation for your damages. Although you have the right to pursue a settlement with the insurance company on your own, consider the many benefits of having an experienced CT car accident lawyer on your side.
Investigating and Documenting Your Case
Your attorney will use an extensive network of investigators and other resources to obtain evidence and document your case. A well-supported case sends a powerful message to the insurance company and helps expedite settlement negotiations.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
The at-fault party’s insurance company is liable for your damages on behalf of their client. Having an experienced attorney to handle the sensitive process of negotiating your settlement helps protect your legal rights. Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company and other parties’ attorneys so you can focus on recovering your health and getting back to work.
Fortunately, the car accident attorneys of StangerLaw LLC successfully settle most of our personal injury cases without having to go to court. This gets a check in your hands as quickly as possible and lets you get on with your life.
However, if the insurance company won’t settle, we won’t hesitate to file a civil lawsuit, if that’s what’s right for you. We understand that you would rather avoid the stress and time involved with a trial. However, if that’s what it takes to get you the financial settlement you deserve, we will gladly take on the insurance company and fight your case in court.
Calculating Your Auto Accident Settlement Value
You have the right to pursue compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional damages. Your attorney will identify your losses and use that information to determine the value of your claim. Some non-economic losses—such as pain and suffering—require complex calculations and an in-depth understanding of the law. When you have a car accident lawyer to assist you, you can rest assured that your claim will address the full value of your damages.
Recovering Compensation for Damages after a Hartford Auto Accident
Connecticut maintains an at-fault car insurance system.
This means that to recover compensation from the other driver’s insurance company, you will need to prove that the other driver was at fault for your accident. You will also need to provide evidence of the damages that you have suffered.
When you hire StangerLaw LLC, we work hard. We assess the strength of your auto accident claim and diligently gather evidence that supports your story and verifies your injuries.
DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH US.
We provide no-strings-attached consultations.
You Deserve Your Full Settlement Amount
We want to help you get compensation to cover the costs of your medical bills, property damages, lost wages, and other actual economic expenses. We’ll also work to provide evidence of non-economic harm that you have suffered. Non-economic harm includes pain, suffering, mental anguish, and psychological injury.
The CT Car Accident Statute of Limitations Clock Is Ticking
After an auto accident, hiring an attorney and initiating the claims process as soon as possible is critical if you are injured. Even if you are still recovering from injuries or coping with psychological harm, it’s important to start right away.
There is a limited amount of time you have to bring forth an auto accident lawsuit in Connecticut. If you wait too long, you will be permanently barred from recovering compensation at all.
The statute of limitations is two years from the date of your auto accident, as found in Title 52, Chapter 926, Section 52-584 of Connecticut code.
Car Accident FAQs
Understandably, prospective clients have many questions when it comes to pursuing a Connecticut car accident claim. To help you better prepare for your initial client meeting, here’s a look at our answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.
Is Connecticut a No-Fault State?
No, Connecticut is not a no-fault state. It is a tort state. That means you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver who caused the accident. In a no-fault state, you would be required to seek reimbursement of your medical expenses through your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The rules on pursuing a claim for damages against other parties will vary based on the no-fault state the accident occurred in.
What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Car Accident Claim?
Unfortunately, there is no average settlement amount we can share with you. Every case is different—no two accidents are identical. Your claim value will vary significantly versus someone else. Factors such as accident severity, your damages, and disputes about liability will all impact how much money you can collect.
Can I Collect a Portion of My Damages If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Yes, there are some instances where you can collect a portion of your damages, provided you aren’t the primary cause of the accident. Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state, which means you might be able to collect something provided you are less than 51% at fault. However, anything you are awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 25% at fault for the collision, you could collect up to 75% of your damages in this case. But if you are 60% at fault, you would not be eligible to collect anything.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
You can. We take these cases on a contingency fee, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we get you money.
Do I Really Need an Attorney?
Yes. An attorney can help ensure that you do not get taken advantage by an insurance company and help get you a fair settlement.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
It depends on a number of factors. It is important to hire an attorney so that they can help you properly evaluate and maximize the value of your case.
Do All Accident Cases Go to Trial?
Sometimes. That is why it is important to hire a competent and aggressive attorney who will vigorously represent you should your case go to trial.
Why Should I Hire Your Firm?
We strive to provide you with the best possible representation. We are with you every step of the way and will fight for you.
What Should I Expect After I Hire You?
An honest evaluation and vigorous representation. We will fight for you.
What if I Miss the Filing Deadline?
Missing a deadline can be fatal to your case. That is why it is so important to contact an attorney immediately after you have been involved in an accident.
What Evidence Should I Collect?
The first thing you should do after an accident is seek necessary medical attention. You want to get copies of all of your medical records, the police report, the name of the other driver and any potential witnesses, and any photographs of the accident scene or vehicles involved.
Should I Talk to the Other Insurance Company?
No. Do not talk to the other insurance company or give them a statement before you have hired an attorney.
How Do Insurance Companies Minimize Payouts?
Insurance companies are a business. The goal is to pay you as little as possible to make the case go away. That is why you need to hire a competent and aggressive firm who will fight to maximize the value of your case.
Could You Tell Me About Your Past Successes?
Our attorneys have decades of experience representing injured clients. We have recovered millions of dollars on their behalf.
What if I Can’t Travel to You?
No problem. We can meet virtually or we will come to you if need be. Our goal is to make your case as easy as possible and will do everything we can to cater to your needs.
What Types of Car Accident Cases Have You Handled in the Past?
We have handled all types of cases ranging from accidents involving pedestrians, bicycles, multiple passenger cars, and crashes involving large commercial motor vehicles such as tractor trailers and heavy construction equipment.
Is There Anything That I Should Do?
The most important thing you can do is get the medical attention you need and hire an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a West Hartford, Connecticut Auto Accident Lawyer
The Connecticut car accident lawyers of StangerLaw LLC assist clients with all types of auto accident injuries. We can analyze your case to determine who had fault for your accident and injuries and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
When you call our law firm and schedule a consultation with our aggressive West Hartford auto accident lawyers, we will immediately get to work determining the strength of your claim and building your case. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means if your claim isn’t successful, then you don’t owe us a cent.
Send us an online message or call our firm at (860) 561-0651 today to start the process of recovering the compensation you deserve.