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Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers

A serious car accident can change your life in a minute. It can affect your personal finances, your job, your transportation, and most importantly your health. Injuries, rehabilitation and long-term care after an auto accident can last weeks, months, and even a lifetime. It is important to contact one of our car accident lawyers in Connecticut after any car accident, consultation is always free. If you have been injured you have rights and an accident attorney can help you understand the next steps and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

When Should You Get a Car Accident Lawyer in Connecticut?

Our Connecticut car accident lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers will ensure that whoever is at fault causing your injury, including in the unfortunate event that there is a fatality, will be held liable for their actions.

We will fight for your right as a car accident victim. We have offices all over Connecticut,  in Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New London, and New Haven.

There is no need to fear the fight against insurance companies either, as we have the experience and expertise to handle them. You will get the maximum possible compensation. Take back your life and let the Power of Perkins protect your rights.

List of Common Car Accident Injuries

Driver negligence is one of the leading reasons why car accidents happen and may lead to various bodily injuries to anyone involved. These irresponsible actions should not go unpunished, and we are ready to put our expertise to good use to help you out.

Here are some of the injuries that are often incurred in car accidents:

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Vehicular accidents are one leading cause of brain injuries. You are likely to experience a sudden blow or jolt to the head in these incidents. This is terrifying given that brain injuries can be life-altering, if not just threatening.

Of course, given the proximity and function of your spinal cord to your body, it will also need special attention, depending on the magnitude of the accident. Just like a brain injury, a damaged spine can also be life-changing and severely affect the quality of your life.

Have you been injured in an accident or fall? Do You have question and want to know your legal options. Call 203-437-6190 for a free consultation and remember there is NO FEE unless WE Win.

Broken Bones and Burns

Broken bones cannot be taken lightly as they may lead to permanent and life-altering injuries. Not all broken bones just heal in time. This may result in being unable to do things the way you used to or not at all. This is also true in participating in certain activities or sports, or worse, can result in being unable to perform one’s occupation.

Burns are also not as superficial as they might seem. Disfigurement may lead to emotional distress, depression, and lowering of self-esteem, and that is on top of the sometimes terrible physical pain. That is why whoever is at fault for the incident should be held responsible.

Amputated Limbs

In extreme cases, an individual might lose a limb or even more than one. This is very unfortunate and something that our Connecticut car accident lawyers take very seriously.

Connecticut Car Accident LawyersThe first thing you have to do when involved in a car accident and might have been injured is to seek immediate medical attention and treatment. This applies even if you do not think you have suffered serious injuries. It is important to let a medical expert examine you for posterity’s sake as well as for the sake of your health.

When making a claim, everything needs to be documented properly and a medical expert’s opinion and statements will be vital when things escalate later. After all of your physical needs have been attended to, you’re going to need to take note of all potential financial damages caused by the collision.

In our experience, we know that car accidents can lead to a lot of financial disputes and that is where we step in to help you out and make sure you are compensated justly.

What to Do if You Are in a Car Accident in Connecticut

We understand that a car accident can be highly stressful, not to mention life-threatening. Nothing can actually prepare you for the real deal, but if you are involved in one, please try to remember our tips below.

  • As much as possible, the goal is to be in control of the situation. The best way to do so is to remain calm.
  • Make sure to warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights. You should move off the roadway for safety or to catch a breather, but do not stray too far from the accident scene.
  • You are likely to need immediate medical attention so you can call 911 or the appropriate emergency hotline for help.
  • Obtain as much information as you can. Information you acquire in the immediate aftermath of a car accident will be vital to any investigation later and will tremendously help your cause. Contact information gathered will be crucial, so make sure to obtain that of anyone involved in the accident and that of any witnesses in the vicinity. Apart from this, be sure to obtain driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance policy numbers, and vehicle makes, models, and years.
  • Lastly, please gather as much evidence as you can by taking pictures of the crash.
  • If you need more information, feel free to visit our Car Accident Resource Center for all pertinent advice about what to do during car accidents, specifically here in the State of Connecticut.

