New Haven Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious personal injuries in the state of Connecticut. The lawyers at Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC, in New Haven, have significant experience helping people injured in auto accidents optimize their financial recovery.
Our skilled motor vehicle accident lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time. Call us today at 203-896-4631 for a free initial consultation. From the New Haven-area, we represent injury victims throughout Connecticut.
Types Of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Car accident litigation can be resolved through negotiated settlements or at trial. While our lawyers prepare every car and motorcycle accident case for trial, a majority of all auto accident litigation is resolved through negotiated settlements. We work hard to obtain settlements that optimize our client’s financial recovery. However, our lawyers are skilled trial attorneys with a number of significant verdicts in auto accident cases. Find out more about specific motor vehicle accidents cases we handle:
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accident
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bus accidents
- Highway safety
- Railroad accidents and FELA
- Marine boating
- Recreational vehicle
- Aviation accidents
- Motor vehicle and train collisions
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In New Haven?
There are many different types of collision cases we can help with. Our New Haven accident attorneys have helped several different clients in the past that suffered injuries resulting from the following:
- Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous accidents due to the speed and force of impact.
- Hit-and-runs: We represent pedestrians as well as car drivers who have been injured in hit-and-run accidents. Even if you do not know the identity of the driver, victims may still be eligible for compensation. Check if your insurance covers uninsured/underinsured car crashes.
- Intersection accidents: A number of factors may contribute to an intersection accident, such as red light violations, left-turn accidents or right-of-way violations. They often result in serious injuries due to the nature of a side-impact collision.
- Rollover accidents: These severe accidents involve the vehicle flipping over, risking injuries from roof collapse or ejection. They may be due to mechanical failures, not just driver error.
- Chain reaction collisions: A simple rear-end accident can result in a chain reaction collision affecting a number of vehicles. Determining fault and handling insurance claims can be complex when many drivers are involved.
Our motor vehicle accident attorneys will launch a thorough investigation into the accident. Working with accident reconstructionists and other specialists, they will determine the precise cause of the accident and identify liability. They have obtained a number of significant verdicts in auto accident cases throughout the state.
Common Injuries After Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in New Haven County and throughout the state of Connecticut. According to the Federal Highway Administration’s data for 2020 (the most recent set of data), traffic accidents caused 1,304 serious injuries. Tragically, research shows that there were 295 fatal accidents in the state that year. This puts the rate of serious injuries due to car crashes at 4.37 per 100 million people. Any driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist – no matter how careful – could suffer a devastating or fatal injury due to another party’s negligence any day on the road.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Often caused by the impact of a collision, TBIs can lead to cognitive impairments and may cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Recovery varies based on severity.
- Spinal cord damage: Car accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis. Immediate medical attention and detailed documentation are crucial for legal claims.
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can affect daily functioning and require timely medical intervention. It’s important to document these injuries for insurance claims.
- Amputation injuries: These serious injuries require extensive medical care and can lead to lifelong disability. Legal assistance can help secure compensation for ongoing medical and financial needs.
- Broken bones: Resulting from car accidents, these injuries can range from simple fractures to severe breaks, impacting mobility and daily life.
- Wrongful death: When a fatality in a car accident is due to negligence, families may pursue compensation for losses. Legal support can help address funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
We know that these types of injuries demand thorough care and thorough proof. If you have a serious injury that you received in a vehicle accident and you have questions about filing a claim, contact us today to schedule a free consultation to see if we can help you.
What Should I Do After A Car Accident In Connecticut?
Immediately after an accident, it is important that you:
- Seek medical attention for any injuries as soon as possible.
- Call the police and be sure to provide as much detail about the accident as possible to the officer for his or her report.
- Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries.
- Do not speak to another driver’s insurance company without legal advice.
If your injuries were the result of another’s negligence, you should contact an attorney about your case. You may have a personal injury claim against the negligent parties who caused your injuries.
Connecticut Car Accidents FAQs
The attorneys at Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC, have extensive experience handling car accident cases in Connecticut. While every client’s situation is unique, over our years of practice we have noticed some frequently asked questions about car accidents. We understand that you will have questions after a serious car accident. We have answers.
How much compensation can I expect from a car accident?
The amount of compensation you can expect will depend on the extent of your injuries. In general, you can secure compensation to help you cover medical expenses and lost wages. In a personal injury claim, you can also claim damages for your pain and suffering.
How much does a car accident attorney cost?
At our firm, we handle cases on a contingency basis. This means that you will not owe any attorney’s fees unless we secure compensation in your case.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Your own insurance will provide compensation in the event that you are injured in an accident with an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run accident. This type of coverage is required in Connecticut. You can also purchase additional coverage as part of your policy. Our attorneys can review your policy and help you handle insurance issues.
What do I do if an insurance adjuster calls?
Do not speak to the insurance company without first speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies are not looking out for your best interests. Instead, they are looking out for their bottom line. A lawyer can help you understand the value of your claim and handle insurance issues for you.
How much is my claim worth?
The value of a car accident claim varies from accident to accident, person to person. There may be multiple economic and noneconomic losses suffered. Economic damages may include lost wages and property damages. Noneconomic damages may include pain and suffering, physical injury, life expectancy, disability and more.
How long will my case take?
It depends. Before starting the negotiation process, it is essential to know what the value of the claim will be. This can’t be determined until the injured party is at the peak of their improvement. At that time, it will be possible to determine what the injured party’s physical state will likely be in the future. To ensure that the full impact of the injury is understood and accounted for, it is not uncommon for the claims process to last a year or more.
What is the statute of limitations for a Connecticut car accident claim?
You have two years from the date of the accident to pursue a personal injury claim.
Do I really need a lawyer?
Yes; you should seek legal representation as soon as possible following an accident. The earlier you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin collecting evidence to support your claim and building a case on your behalf. Over time, evidence becomes less reliable. Tire marks fade. Fluid spills evaporate. Witness accounts become less clear. That is why it is important for you to reach out to Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC, immediately.
Our personal injury attorneys have the experience and knowledge to untangle even the most complex issues and questions. Please talk to us about your concerns.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Injury In A Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident and wish to speak to a personal injury attorney, please contact Williams, Walsh & O'Connor, LLC, for a free initial consultation. You can reach our firm by phone at 203-896-4631 or send us an email.