Car Accident Attorney In Branford, CT
Whether your crash was on I-95, East Main Street, Route 22, Shore Drive, or near the Branford Green, you need a law firm that knows the area and is familiar with the obstacles that injured victims in Branford face. A Branford car accident lawyer at Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC has been fighting for injured people in Branford and throughout the shoreline for decades. Our lawyers know the roads and the insurance companies that process Connecticut claims.
About Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC
Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC is proud to represent Branford residents from our nearby North Haven office with compassion and strategic skill after serious car accidents. Our award-winning attorneys have decades of combined experience handling Connecticut injury cases, including many arising from crashes along Shore Drive, Main Street, and Route 146.
We are known for our personalized guidance and thorough investigation to help Branford families get the justice and financial recovery they deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
There were 1,059 crashes in 2024, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. These collisions involved 2,460 vehicles and 2,037 people. Numerous factors can lead to auto accidents. Sometimes the blame is shared by one or both drivers. Sometimes an accident is caused by external factors. Among the most typical reasons are:
- Driving while distracted. One’s attention is diverted from the road by distractions like texting or talking on the phone.
- Driving while intoxicated. A person’s ability to drive properly and react in a timely fashion is severely diminished when under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Reckless driving. Accidents are more likely to occur when speeding, especially on highways.
- Inclement weather and road conditions. Sometimes outside factors contribute to a car accident, such as snow, ice, fog, rain, or poorly maintained roads.
Determining the cause of the accident is crucial when filing a claim because it helps determine who may be liable for the crash.
Understanding Connecticut Car Accident Laws
Connecticut has a two-year statute of limitations for most car accident claims. This means that you must file your claim in court within two years of the accident. If you do not file your claim by the deadline, you will almost certainly lose your right to pursue compensation altogether.
In Connecticut, individuals who share partial blame for an accident can claim damages as long as their responsibility is below 50%. The compensation awarded to the injured party decreases in proportion to their share of liability for the accident. The injured party loses all rights to damages when their responsibility for the accident exceeds 51%.
For example, if a driver who struck you was speeding at the time of the collision, but you ran a stop sign, the compensation you are entitled to will be reduced by the amount of your fault. This is where the comparative negligence law can make a big difference in your recovery.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Branford
Safety is the first priority after an accident. Move your car out of the way if possible. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Visit a physician or nurse if you are injured, even if it is only slightly. Some symptoms of injuries may not show up until later. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, stoplights, and road conditions.
Collect the contact information of all drivers and passengers from the vehicles involved and record your insurance details. Collect contact details, including names and phone numbers, for all possible witnesses. Following these guidelines ensures both your well-being and the strength of your legal case. After completing these steps, you need to hire a car accident lawyer.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
A Branford car accident attorney will be familiar with local roads, traffic enforcement strategies, and municipal procedures, in addition to the specific traffic laws. This strategy is essential for locating important witnesses and evidence and developing a strong case. Smoother interactions with police reports, health care professionals, and insurance companies operating in the Branford area are made possible by familiarity with the area when you hire a car accident lawyer.
FAQs
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Car Accident?
Yes. Minor car accidents can still hide injuries, liability complications, and insurance companies eager to pay out as little as possible. Lawyers help collect evidence, communicate with insurers, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Serious collisions, of course, also mean you’ll need legal guidance. This is especially true in Branford, where many dangerous highways, including I-95 and Route 1, run through.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the average settlement amount for car accidents varies widely, depending on the severity of the injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and liability. Minor fender-bender cases may resolve for a few thousand dollars. However, accidents resulting in serious injuries, permanent disability, or long-term medical care typically result in significantly higher settlements.
What Type of Lawyer Do I Need to File a Claim for a Car Accident?
You need a personal injury lawyer who handles motor vehicle accidents. A lawyer knows Connecticut traffic laws, insurance practices, and the local courts. Lawyers are trained to negotiate with insurance companies and adjusters, gather accident reports and medical evidence, and prepare professional testimony for trial when needed, to seek full compensation for injuries and property damage.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for Anxiety After a Car Accident?
Damages for anxiety or emotional distress following a car accident may be determined based on the medical records of the plaintiff, as well as the severity and impact of the psychological injury on his or her day-to-day life. The courts and insurance company will likely assess therapy expenses, medication costs, time missed from work, and any other quantifiable costs to determine the extent of financial damages.
Contact Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Branford, Williams, Walsh & O’Connor, LLC, can help you seek compensation for damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.