Types of Connecticut Car Accidents

Car accidents vary in severity and aftermath. The investigation may go in many different directions and can sometimes be unpredictable, but there are a few common car accident scenarios, and having some knowledge about them may help you prepare for them.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are described as vehicular accidents where the front of one car hits the front of another. However, head-on collisions account for a small percentage of car accidents in the US. Despite this, the level of fatalities caused by these incidents is high.

We bet that you can visualize how head-on collisions can be fatal, given the amount of force present when two vehicles going in opposite directions collide.  Of course, the faster the speeds of the cars, the stronger the impact.

Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end car accident is characterized by the front of a car crashing into the rear of another vehicle.  This is the most common type of motor vehicle accident.

That is why vehicles are told not to travel too close to another car as the opportunity to hit the brakes when needed to slow down becomes too narrow. As per statistics, there are about 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the country per year, and these are responsible for about 1,700 deaths and over half a million injuries.

T-Bone Collisions

A T-bone collision is when the front of a vehicle hits the side of another. A most common occurrence in intersections is when one driver fails to grant the right of way of another car, runs a red light, fails to obey a stop sign, or is just unaware of the situation on the road.

T-bone collisions are extremely dangerous and lead to many fatalities, or at least debilitating injuries, especially to the passenger at the side of the car, which does not have a lot of protection as opposed to the front or rear.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents refer to side-by-side vehicular incidents. It happens when one car swerves or drifts into another lane and crashes into another. While usually not as fatal as the rest of the types of car accidents we have listed so far, they can still be extremely dangerous and possibly also financially damaging.

Chain Reaction Crashes

One that may be the costliest of all types of accidents on our list, as well as having the potential to have the most injuries and fatalities, chain-reaction crashes can be a nightmare.

This is a vehicular accident involving more than two cars. It mostly happens on open highways and interstates where many cars are running at full speed. It can, unfortunately, result in a pileup and, in our experience, in very bad weather, can result in twenty or more vehicles being involved.

Single Vehicular Accidents

This may seem less dangerous, but statistics say otherwise. Single vehicular accidents account for more than half of all fatalities caused by car accidents. This type of incident is described as a vehicle crashing into objects, animals, or people, or when a car goes off the road.

Single-vehicular accidents are also quite common.

No matter the type of accident, call our car accident lawyer Connecticut to learn your rights. Our accident lawyers will fight to get you the money you are entitled to after a car accident.

Causes of Car Accidents

Most car accidents happen due to human error and carelessness, with a certain percentage attributed to vehicle issues. Here are some of the common causes of car accidents.

Speeding

There have been times when close to 10,000 people were the victims of car accidents in one year caused by speeding. It is one of the deadliest causes of car accidents, not just in the US but worldwide.

Speeding does not necessarily mean that you are driving over the limit but also beyond the appropriate speed for the roadway. If you drive too fast, you will not have time to react or slow down when necessary to evade a potential crash. In the process, the safety mechanisms of your vehicle can be rendered ineffective.

Your seat belts, airbags, and more can only do so much. If one is recklessly driving on the road, the worst things can happen. Our advice? Drive safely and within the speed limit and if you are injured by someone speeding call our Connecticut car accident lawyers for a free consultation.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence is a common cause of car accidents and is often deadly. Alcohol impairment is one of the most unforgivable causes of car crashes all over the country. That is why many laws govern it, and very stringent ones, so as to discourage people from driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.

More than 10,000 people die in the US due to alcohol impairment a year. When drunk or high on drugs, a person’s faculties are likely to be impaired, and that means all their basic instincts and common sense are gone. We do not need to tell you what happens next.

Driving While Distracted or Fatigued

It is particularly important that when you are sleepy, confused about your route, or have a lot of things on your mind that you refrain from driving as much as possible. That is why road signs remind people to pull over and take some time to nap when overtired.

When confused about your route, ask for help or take time to map it out first. There are a lot of tools and apps you can use today to help yourself out if there is no one else to ask for directions. People unfamiliar with the routes they are driving may sometimes find themselves in car accidents.

Lastly, people who multitask and have a lot of things on their minds when driving tend to get involved in car accidents. People who text, call, or have their eyes glued to their smartphones while driving are just asking for trouble.

