After a Connecticut car crash, police officers will document their initial findings at the scene, and insurance adjusters will conduct separate investigations. If the case goes to trial, the court will need to weigh the evidence and assign percentages of fault to each party involved in the auto accident.
The job of finding fault in a car crash is critical, as your understanding of who bears responsibility will be crucial when it comes to seeking full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional anguish, and all the other harm you have suffered in a crash involving another driver.
Is Connecticut an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Connecticut operates under an at-fault system for car accidents. Under state law, the motorist who causes a crash bears financial responsibility for the resulting injuries and property damage. This system requires drivers to carry liability insurance that covers injuries they may cause to others and damage they may cause to property, or “liability” coverage.
Unlike in no-fault states, where drivers must first turn to their own insurance company regardless of who caused the crash, Connecticut allows injured parties to seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the other driver’s insurance company does not offer a settlement package covering the full extent of the injured individual’s losses, the victim can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
How Do You Determine Fault for a Crash?
Determining the party at fault after a car crash involves examining multiple factors. The investigation typically begins with reviewing traffic laws and establishing which driver violated these rules of the road. Common violations that often lead to fault determination include:
- Running red lights or stop signs — A driver who disregards traffic signals typically bears responsibility for resulting collisions.
- Speeding — When a driver goes faster than the posted speed limit, the driver will have less reaction time. Speed also increases the severity of the injuries that people suffer in crashes.
- Improper lane changes — Failing to signal or check blind spots when changing lanes puts other drivers at risk.
- Following too closely — Rear-end collisions often result from inadequate following distance.
- Distracted driving — When drivers use phones, eat, or engage in other activities that distract them from the road, it can create dangerous conditions.
In some instances, another party might bear responsibility for the collision. For example, suppose the crash resulted from a problem with one of the vehicles’ braking systems. In such a case, responsibility might lie with the manufacturer that produced the component or with the mechanic that failed to diagnose or address a problem. Likewise, if a pothole contributed to the accident, the local government authority in charge of the road’s maintenance might be liable. A thorough investigation of the crash can determine all responsible parties. Contact our Hartford car accident lawyer today for a free case review.
What Happens If I Am Partly Responsible for the Collision?
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence system. This system recognizes that multiple parties may bear responsibility for a car accident. Under this system, you can still recover compensation if you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the collision. However, a court will reduce your compensation based on the percentage of fault you bear for the car accident.
For example, if you suffered $100,000 in damages but were 30 percent at fault, you would be eligible to recover $70,000. This system encourages fair outcomes by acknowledging that accidents often result from multiple factors while allowing partially responsible parties to seek compensation for their losses.
What Types of Evidence Can Establish Liability?
Proving fault and building a successful car accident claim requires gathering substantial evidence, including evidence from the accident scene. Key pieces that can demonstrate how an accident unfolded and help with determining liability include:
- Police report — The responding police officer will document their observations of the accident scene, witness statements, and any traffic violations. You can obtain a copy of this report.
- Cell phone records — These records can help establish fault by showing that a driver was talking or texting immediately before the accident occurred.
- Witness statements — Bystanders often provide unbiased accounts of how an accident occurred.
- Photos and videos — Visual evidence from the scene may show vehicle positions, road conditions, weather conditions, license plate numbers, and vehicle damage.
- Traffic camera footage — Nearby surveillance systems may have captured the collision, offering objective crash documentation. Video may contradict the other party’s version of what occurred.
- Vehicle damage — The location and extent of damage often tell a straightforward story about how an auto accident happened.
- Medical records — These crucial documents will show your medical treatment history, and they can link your injuries directly to the crash.
What If the Insurance Company Blames Me for the Wreck?
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injured parties to minimize their financial responsibility. They may claim you could have avoided your crash or allege that your actions contributed to it. When this happens, just remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to pay as little as possible on claims.
For this reason, you should never admit you may be at fault, point fingers, or provide recorded statements without first speaking to an attorney. What you say to insurance adjusters could be used against you, significantly affecting your ability to recover fair compensation.
How Our Connecticut Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we take every case personally because we understand what’s at stake for you and your loved ones. With more than 55 years of combined legal experience, our partners work collaboratively to ensure each client benefits from our entire team’s knowledge.
Our comprehensive approach to car accident cases includes:
- Conducting thorough crash investigations.
- Gathering and preserving critical evidence from the auto accident.
- Managing all insurance company communications.
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts when needed.
- Calculating your complete current and future losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
- Negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation for you.
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary.
We do not focus on a single area of law. That broad legal experience helps us understand how various areas of law intersect and will allow us to advocate effectively on your behalf. Our results speak for themselves, including multiple recent six-figure car accident settlements and verdicts.
Talk to a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer Today
When hardworking people need to be heard after a car accident, our partners act as their voices. Having a car crash case resolved quickly and favorably can make all the difference in moving forward with your life.
Don’t try to tackle your car crash case on your own. Contact us today at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, for a free consultation with an experienced and dedicated Connecticut car accident attorney. Let us show you how our personalized approach to legal representation can keep this challenging time from defining the rest of your life.
