Hamden Car Accident Attorneys

How to Recover Damages After a Car Crash

Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injury and death in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 2.3 million people were injured and 32,367 people died in car crashes in 2011. In Connecticut alone, 270 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2011.

When a crash is caused by another driver, victims can pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Goldblatt, Marquette & Rashba, P.C., our Hamden car accident lawyers have been helping Connecticut families rebuild their lives for over 60 years.

Contact us online or by phone at (203) 687-4050 to schedule a consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Hamden.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Connecticut

Following a car accident, your first concern should always be your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and call 911. The police will come to the scene to investigate the accident and write an accident report. Exchange insurance information with the other driver and gather evidence from the scene. You will need to take photos of the accident, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries.

It is important to get medical attention even if you do not think you were seriously injured. Many car accident injuries, such as whiplash and traumatic brain injuries, do not produce immediate symptoms. If you do not seek medical attention, the insurance company will argue that you were not injured in the accident.

Connecticut Car Insurance Laws

Connecticut is an at-fault state for car insurance purposes. This means that the driver who causes an accident is responsible for covering the damages. Most drivers in Connecticut have liability insurance to cover the cost of an accident that they cause.

Unfortunately, not all drivers carry the required liability insurance. Others may not have enough insurance to cover the full cost of the accident. If you are injured in a car accident, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company to recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages that are not covered by your insurance policy.

Connecticut drivers are required to carry the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

Drivers in Connecticut are also required to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This insurance policy will cover your medical bills and lost wages if you are injured in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover the full cost of the accident.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Connecticut?

There are many factors that will determine the value of your car accident claim. The severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, and the amount of time you missed from work will all affect the value of your claim. In general, car accident victims in Connecticut can recover the following types of damages:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

The insurance company will also consider the amount of evidence you have to support your claim. If you are partially at fault for the accident, the insurance company will use this information to try to reduce the value of your claim. Our car accident lawyers in Hamden can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Connecticut?

It can take several months or longer to settle a car accident claim in Connecticut. The insurance company will want to review your medical records and other evidence to determine the value of your claim. They will also review the accident report and other evidence to determine who is at fault for the accident.

If you are partially at fault for the accident, the insurance company will use this information to try to reduce the value of your claim. Our car accident lawyers in Hamden can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case. We can also help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive a fair settlement offer.

Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

It is always a good idea to contact an experienced car accident lawyer after a crash. Our attorneys can help you file a claim with your insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. We can also help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover additional compensation.

Can I Sue the At-Fault Driver After a Car Accident?

If you are injured in a car accident, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your injuries. You will need to prove that the other driver was negligent in order to win your case. This means that you will need to prove that the other driver breached their duty of care and caused the accident.

There are many factors that can contribute to a car accident, including speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving. Our car accident lawyers in Hamden can help you gather the evidence you need to prove that the other driver was negligent.

Contact us online or by phone at (203) 687-4050 to schedule a consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Hamden.