People should settle their responsibilities first before getting behind the wheel to eliminate any form of distraction when out on the road.

Vehicle Problems/Malfunctions

Defective car parts and vehicles that do not get regular maintenance are also leading causes of car accidents.

If a car accident is caused by defective car parts, then know that the car manufacturer may be held liable. As car owners, people should be responsible for maintaining their cars regularly. When speeding on the highway, a blown tire may easily cause a series of accidents that can cause injuries, if not fatalities.

Over 90% of car crashes are deemed preventable, and it usually doesn’t take much to prevent them if everyone just does their part. If you do get involved in a car accident caused by these reasons, then know that you have every right to call us, and a Connecticut car accident lawyer will protect you and your rights.

Figuring Out Who’s Fault It Is

Figuring out who or, in some cases, what was really at fault for a car accident can be tricky. It is not just about pointing fingers. What if it was a single-vehicle accident? What if there were multiple cars involved? Then whose fault would it be?

Consider that each state has its own various rules and laws governing such incidents; it can get confusing at times, and when in distress, this can be overwhelming for you.

In any case, do not think that you are all alone in this battle after a car accident. You are not. We are here to help you out. Some people are quick to take the blame, while others are not.

You have rights, and we know how to figure out who is at fault for the incident.

Things You Should Know Before Hiring a Connecticut  Car Accident Lawyer

Let us give you some pointers on what to look for in an accident law firm and tell you why we best represent you in a car accident case.

Can They Help You to Trial?

There are firms and other personal injury lawyers that might turn your case over to other firms or car accident lawyers in CT because they cannot handle it once it gets to court.   That is not the case with us.  We have hundreds of Connecticut car accident cases in court at any time, and we know how to handle them.

Make sure that the firm you choose will hold an insurance company accountable, get you your due compensation, and has a robust litigation practice to see things through no matter where it may lead.

Will They Fight with You Until You’re Justly Compensated?

Please do take note that not all law firms are made equal or, should we say, not all law firms have lawyers with the same capabilities.

Make sure to hire a Connecticut auto accident lawyer who will not settle for less but make sure to get what you deserve out of a vehicular incident from medical compensation and any other relevant expenses.

Do They Have Skills and Credibility?

You also need to make sure that you know and can trust the firm representing you. You may still be under a lot of pressure after the car accident but do your due diligence to get to know who you hire first before working with them.

Do not just hire someone from a fancy advertisement. At the very least, try to get help from a person you can trust to find out about the credibility and track record of a firm or Connecticut car accident lawyer before putting 110% of your trust in them.

Are Their Lawyers Experienced and Up to Date?

Regarding researching the firm or lawyer you are about to work with, their experience will be obvious from their previous cases and their results. Lawyers should also be up to date on the relevant law, which a firm limiting its practice to injury law, as we do, has to be.

Because of our experience and knowledge of car accidents in Connecticut, we know that we can win your case for you or at least give you the highest chance possible of protecting your rights and getting you what you deserve.

You will need skilled lawyers and those who know the area and the local laws. We offer free initial consultations and we take the time to learn about you and your case to mount the most formidable case.

We know everything there is to know about car accidents, so rest assured that every angle of your case will be examined keenly, and you will get the compensation you deserve.

More Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Things That I Should Not Do After a Car Accident?

The obvious is not to do the opposite of what we advised you to do above. Do not leave the accident scene without calling and talking to the authorities, even if it was not your fault.

Even if it was your fault, do not admit responsibility until you have talked to your lawyers. Yes, even to paramedics, witnesses, and especially police officers on the scene. Let us help you determine that later on. For the moment, you were just in a car accident, and you may still be under a lot of pressure, even if you are not injured badly.

Last, but not least, do not make statements to the insurance company until you have spoken to us.

How Can I Recover Losses if the At-fault Driver Does Not Have Insurance or Flees the Scene of the Accident?

If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may check if yours has uninsured motorist coverage. If so, your own insurance company might have to help you recover your losses.

The coverage mentioned above also protects hit-and-run victims.

