Meriden Car Accident Lawyer

Meriden Car Accident Attorney

It can be immeasurably frustrating and overwhelming to have to deal with the fallout of a car accident, particularly a bad one. Car accidents can range from minor inconveniences to catastrophic disasters, with many variations between those two extremes. When you are involved in a car accident, there is a decent chance that you may suffer some lasting trauma, whether that’s physical or mental. A Meriden personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages.

Getting in a Car Accident in Meriden

Car accidents often come out of nowhere to cause lasting damage that can be very difficult to fully heal from. When you are trying to develop a strong personal injury case against the person who caused your accident, you may be doing so while also trying to recover from significant injuries or overcome mental trauma. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you by taking control of your case, allowing you the time to focus on your recovery.

Statute of Limitations

Choosing whether or not to pursue legal action against the party responsible for your accident is a big decision to make, and it shouldn’t be made lightly. When you decide to proceed with a personal injury claim, it is vital to your case that you adhere to the state of Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accident claims. Generally, the state gives you two years to fully develop your case and file a claim for damages.

If you are unable to bring a valid case before the court within two years, there is a strong chance that your claim will be denied, your case will be dismissed outright, and your chance to pursue compensatory damages will pass by with zero legal action taken.

Building a strong car accident claim can take quite some time to accomplish. It is recommended that you start doing so as soon as you can. If you are worried about the strength of your case, bring it to a lawyer who can properly assess it.

What to Do After a Car Accident

You should always keep in mind that in Meriden, CT, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a car accident will influence the strength of your future accident claim and will be included in the police report. Knowing that, it may be wise to make better, well-informed decisions in real time. Taking extra care to do the right thing and make strong decisions can make all the difference. Here are some important steps you should take after an accident to protect your claim:

• Remain Calm: It might seem impossible to remain calm after being in a car accident. Your first natural instinct may be to panic, and that’s perfectly understandable. After all, you have just been through a traumatic event. You should keep in mind that panicking won’t help you at all and could just make things worse. Keeping yourself as calm as possible can have a significant effect on every other move you make.
• Don’t Flee the Scene: Whatever you do, never attempt to flee the scene of an accident. The resulting legal trouble you would likely face could be devastating. Under Connecticut state law, any driver who is involved in an accident must remain at the scene and render assistance as needed.Failure to do so could result in fines and prison time, depending on the offense. Remain at the scene, report the accident, and help where you can.
• Check Yourself for Injuries: Depending on the accident, you could be dealing with severe injuries but may not be fully aware of them due to shock. You should immediately start checking yourself for any injuries you may have sustained, then do the same for any passengers in your car.Look for bloody spots, red areas, bruising, protrusions, sprains, and anything that appears to be broken. If you can’t find injuries but are still in pain, tell the EMTs.
• Call 911: You need to call 911 as soon as you can. You need law enforcement there to block off the scene and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to care for the individuals involved. Having law enforcement present to take control of the scene can provide you with a sense of assurance that things are being handled correctly. Let the EMTs look you over, and be sure to see a doctor later.
• Move Your Car: If you are physically able to do so, you should consider moving your car out of the road if it is still there. The last thing you want is to be responsible for inadvertently causing another accident because your car was sitting in the middle of oncoming traffic. If the police allow you to, you should move your car to the shoulder. If the car is too damaged to move or you are too injured, don’t worry about it. Just leave it.
• Talk to Police: When the police arrive, they are going to speak with you about your side of events. Be honest, don’t point fingers, and make sure you do not admit fault for the accident.
• Exchange Insurance: You and the other driver should exchange insurance and contact information. Make sure you get their full name, address, phone number, insurance carrier, and the carrier’s contact info. Give them the same information.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Throughout this entire process, you should make sure that you do not admit any fault for the accident. Even if you are certain that you caused the accident, do not say anything. Admitting fault could seriously jeopardize your future accident claim. Even apologizing can be considered admitting fault. Be civil, but do not accept any verbal or written responsibility for the accident.
• Gather Evidence: Once the police have cleared the scene, you can start documenting evidence from the accident for your own records and for your future claim. Make sure you take plenty of photos of your injuries, the damage done to all vehicles involved, the conditions of the road, and any posted signs. Make sure you speak to any witnesses who may be willing to help you and get their contact info as well.
• Contact Your Insurance: You should reach out to your insurance provider and let them know what happened. Be sure not to admit any fault to them, either. Fill them in on the facts of the accident. If the other driver’s insurance reaches out, you do not have to speak to them. You can either tell them to contact your lawyer or choose not to speak to them at all, leaving it in your lawyer’s hands to contact them.
• See a Lawyer: When you are ready to start developing your accident claim, you should consider reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you figure out your next steps.

FAQs About Meriden, CA Car Accident Law

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

There is no telling what the average settlement for a car accident in Connecticut might be. Every car accident case is different. Each case has its own set of circumstances and details that make it unique. When working out a settlement, different factors must be considered, including the severity of your injuries, the findings of the insurance company’s investigation, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Take Legal Action in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, you have two years from the date of your accident or the date you discovered your injury to take legal action for a car accident. That gives you two years to establish grounds for your claim, develop a strong enough case, gather the evidence you need, consult with a car accident lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you cannot file before two years have passed, there is a strong chance your case will be dismissed.

What Is the Law on Car Accidents in Connecticut?

The law on car accidents in Connecticut relies mostly on comparative negligence. In a comparative negligence situation, if you are found to be more than half responsible for the accident, you will be unable to pursue any amount in compensation. An investigation by the insurance adjuster will determine who is at fault and by what percentage.

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Car Accident Case?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer for your car accident case. However, it is highly recommended that you retain legal counsel any time you are dealing with a legal issue. Having someone in your corner who understands the complexities of the law is necessary. Engaging a qualified and experienced lawyer gives you the greatest chance of obtaining the just compensation you deserve.

Reach Out to a Lawyer Today

Car accidents can be devastating, and seeking legal action against the responsible party can be a good way to pursue a sense of closure. With the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, you can make a case and seek damages. The legal team at Jacobs & Jacobs understands what you need and can provide you with consistent legal advice throughout this process. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a team member today.