After the shock of getting into a serious car accident wears off, many people start thinking about the more practical concerns that often arise—things like medical bills, losing income from not being able to work, vehicle repairs, and the inevitable pain and suffering that is around the corner. Fortunately, in many instances, car accident victims are able to recover compensation for these and other losses by filing claims. Below is some basic information about what makes car accident cases legally actionable. For specific advice regarding your case, call an attorney for a free consultation today.
Was Your Car Accident Caused by Someone Else’s Negligence?
Under Connecticut law, people who are injured in accidents that are caused by the negligence of others are typically entitled to compensation for the losses they sustain. Generally, negligence refers to a person’s failure to use the degree of care that a reasonable person would ordinarily exercise in the same or similar circumstances. Common examples of negligence that can lead to serious car wrecks include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to use headlights when necessary
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Driving the wrong direction
- Fatigued driving
- Improper turns
While the negligence of other drivers may be the first thing that comes to mind when considering serious accidents, it is important to keep in mind that wrecks can also be caused by other parties. For example, car accidents may be the result of roadway problems, signal malfunctions, or malfunctioning defects with the vehicle itself.
If I Have Already Been Offered a Settlement, Do I Need to Retain an Attorney?
As an accident victim, it may come as a surprise that most car wreck cases settle out of court. This is because, in most cases, liability is not a seriously contested issue, which means that the only issue that requires resolution is how much compensation the insurance company will pay to the victim.
If you have already been offered a settlement, you may consider handling your claim without the representation of an attorney. While there is no rule requiring accident victims to hire lawyers, it is important to understand that an attorney can have a significant impact on the ultimate settlement amount. The insurance company has no legal obligation to offer you an adequate settlement, and without knowing how much your case is actually worth, you could easily accept an offer that is far less than you deserve.
Call Our Firm Today to Discuss Your Case With a Connecticut Car Crash Lawyer
Car accidents often leave victims with significant losses, and the process of obtaining compensation can be confusing, complicated, and extremely frustrating. Fortunately, the Connecticut car accident lawyers at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau are here to help. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our office today at (860) 875-7000 or send us an email through our online contact form.
