A car accident can bring devastation to you and your family, especially if it causes you serious injuries. Luckily, you can sue for damages if someone else was at fault for the accident. In doing so, you’ll want to have an experienced Norwalk car accident lawyer working for you.
The Norwalk personal injury lawyers at Injured CT have been protecting motor vehicle accident victims’ rights in Connecticut for a long time. Our attorneys are not only experienced but also knowledgeable and resourceful. We can help you recover all kinds of damages, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Please call today to talk to an experienced and compassionate Norwalk car accident lawyer at Injured CT. Let us champion for the justice and full compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Statistics Connecticut
According to the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center, there were 114,171 accidents in Connecticut in 2018, out of which 27,126 resulted in injuries and 297 deaths. In 2019, the number of accidents and fatalities respectively dropped to 112,655 and 256. The number of accidents dropped further to 80,773 in 2020, but the number of deaths increased to 306.
How Much does a Norwalk Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
A Norwalk car accident attorney works on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that you will pay them a certain percentage of your settlement award if they manage to win your case. If not, then you will not have to pay them anything.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
-Contact Police. It is vital that you call the police after a car crash. This way, the officers can record details about the motor vehicle accident and file an official accident report.
-Check on Other Involved Parties. Do not leave the scene of the accident! If your health allows you, check on the other driver(s) to see if anyone needs urgent help. You can then assess the damages once you have finished checking on the other parties involved.
-Exchange Information. Swap vital information with the other driver(s) as well as any witnesses. Make sure you get the full names, address, insurance company &policy number, license & license plate numbers, location and time of the crash, and the details of the vehicle(s) (type, model, and color). Speak to eyewitnesses and record their statements.
-Record the Scene. Document the accident scene before it is crowded with onlookers. Use your camera or mobile phone to take pictures and videos of your injuries, the cars involved in the wreck, and the road & weather conditions. The evidence you collect will be used to support your case, so make sure you collect the best bits.
-Never Admit Fault. Admission of fault can be in the form of an apology. Don’t apologize. Instead, try to be courteous and polite. If you speak about the accident, you might say something that hurts your claim. Insurance companies may also contort your statement to drive their narrative.
-Seek Medical Attention. You might think you are ok after an auto accident because there are no apparent injuries. It always a good idea to see a physician immediately to be examined for injuries that were not so apparent. Besides, you will obtain essential medical records that could come in handy in your lawsuit.
-Call a Car Accident Lawyer! A lawyer can help you with settlement negotiations, paperwork, claims process, and representation as you recuperate. The Norwalk car accident lawyers at Injured CT can fight for you the compensation you deserve.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Connecticut?
Every motor vehicle accident is unique. The circumstances leading to the accidents are also different. For this reason, there is a wide variation of settlements awarded to car accident victims. There is no average settlement because there is no way of estimating a claim’s worth without assessing the accident’s facts.
When Should I Get a Lawyer for my Auto Accident?
The longer you take to get a lawyer, the more you risk harming your auto accident claim. Contact a Norwalk car accident attorney immediately after your car crash. You risk losing out on a significant amount of money by failing to retain an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out to Injured CT car accident attorneys, the sooner we can get started on your claim.
Why do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
A Norwalk car accident lawyer can help with many aspects of your case, including:
- Case Investigation, Preparation, and Filing a Lawsuit
You need a lawyer to build your case before you can file a civil claim. An attorney will help prepare for your case by leading investigations to prove liability before they file a lawsuit on your behalf. A lawyer will see to it that your claim is filed before Connecticut’s statute of limitations expires. They will also inform you about any special exemptions.
- Settlement Negotiation
An attorney will help establish your claim’s worth and negotiate an adequate settlement package. Besides, they will ensure that you don’t fall into the trap of insurers and their dirty tactics. You are more likely to get a good deal with an auto accident attorney in your corner.
- Trial Preparation & Representation
Sometimes negotiations may not be fruitful. When this is the case, your lawyer can prepare your case for trial by:
– Gathering proof that supports your case
– Filing the necessary paperwork to start the trial
– Handling defense attorneys
- Representation
Finally, an Injured CT auto accident lawyer will advocate for you in a court case. The most important reason you need a lawyer is to offer you expert legal representation in court.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive for My Damages?
Car accident victims who were not at fault can file for damages through a civil lawsuit. The amount of recoverable damages depends on the circumstances surrounding a case. Factors that may affect the worth of your accident claim include:
– The permanency of the plaintiff’s injuries
– The nature of the plaintiff’s injuries
– The extent of the medical treatment required after the accident
– Medical bills and other costs of treatment and rehabilitation
– Loss of income due to an inability to work
– Emotional pain and suffering
Victims may also seek damages for property or vehicle damage vehicle after the wreck. A Norwalk car wreck lawyer can work to ensure you maximize your compensation by pursuing damages for all your losses.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover?
