In an average year, there are more than 100,000 car accidents in Connecticut, resulting in over 20,000 injuries. If you’ve sustained injuries in a car accident, please read on, then contact our experienced Hartford County car accident attorneys to learn what you need to know about car accidents in Connecticut.
What are the leading causes of car accidents?
Negligence takes many forms on the highways and roads of Connecticut. The most common causes of car accidents are as follows:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Reckless driving, i.e. changing lanes without signaling and cutting people off
- Running red lights
Often car crashes result from a combination of these causes. When negligent drivers injure somebody, they are liable to personal injury claims and lawsuits.
What should I do after a car accident?
First, you should stop. You should never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one. Second, you need to call 911. Police will come and write up a report. While you’re waiting for first responders to arrive, take pictures of all damage to vehicles, property, yourself and other victims. You would be well advised to also take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, documenting it for future reference. Next, you should exchange information with the other driver(s) and take a picture of their license plate. If you’re able to, you should gather the contact information of the witnesses to the car crash. Lastly, you should seek medical attention, if needed, and obtain a copy of the police report. Also, we would be remiss if we did not tell to avoid any roadside discussions of blame or fault, particularly any admissions on your part. Even if the other drivers are at fault, saying, “I didn’t see them” may damage your case down the line.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Connecticut?
Every state has a statute of limitations, meaning you have a limited amount of time to bring a personal injury lawsuit. In the state of Connecticut, the statute of limitations is two years. So, if you want to turn to the state’s civil court system and ask for damages, you will need to reach out to our skilled Hartford County personal injury attorneys to discuss the particulars of your case and determine what is your best path forward.
Contact our Firm
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. If you need an attorney who is ready to fight for the financial compensation you deserve, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up a free initial consultation. Our firm deals with matters relating to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.