When Should I Settle My Connecticut Auto Accident Lawsuit?

We can tell you not to settle right away unless a doctor has informed you of the extent of your injuries and you know the extent of your medical expenses. That is why it is important to talk to an experienced connecticut car accident lawyer, so you know the proper steps to take after a vehicular incident.

Do you have a car accident case worth pursuing?

After being involved in a Connecticut car accident, you may wonder if your situation requires legal intervention. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our legal team can review the information and evidence related to your case to determine if you have a viable claim. We will also explain all your legal options and if compensation is likely for the injuries and damages you sustained. If you have a viable claim, we will pursue the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Can you file a car accident claim if you were partly responsible for the collision?

Car accident cases in Connecticut will follow the modified comparative negligence law. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can recover damages. However, the other party must be a minimum of 51% at-fault for the collision for this to happen. If you are more than 51% at fault for the accident, you will be barred from recovering any damages for your injuries or other losses. If you are unsure who is at fault, our legal team can help. We can conduct a private investigation to ensure the responsible party is held accountable.

Will your Connecticut car accident case have to go to trial?

We never assume a case will be settled at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers. While we will work with the insurance company to help negotiate a fair settlement offer, this is never guaranteed. If we cannot get a fair settlement offer for your car accident case, our legal team has no problem going to court. We have a large amount of experience litigating car accident cases in court and will fight for your rights to receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

How can I afford to hire a Connecticut car accident attorney?

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You are not required to pay anything upfront for our legal services. Payment for our legal services is contingent on if we help you recover compensation. If your case is unsuccessful, you do not pay. Once a settlement award is received, our team will receive a predetermined payment percentage for our legal services. We have helped car accident victims throughout Connecticut recover millions in damages and can provide you with the same high level of legal services.

What happens if a family member experiences an injury in a car accident?

If someone in your family is injured in a car accident, we understand how stressful the situation can be. Not only do you have to deal with their pain and medical treatment, but the costs related to the accident may be piling up. In this situation, you may wonder what to do and what options you have to handle the situation. We can help with this case and provide legal advice and guidance at each step of the process. Contact our office to find out more.

How do we prove your car accident claim?

When you call us for help with your car accident claim, you can feel confident that we will take every step necessary to build your case and help you recover full compensation. The steps we will take include the following:

  • Investigate the accident scene
  • Interview the witnesses and analyze evidence from the accident scene
  • Hire experts from various fields to verify your claim
  • Document the injuries you sustained and the impact they have had on your life
  • Reconstruct the accident to analyze it and prove liability

What options do you have if the other driver does not have auto insurance?

When the at-fault driver does not have insurance coverage or if they are underinsured, you may wonder what options you have for compensation. While this can be a stressful situation, you do have options. We recommend contacting our office and scheduling a consultation. We can review your case and help you get the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Sometimes, you can recover damages from your auto insurance provider or by filing a third-party lawsuit. While you may be concerned about your bills, we will help you in this difficult situation.

Is it illegal to text and drive in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, texting and driving is a primary offense, and the police can pull you over and write you a citation if you are caught texting and driving. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, distracted driving involves any non-driving activity you engage in while behind the wheel. Texting is considered particularly egregious since it includes all three distracted driving behaviors – manual, visual, and cognitive. Additionally, your vehicle does not have to be moving for you to receive a ticket for texting and driving.

Should you let the insurance company handle your car accident claim or file a lawsuit?

If you allow an insurance company to handle your car accident claim, it is good to know that they may not provide an offer that reflects your specific situation. This is because most insurance companies will use a predetermined formula. However, the determined value will likely be low if you experience severe injuries or someone dies. Hiring a lawyer means you have someone fighting for your rights and working to ensure you receive a fair amount of compensation. Our legal team will work to ensure you know your legal rights and that you get the full compensation you are entitled to.

Can you be considered liable if you were involved in a rear-end accident?

If you are involved in a rear-end collision, the damages to each vehicle involved will show how the incident occurred. If the only damaged areas of the vehicles include the back of your car and the front of the other, it is clear you were struck from behind. In most situations, you would not be found liable in these situations.

