Old Saybrook Car Accident Lawyer

Old Saybrook Car Accident Attorney

A car accident can be one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. When a collision causes injuries and is the result of someone else’s negligence, the injured party may be eligible to seek compensation. The difficulties of fighting a legal battle while also recovering from injuries can be hard to navigate on your own. An experienced Old Saybrook car accident lawyer can guide the process so you can focus on your recovery.

Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law can investigate your car accident claim and build a strong case using the evidence you provide and additional documentation that they can help you obtain. Our firm has been providing high-quality legal representation to our neighbors for nearly 100 years, and our acclaimed personal injury attorneys in Old Saybrook have the skills, resources, and knowledge to get the most favorable outcome possible in your case.

Common Car Accident Causes in Connecticut

While each car accident is unique, there are some factors that contribute to many of the car accidents in Connecticut, as well as the rest of the United States. Some of the most common car accident causes throughout Connecticut:

• Drunk drivers. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a common problem pretty much everywhere, and Connecticut is no exception. According to data from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), over 100 individuals in the state were killed in alcohol-related car accidents in 2023. Getting a drunk driver’s information without the help of the police may be impossible, but a DUI strengthens your case.
• Distracted drivers. It’s easy to forget how dangerous driving can be. If it’s something you do every day and you have a specific route, it might not even be something you think about. Distractions such as cell phones, other passengers, and eating and drinking while driving are a leading cause of accidents. Over 3,200 individuals in the U.S. were killed as a direct result of distracted driving in 2023, according to the NHTSA.
• Driver fatigue. In many ways, driving while you’re tired can be just as destructive and dangerous as driving while drunk, leading to accidents, injuries, and even death. Recent data showed that approximately one in 25 drivers admitted that they had fallen asleep behind the wheel in recent months.
• Manufacturer defects. It’s possible for an accident to be neither driver’s fault. Some cars suffer manufacturer defects that are completely out of your control. After all, expecting a car to be safe, or at least built correctly, is not unreasonable. Even the smallest element of a car’s structure can be indispensable and cause significant issues if it breaks or is left off entirely. A lawyer can help you work out who exactly is responsible for your accident.

Working Through the Claims Process

The injuries that come with a bad car accident can lead to ongoing medical care and life-changing conditions, and you may find you need to secure legal damages as a result. Often, navigating the claims process for a personal injury case can be complicated and frustrating. This may be your first time having to pursue damages legally, and it’s recommended that you seek legal help for such a task.

Here are some of the main steps in the Connecticut car accident claims process:

• First and foremost, hire a car accident lawyer. Your attorney’s experience and resources can give you a significant advantage in your claim, including their skill in negotiation and litigation in the courtroom. You need someone knowledgeable who can represent you, fight for you, and give you a chance to be heard.
• Gather evidence. Your Old Saybrook car accident attorney can make sure your claim is as strong as possible. They know the kind of evidence needed to show liability and prove your injuries are a result of someone else’s negligence. This evidence may include the accident report, witness statements, medical records, expert testimony, and more.
• When you file the claim, a thorough investigation follows by the insurance carrier of the driver who is assigned fault for the accident. However, it could be determined that you share a certain amount of liability as well. Luckily, through the state’s modified comparative negligence system, you may yet be able to claim damages if your percentage of fault is less than half.
• When the insurance company finishes its investigation, negotiations begin. Depending on their findings, you may have leverage to convince the at-fault driver to accept your settlement terms. Keep in mind that you don’t have to accept the first offer they give. If you feel that the number doesn’t accurately represent your situation, turn it down and ask for more. Your lawyer can speak to the insurance company for you throughout this process, both as a negotiator and as a buffer.
• If a settlement can’t be reached, your case is decided in civil court by a judge and jury. Make sure that your case still falls within the statute of limitations for Connecticut personal injury claims, which is two years from the date of the accident itself.

If the accident happened in Old Saybrook, your case is likely to be filed in the Middlesex Judicial District Superior Court in Middletown, since Old Saybrook falls under their jurisdiction for civil cases.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case

The most important decision you make for your entire case may be deciding to hire a car accident lawyer. A good lawyer stands by you, offers strong advice and recommendations, understands the stakes, and knows how to handle setbacks. At Suisman Shapiro, we have spent almost 100 years strengthening our approach to our clients’ needs and earning a reputation built on trust, respect, and results.

The legal team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law understands what this car accident claim means for you. It can mean justice. It can mean accountability. It can mean having the resources and compensation you need to recover after a serious accident. We can give you that chance. Reach out to our office right away to speak to a team member about the details of your case and learn your legal options.

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