Bridgeport Car Accident Lawyer

Car Accident Attorney in Bridgeport, CT

Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic and catastrophic experience. Even when an accident does not result in serious injury, the aftereffects can still cause hardship for those involved, whether they share some of the fault or not. If you were in a car accident, a Bridgeport car accident lawyer can help you secure the damages you need to recover from the aftermath.

Understanding Connecticut Car Accident Laws

Connecticut car accident laws cover all the things that Connecticut drivers, passengers, and pedestrians need to know to stay safe. In the event of a crash, it also spells out who is legally responsible for paying for damages like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Connecticut operates under a fault-based system, meaning that the driver who caused the accident or their insurance company is generally responsible for damages.

Connecticut drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance in the amounts of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. You could be fined and have your license suspended for driving without proper insurance coverage.

Without insurance, if you cause a crash, you may also be personally liable for any costs and injuries. Connecticut enforces speed limits, traffic signals, and distracted driving laws, all of which can also factor into fault after a crash.

The last element to keep in mind is comparative negligence. Connecticut law allows for a reduction in damages if the injured party is partially responsible for a car crash. The injured person can still recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault. This doctrine is particularly relevant for multi-vehicle collisions, pedestrian accidents, or crashes with complicating road conditions, which are not uncommon in Bridgeport.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bridgeport, CT

In Bridgeport, common sites of accidents include major thoroughfares like I-95, Route 8, or intersections downtown, where traffic volume is high. It’s important to be prepared and know the common reasons for crashes so that you can protect your family and yourself. Many accidents occur due to driver error, but sometimes, environmental issues or road conditions also play a factor.

Accidents can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving: This includes anything that takes a driver’s attention from the road. This can include texting, eating, and using a GPS system, all while driving. Distracted driving is the most common reason for car accidents.
• Inclement Weather: Adverse weather conditions like snow, ice, heavy rains, and fog make visibility difficult and roads slick. Drivers should adjust their driving speed and distance to others during moments of intense weather because this increases the chances of an accident.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding is another main reason for car accidents. Other methods of reckless driving include failing to obey traffic laws, tailgating another driver, and running red lights and stop signs. Driving recklessly decreases a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes on the road. It can also increase the severity of a crash.
• Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as giant potholes, road obstructions, and improper signage, especially in construction zones, can cause confusion on the road, leading to an increased risk of car accidents.

Car accidents often involve a variety of circumstances, and more than one driver may be liable. It is very important to know what causes these accidents in order to establish a successful case to seek compensation for injuries or losses suffered.

Common Car Accident Injuries

In 2024, there were 103,145 total crashes in Connecticut. 198,342 vehicles were involved, and 247,018 people were involved.

Bridgeport car accidents can cause any number of injuries. On the more minor end of the spectrum are cuts and bruises. At the other end are life-altering traumas. Whatever your injury, the severity will determine the type and amount of compensation you are owed. Even a low-speed collision on a city street or parking lot can leave you in need of medical care, therapy, or long-term attention. Some common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when a person’s head experiences sudden movement back and forth. This can cause injury to the neck. This is a common injury in rear-end collisions and can lead to chronic pain and the need for treatment.
• Broken Bones & Fractures: Collisions with other vehicles or objects can cause fractures requiring surgery and extended recovery.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma from accidents can result in persistent cognitive, emotional, or physical problems even when seatbelt use occurs.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which may bring about full or partial paralysis and negatively affect an individual’s quality of life.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage may not be immediately obvious but can necessitate urgent medical treatment.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries such as bruises, sprains, and road rash result in pain and swelling while restricting movement.

The effects of these injuries on your everyday life, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future medical care, are critical to the assessment of damages. Insurance companies and the courts consider not only the immediate medical costs but also future care requirements and diminished earning capacity.

In Bridgeport, with its heavy traffic and high incidence of motor vehicle accidents, proper medical documentation and legal representation can help you receive a fair settlement that covers the full impact of your injuries.

How to File a Car Accident Claim in Bridgeport, Connecticut?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Bridgeport or anywhere else in Connecticut, you need to know how to file a claim to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. In Connecticut, we have a fault-based system. This means that the driver who caused the crash, or his or her insurance company, should pay for the victims’ medical bills, property damage, lost income, and any other costs associated with the accident.

The first step is typically reporting the accident to your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer. You will likely have to describe the scene of the crash, whether it was on I-95, Route 8, or a local street or in downtown Bridgeport, and give pictures, police reports, and witness accounts. Connecticut drivers must also report a crash to the DMV if anyone was hurt or killed, or if there was $1,000 or more in property damage.

Following this, you can make a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies will assign their own adjusters to conduct an investigation into the accident while assessing evidence and determining damage levels.

However, if they deny liability, challenge the severity of your injuries, or make a lowball offer, you may need to hire a car accident lawyer to negotiate on your behalf or file a personal injury claim in the judicial district courts of Bridgeport.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Bridgeport, CT?

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and frightening experience, especially when it happens in a busy location. While no one plans for a car crash, it’s important to know how to handle yourself right after a collision so you can protect yourself and your rights.

Acting safely and carefully in the moments after a crash can preserve evidence and help you with any insurance or legal claims you may need to file in the future. It’s important to stay calm and handle things in an orderly manner. If you are involved in a car crash, follow these important steps:

• Seek emergency medical attention. If you or another driver or passenger is severely injured, contact EMS right away.
• Move to a safe location. If you can, move your car out of the way of traffic. This helps prevent additional accidents.
• Call local law enforcement. It’s important to call the police as they can make an official report of the accident.
• Document the accident. Take photos and videos of any evidence related to the accident, including injuries, vehicle damage, and any contributing factors such as road obstructions. You can also gather the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
• Gather information. Be sure to collect important information from the other driver, including their insurance information, name, and contact information.
• Notify your insurance company. Report the accident immediately to your insurance company and provide accurate and honest details without admitting fault or providing matters of opinion.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you did not experience immediate symptoms at the accident scene, it is important to still get a medical evaluation in case you have internal injuries, which often do not show up until later. This can also help with any claims you decide to bring in the future.
• Seek legal advice. A Bridgeport car accident attorney can help you in the upcoming legal process, including negotiating with insurance companies and filing legal claims, if necessary.

About Buckley Wynne & Parese

Established in 1881, Buckley Wynne & Parese has a history of serving personal injury and wrongful death clients in Connecticut. All car accident cases are handled directly by our attorneys, who provide the personal attention and representation you deserve.

Hire a Bridgeport Auto Accident Lawyer Today

If you were involved in a car accident, Buckley Wynne & Parese can help you seek compensation for your damages. Contact us today for a consultation.

Available 24/71-800-445-2278

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