In New Haven, Connecticut, drivers must possess a specific amount of liability coverage and demonstrate financial responsibility in the event of an incident. Failing to meet the minimum liability insurance requirement or provide proof of financial responsibility can result in penalties. Additionally, all drivers must abide by traffic regulations such as speed limits and stop signs, which can help prevent serious accidents.
For every accident, investigators will examine several factors when assessing fault after a car accident, including witness statements, physical evidence from the scene (such as skid marks), vehicle damage assessments, and whether either party was breaking traffic laws before impact.
Depending on these findings, one or both parties could be held liable for their actions leading up to or during the incident, known as comparative negligence law. It allows individuals who are partially at fault for their injuries/damages to recover compensation from other liable parties based on their percentage contribution towards causing said bodily harm and property damages.
This article discusses everything you need to know when you are injured in a car accident in New Haven.
Types of Injuries from Car Accidents
- Head and Brain Injuries. Head and brain injuries can be some of the most severe injuries in car accidents. A frequent outcome of head trauma can cause long-term impairments, including cognitive deficits, speech difficulties, movement issues, etc.
- Neck and Spinal Cord Injuries. The neck is one of the most vulnerable parts of our body during a car accident because it’s exposed to high levels of force from all directions. This can cause whiplash and cervical spine fractures or herniated discs that may require surgery.
- Back Injuries. Back pain is often experienced following a car accident due to soft tissue injuries like sprains or strains resulting from sudden movements at high speeds. More severe back injuries include fractured vertebrae which could lead to chronic pain.
- Broken Bones and Fractures. Depending on the severity of an accident, broken bones are also common results. They range from simple fractures that heal over time with proper care to compound fractures involving open wounds where bone fragments have pierced through skin layers into other tissues around them.
- Internal Injuries. Internal organ damage can happen when blunt force trauma affects vital organs like your heart, lungs, liver, etc., leading to life-threatening conditions such as bleeding inside the chest cavity (hemothorax).
- Psychological Injuries. Car accidents affect us physically and emotionally, too – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one example where victims experience fearfulness about driving again, along with flashbacks related to their traumatic event(s).
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Here are some steps that New Haven residents should take following a car accident:
- Check for Injuries. Immediately check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the crash for injuries. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Document the Accident Scene. Take pictures of both vehicles, including all damages sustained from the crash. Capture any skid marks or environmental conditions that may have caused the accident, such as reduced visibility from rain or fog.
- Exchange Information with Other Drivers Involved. Collect contact information from everyone involved in the accident, including names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers (if available).
- Notify Your Insurer. Notify your insurer promptly after an auto accident. It’s important not to admit fault at this time, as any admission of fault may impact the compensation you can later receive from another driver’s insurance company.
- Seek Legal Advice. A qualified New Haven car accident lawyer specializing in personal injury law can help protect your legal rights while fighting for maximum financial recovery on behalf of their clients throughout Connecticut state court proceedings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
When it comes to car accidents, certain mistakes can be costly and hurt your case, including:
- Admitting Fault. Even if you think you may have been partially at fault for the accident, it is important to not admit guilt or responsibility as this could be used against you in court.
- Delaying Medical Treatment. Even if the effects of trauma are not evident at first, failing to receive medical care can lead to long-term health implications. It is important to seek medical attention immediately to properly document and treat your injuries accordingly.
- Not Gathering Evidence. Taking photos of the accident scene, collecting witness contact information, and keeping copies of all paperwork related to the incident are essential steps for building a strong legal case should litigation become necessary.
- Not Listening to Your Doctor. Failing to adhere to your doctor’s orders is a common blunder people make after being involved in a car accident. It is important to listen to medical advice to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve from insurance companies or other parties.
- Being Too Quick to Accept a Settlement. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements, but these rarely cover all costs associated with an injury, such as pain and suffering damages, which can add up over time. Therefore, it pays to wait until negotiations are complete before accepting payment terms from insurers or other liable parties instead of hastily settling.
- Not Hiring an Attorney. Having an experienced legal representative present during settlement negotiations can go a long way in making sure all details surrounding liability and compensatory damages are fully comprehended, safeguarding victims’ rights throughout proceedings.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Assistance After a Car Accident
The consequences of a vehicular collision can be stressful. For those affected by a car accident, seeking legal advice from an attorney knowledgeable in Connecticut’s laws and regulations is essential to safeguarding your rights and obtaining due compensation. A New Haven car accident lawyer can assist you in securing compensation for your losses.
Here are a few key reasons for seeking legal assistance.
- Liability. Liability is one of the most important things to consider when seeking legal assistance after a car accident. Determining who was responsible and if any other parties may have had a role in the crash is essential to understanding liability. A lawyer with the necessary expertise can evaluate all facets of the accident and advise on how to move forward in seeking reparation from those responsible for any injuries sustained.
- Insurance. Another critical factor is insurance coverage. Many assume that their auto insurance policy will cover all expenses related to an accident. However, this is not always true, depending on the type of coverage they have purchased and how much it applies in each situation. An experienced New Haven car accident lawyer can review your policy details and determine what types of benefits may be available under it so that you don’t end up paying out-of-pocket costs unnecessarily.
- Negotiations. Having an attorney by your side during negotiations with insurers ensures that all relevant evidence is presented accurately before settlement offers are made or accepted. It could lead to a much larger payout for covering expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and any suffering endured. Lawyers understand the ins and outs of how courts work when it comes time to file suit against another party if necessary; they also know which strategies should be employed during litigation proceedings to maximize results for their client’s claims or cases.
Retain the Services of an Expert
In the event of a car accident, it is imperative to speak with an experienced New Haven car accident lawyer to ensure your rights are safeguarded and provide advice on the best approach for your case. An attorney can help protect your rights and provide guidance on the best course of action for your case. A qualified attorney can assess the damage, review applicable laws, and advise on potential lawsuits.
If you have been injured in a car accident in New Haven, Connecticut, let our personal injury lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers help protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for experienced legal representation.