Recovering damages after an accident is a complex legal process. If you're not sure what course of action you should take, the best thing to do is consult with an experienced Connecticut car accident attorney and discuss your legal options.
Not all of your questions will have straightforward answers. Here are some of the issues that must be addressed to receive fair compensation.
Assessing your car accident case for damages
You have a case for a civil lawsuit when you suffer damages as the result of an accident. Damages come in several forms.
- Personal injury. You can receive compensation for medical expenses in the immediate aftermath of the accident and also for the future, in the case of long-term injuries. Common injuries that we see in car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bone fractures
- Neck, back and spine injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations, bruises and contusions
- Nerve damage
- Internal injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
- Property damage. Property damage to your vehicle, including repairs and possible replacement.
- Wage loss. Lost wages when you miss work while recovering from your injuries. Serious injuries can mean an extended rehabilitation period or even prevent you from ever working again.
- Pain and suffering. These can include temporary or permanent limitations on activity, the possible shortening of life, depression or scarring.
Filing a lawsuit in a car accident case is typically a last resort when a settlement can't be reached between your attorney and the at-fault driver's insurance company. Fortunately, most car accident cases are resolved through a settlement.
Building your case at the accident scene
You can take several actions in the minutes following your accident that boost the chances of your claim. Taking a proactive stance now will serve you well later.
If possible, talk to witnesses at the scene, and take notes and pictures. What witnesses say and what photographs show may support your side of the story. At the same time, avoid making statements about your role in the accident. Even a simple "The sun got in my eyes" can come back to haunt you.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Quite simply, waiting days or longer after an accident to claim injuries looks suspicious. No injury is too small to have checked out. Some injuries take several days to start showing signs and symptoms.
Obtain a copy of the police report, which serves as the official record of the accident. Your attorney can also obtain a copy of the police report. A report that supports your account of the accident is an invaluable resource. If the report shows the other driver is facing criminal charges, such as drunken driving, that's even better for your case.
Contact our attorneys for legal help
If you have been in a car accident and are pursuing a claim, you have your hands full. You may be dealing with serious injuries, out of work and unable to support your family. You are feeling the pressure as the bills pile up. The motorist who caused your injuries is not going to admit any fault. In fact, they probably will blame you for the crash. An insurance company, aware of your desperation, will make you a lowball offer that will be tempting to accept even though it does not cover all of your expenses.
The car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli have experience handling cases just like yours throughout Connecticut. With eight offices in the state, we have the resources and clout to take on the legal system and giant insurance companies. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free case consultation.