Did you suffer injuries in a New Britain car accident caused by another driver? If so, Connecticut law says you could seek compensation for medical care, lost wages, and other crash-related losses. Understanding your legal rights is crucial during this vulnerable time. Getting advice from a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help.
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we have over 55 years of combined legal experience representing the wrongfully injured in Connecticut. You deserve justice and accountability for what you’ve endured. Our New Britain car accident attorneys focus on building strong relationships with clients as we pursue the best possible results.
A New Britain car accident lawyer with Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can protect your rights and seek financial relief while you focus on recovering from injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Should I Do If I Am in a Car Accident in New Britain, CT?
Even minor car accidents have the potential to cause injuries and property damage. Regardless of the type of crash, your priority is notifying the police and seeking medical treatment.
You should also take the following steps to protect your rights after a car crash:
- Take pictures of the crash site, including debris in the road, skid marks, vehicle damage, and road signs.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information so they can provide statements later.
- Keep all receipts, invoices, and other documents related to the crash, including hospital bills and medical records.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
- Speak to a car accident attorney before you talk to insurers.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Connecticut data shows there were more than 300,000 car accidents over a recent three-year period.
Some common causes of these car accidents include:
- Drunk driving – Nearly 9,000 car accidents statewide over three years involved drivers under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Drunk drivers lack the coordination, reflexes, and judgment to avoid collisions.
- Distracted driving – Texting while driving contributes to many accidents, but any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from driving can have severe or fatal results. Eating, putting on makeup, or adjusting the heat or air conditioning all count as distracted driving.
- Drowsy driving – Fatigue leads to delayed reaction times and falling asleep at the wheel. Drowsy driving is of particular concern for long-distance truckers who spend long periods of time on the road.
- Speeding – Driving too fast for road or weather conditions reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely. Speeding drivers often misjudge the stopping distance needed to avoid hitting other motorists or pedestrians.
- Reckless driving – Examples of reckless driving include tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, ignoring traffic signs, and other dangerous behaviors.
- Failure to yield – Many car accidents result from drivers failing to yield the right-of-way when appropriate.
- Inexperienced drivers – Younger drivers tend to take risks that a more seasoned motorist would avoid.
- Defective parts – Vehicle defects, such as a flawed ignition switch or faulty brakes, may cause a crash even when the most responsible driver is behind the wheel.
What Types of Car Accidents Happen Most Often?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the types of car accidents that happen most often are:
- Angle collisions, or T-bone crashes
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe and other two-vehicle crashes
- Head-on collisions
What Injuries Are Most Common in Car Accidents in New Britain?
Car accident injuries can range from minor to severe.
The most common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Soft-tissue injuries
Where Would a Car Accident Be More Likely to Happen in New Britain?
Although car accidents can happen anywhere, intersections can be hazardous to road users. With multiple lanes of traffic crossing and turning, intersections are common locations for accidents. Failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging the distance and speed of oncoming traffic can lead to collisions.
Other areas in New Britain with an increased risk of car wrecks include:
- Two-lane roads
- Rural roads
- Highways
- Congested traffic areas
- School zones
- Construction areas
- Exit and entrance ramps
What Evidence Could Help My Car Accident Case?
A seasoned car accident lawyer will have the experience, resources, and skills to gather and preserve crucial evidence in your case.
Car accident attorneys often use the following evidence to prove fault in car crash cases:
- Medical records
- Police accident reports
- Photos or videos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage
- Eyewitness statements
- Traffic or surveillance video footage
- Expert testimony
Should I Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement?
No matter how friendly an insurance adjuster might sound, it is their job to find reasons to minimize your insurance claim or deny it altogether. If the insurer asks you to make a recorded statement, politely decline and tell them you must speak to a car accident lawyer first. If you must talk to the insurance company, stick to the facts. Do not speculate about the cause of the crash or admit fault. The insurance company can use anything you say to minimize your injuries. Contact a New Britain car accident lawyer today.
What Happens if the Other Driver Has No Insurance?
If the other driver is uninsured, your Connecticut uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may cover some of your expenses. However, if you don’t have this type of insurance or your losses exceed your policy limits, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue compensation. An experienced New Britain car accident lawyer can review your case and advise you of your options.
What Compensation Could I Receive After a New Britain Car Accident?
Compensation in a car accident case can vary based on the severity of injuries and damage.
You could be entitled to the following in a successful car accident case:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (in rare cases)
Is There a Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, you have two years from the date of a crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss the two-year deadline, the court likely will dismiss your case.
Contact a New Britain Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a New Britain car accident, put a lawyer from Jainchill & Beckert, LLC to work for you. Let us handle all the legal details while you focus on healing from your injuries. We have the experience and resources to build a solid case demanding maximum compensation for your losses. Contact our New Britain personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
