Car accidents can occur very quickly, often leaving drivers confused, shaken, and unsure of what steps to take next. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Connecticut can make a significant difference in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation for damages. Understanding your responsibilities under Connecticut law and documenting the accident properly can be crucial for a successful car accident claim.
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Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC is a law firm committed to offering compassionate and individualized legal services to clients seeking representation in connection with personal injury matters. The attorneys at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC have more than 150 years of collective legal experience and represent clients in Middletown and throughout New Haven in connection with auto accidents.
Understanding Car Accidents in Connecticut
In 2024, there were 103,171 total crashes in the state of Connecticut. 193,903 vehicles and 247,096 people were involved.
Connecticut car accident laws help to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, but they also establish time limitations and other criteria for legal claims. You must file most car accident claims within two years of the crash, for instance, as required by the state’s statute of limitations.
Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state. This rule says that you can collect damages for a car accident even if you are partially responsible for it, so long as your share of the fault is less than 50%. It is important to understand these laws when filing a car accident claim or negotiating with an insurance company.
Seek Medical Attention
The most important thing after an accident is your safety and the safety of others. If you or someone else involved in the accident has immediate, obvious, and serious injuries, seek medical attention right away. Emergency medical services can be dispatched to the scene to tend to any life-threatening injuries.
Contact Law Enforcement
Contacting the police is still a good idea, even in small accidents. A police report establishes an official record of what happened and is usually required by an insurance company. Police officers in Connecticut have the authority to capture vehicle locations and road conditions while collecting witness information and issuing traffic citations. A police report can also serve as unbiased proof if the issue of liability arises later.
Document the Scene
Obtain as much information as possible while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive at the scene. Document all vehicle details by capturing images of the vehicles involved, including their license plates and the visible damage they sustained. If witnesses were present, make sure to ask for their names and contact information.
Write down information regarding the accident as soon as possible. This can include time, place, weather, and events that occurred. By doing so, you will have a written record to back up your car accident claim. Documenting the details of the accident will help insurance adjusters and legal representatives understand what happened.
Get the Other Driver’s Information
Connecticut state law mandates the exchange of certain information if you are involved in an accident. The basic information exchange covers names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers. This can also include vehicle registration details and insurance coverage.
Be courteous and cooperative, but do not discuss fault. Even a casual admission of liability at the scene can be used against you later. By concentrating on the exchange of accurate information, you are protecting your rights and giving your insurance company the information it needs to process your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
One of the first things to do after any car accident in Connecticut is to report the accident to your insurance company. Every insurance policy has a clause that requires the policyholder to report an accident within a reasonable amount of time. Report the facts of the accident, the location, the parties involved, and how many people were injured or damaged.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take following a Connecticut car accident is to hire a car accident lawyer. A qualified car accident attorney can protect your rights, help you with insurance company negotiations, and manage all legal aspects of your claim. A car accident lawyer can also help you determine liability, calculate your damages, and ensure all of your claims are filed within the required deadlines under Connecticut law.
FAQs
What Is the First Thing You Should Do After a Car Crash?
Safety is the first priority following a car accident. Check yourself, passengers, and others for injuries. Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if necessary. An official record that aids in insurance claims and potential legal proceedings can be created by staying composed, documenting the scene, and contacting authorities.
How Long After an Accident Do You Have to File a Claim in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically two years. However, you should notify your insurance company of a claim as soon as possible, usually within days or weeks. Failing to give timely notice to your insurer can complicate or delay your claim, limit your coverage, or cause your insurer to deny your claim for compensation, even if you file a later claim.
What Happens if I Don’t Tell My Insurance Company About an Accident?
Not giving notice to your insurance company could result in a denial of coverage, and possibly even a void policy. All insurance companies require that you give notice of any accident in which you are involved, no matter who is at fault. If you do not give notice of the accident in a timely manner, the insurance company could deny any claim for damages.
What Should I Not Say to Insurance After an Accident?
When speaking with insurance after an accident, do not admit fault or guess at the cause of the accident. Avoid repeating yourself or providing conflicting information to the insurance adjuster. Casual remarks can be used to cut your settlement. Do not sign any releases or accept a quick offer without an attorney’s advice. Only give the insurance company facts about the accident.
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If you were injured in a car accident, Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC can help you in the legal process. Contact us today to get started.