However, if multiple cars are involved, and you are hit from behind and pushed into the car ahead of you, the third-vehicle driver will likely be found at fault.

Who is at fault if a car and bicycle collide?

According to Connecticut law, bicycles are considered vehicles. Because of this, cyclists must follow the same laws drivers do. Determining fault in these accidents is based on negligence. An example is if you were parked next to a bike lane and opened your door to exit your vehicle without looking or checking for bicyclists. If you strike a cyclist with your door, it is called a “dooring” incident, and in this situation, you would be considered at fault for the incident.

What steps should you take if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident?

If you are involved in a car accident, and the other driver leaves the scene, filing a claim may still be possible. Try to gather as much information about the vehicle that struck you as possible, such as the make and model, color, license plate number, and other descriptive features. You should give this information to the authorities who may be able to find the at-fault party.

All drivers in Connecticut are required to have uninsured motorist insurance coverage for these types of situations. This policy will cover your injuries and damages if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Do you need to notify the other driver’s insurance company about the accident?

After an accident, it is not unusual for you to be emotional and sometimes in pain. Because there is a risk that you could say something that is used against you, it is recommended that you allow your attorney to speak to the insurance company. Usually, any contact will be recorded, and the insurance company will analyze the conversation to find something to reduce your compensation or deny your claim. Allowing your attorney to handle the communication means avoiding these issues.

Are your auto insurance rates going to increase after you file a claim?

Sometimes, your insurance rates may go up. However, this depends on what insurance company you use. Sometimes, insurance companies provide their customers with “accident forgiveness” programs. With this, a first-time accident does not cause your rates to increase. However, if you file a claim, your risk profile will increase. As a result, your insurance premium may increase. To know the exact impact, talk to your insurance company.

When should you call a lawyer after a car accident?

A good rule of thumb is to contact an attorney after a car accident as soon as possible. There are limitations regarding how long you must file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, it may weaken your claim or cause you to lose your right to file a claim. Sometimes, more severe accidents require more time to handle, so hiring an attorney right away is essential. At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we will get to work on your case immediately to help you have the best chance of full recovery.

When do you need to hire an attorney after a Connecticut car accident?

For some, the idea of hiring a lawyer is not a priority. Instead, they focus on their health and recovery – which is important. However, after you receive medical treatment, you should contact a lawyer if you are experiencing significant accident-related cases. Making sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to can be challenging, along with accurately valuing the car accident. An attorney has experience with this and can ensure that you request a fair amount of compensation when you file a claim.

How do you find the right attorney for your case?

Finding the right attorney after a car accident matters. You need someone who understands the law and how it applies to your case. Be sure to get recommendations and consider the attorney’s reputation. Finding someone with a proven track record will give you peace of mind that the attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Be sure to consider the number of years the attorney has practiced law and what area of law they specialize in, as this all matters when hiring someone to represent your interests.

Do you need to keep notes related to your accident case?

It is smart to take notes about the accident and details of your case. This includes details of your injuries. As time passes, your memory will fade, and you may forget important details. If you have notes, you have reference points to help you tell your attorney the full scope of the accident and how it has impacted your life. You should also keep a pain journal so you can continue updating it and help the court fully understand the impact the accident and injuries have had on your life.

Contact Our Connecticut Car Accident Law Firm Now!

When is the best time to call a Connecticut car accident lawyer? Now! No matter how big or small a vehicular accident is, you are going to need to know your rights and protect yourself.

Know what the Power of Perkins can do for you when you contact our personal injury attorneys in CT today to schedule a free consultation!

For More Information:

Have you been injured in an accident or fall? Do You have question and want to know your legal options. Call 203-437-6190 for a free consultation and remember there is NO FEE unless WE Win.
Contact Our Connecticut Law Firm Now!

When is the best time to call a Connecticut ? Now! No matter how big or small a vehicular accident is, you are going to need to know your rights and protect yourself.

Know what the Power of Perkins can do for you when you contact our personal injury attorneys in CT today for schedule a free consultation!

Get Results, Get The Power Of Perkins