After a Connecticut car wreck, victims who can prove the defendant’s negligence or fault can recover the following types of damages:
- Economic damages: These are damages that you can put a number on. They have a financial or economic value. Economic damages seek to compensate you for all the medical expenses in the past or the future. Additionally, they recover damages for lost income and future earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: Since these damages are non-financial, they are difficult to calculate. Accident victims in Norwalk, Connecticut, may recover damages for the pain and suffering caused by the car accident. Victims may also be awarded damages for disfigurement and impairment.
- Punitive damages: These damages do not actually offer any compensation. Instead, they punish the defendant for recklessness and negligence and deters others from doing the same in the future.
How Is Fault Determined in Connecticut?
Connecticut follows the “fault” system for insurance claims. Other relevant laws that apply when determining fault after a personal injury in Connecticut include Negligence and the “modified” comparative negligence rule.
Negligence and Duty of Care in Connecticut
Every motorist assumes a duty of care towards other motorists once they get into the driving seat. Breaching this duty of care makes a driver liable for any damages after a crash. Speeding, texting while driving, drunk driving, etc., are considered a breach of duty of care.
Connecticut’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Fault in Connecticut is determined using the comparative negligence rule. If a plaintiff is less than 50 percent at fault for an accident, their settlement is reduced by the percentage of fault they bear. If a plaintiff bears fault of more than 50 percent, they may not be awarded any compensation. This is all according to Connecticut General Statutes §52-572h.
An Injured CT car wreck attorney can help determine fault and prove liability
How Long do I Have to File a Claim in Norwalk, CT?
The statute of limitations in Connecticut for a car accident claim is two years after the date of the wreck. Failing to file a claim on time can bar the victim from seeking compensation and holding the at-fault driver accountable.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me File My Insurance Claim?
During the claims process, a lawyer can help you:
- Report the claim. An attorney will help you report your claim to the insurance company. Typically, victims file their car accident claims with their own insurance carrier. Still, car crash victims can file with the negligent party’s insurance company if the negligent driver was at fault.
- Gather information about the accident. An attorney will investigate your claim and collect important information like the circumstances leading to the accident. They will then avail this information to insurance adjusters, who will use it to determine your claim’s worth.
- Appeal denied claims and unsatisfactory settlements. Finally, an attorney will appeal your denied claim or contest the claim’s value if you feel you have been inadequately compensated.
What Can I Do If Insurance Denied My Claim?
Insurance companies deny car accident claims for several reasons. If you have reason to believe that your claim was wrongfully denied, you need to file a formal complaint with the insurance department in Connecticut.
Do I Have a Case?
Did you suffer an injury in a car crash on Connecticut roadways because of another person’s malicious, reckless or negligent actions? If so, you may have a case.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an auto accident, please call us or contact us online. We offer free initial case reviews, in which a Norwalk car accident lawyer can assess your situation and discuss your legal options. Also, if your insurance denied your car accident claim, we can help.
What If the Other Driver doesn’t Have Insurance?
You can still recover damages even when the at-fault driver is not insured. Insured drivers usually pay a monthly premium to their insurance carriers to include an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy in their coverage. When they get into an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver, they can collect compensation from their own insurance coverage.
How Can I Obtain an Accident Report in Norwalk, CT?
To obtain an accident report, visit the Records Division at the police headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. You can get your car accident report within 3-5 business days after the date of the accident. Car accident reports are also available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week at docview.us.com.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Some of the injuries that stem from catastrophic car accidents include:
- Brain Injuries – In most car accidents, your head may take some impact, causing head trauma and possibly brain injuries.
- Burn Injuries – Sometimes car accidents may cause burn injuries when the wreckage catches fire.
- Death – People die every day from car accidents. Some die on the spot, while others die while receiving treatment.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
At Injured CT, we specialize in helping injury victims recover full compensation for their pain and losses. Our skilled Norwalk car accident lawyers deal with various motor vehicle accident claims, including:
- Car and truck accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Car and motorcycle accidents
- Car and pedestrian/bicycle accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
Since victims cannot identify the at-fault driver in a hit-and-run accident, they can only turn to their insurance companies for compensation. The amount you will receive depends on the terms of your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. Did you suffer an injury in a hit-and-run accident in Norwalk, Stamford, or anywhere in Connecticut? Let our legal team help with your hit-and-run case. We have the resources, skills, and experience to find drivers who flee the scene of an accident and can pursue justice and recover full compensation.
Call a Norwalk Car Accident Lawyer at Injured CT Today!
If you have been injured in a Norwalk car accident, we encourage you to contact Injured CT immediately to discuss your case. Our experienced attorneys can deal with insurance companies and help you pursue and recover damages for all your losses.
For a free, no-obligation case evaluation today, please call or fill out the contact form.