Waterford Car Accident Lawyer

Waterford Car Accident Attorney

Accidents happen every day, but that doesn’t make them any less infuriating, confusing, or devastating. Car accidents can range anywhere from a minor inconvenience to a life-changing disaster, and everything in between. Regardless of whether your accident resulted in a fender bender or serious injuries, you still want to be properly compensated. To assist with your case, you should reach out to a Waterford, CT, car accident lawyer for legal counsel.

The legal team at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law can provide you with the resources you need to stand up for yourself and pursue compensatory damages with the help of a Waterford car accident attorney. Personal injury cases can easily become complex, emotional, and even unpredictable. So you need a skilled attorney with knowledge of Connecticut car accident laws to assist you with developing your car accident claim. Our firm can give you the help you need.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Waterford

Car accidents in Waterford can happen for any number of reasons. Some are due to driver error, while others may be the result of a manufacturing problem or an act of nature. Understanding the potential causes of a car accident can help you prepare for the worst. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Waterford:

• Distracted driving. According to a recent report by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), 3% of all crashes, 2% of fatal crashes, and 4% of injury crashes in the state are the result of distracted driving. Any behavior that causes you to take your attention away from the road ahead of you can be considered a distraction. This includes eating and drinking, texting, talking on the phone, playing with the radio, and even talking to passengers.
• Reckless driving. Reckless driving, as well as speeding, is largely considered one of the primary causes of car accidents across the world, and Connecticut is no exception. In the first half of 2025, a report by CDOT showed that there had been 49 fatal collisions in that time. Many of those collisions were the result of reckless driving and speeds that sailed past the posted speed limits in the area.
• DUIs. Driving under the influence (DUI) remains a persistent problem in virtually every state in the country. In Connecticut, in 2023, 113 people were killed in accidents that involved alcohol-impaired drivers, according to data from CDOT. Getting hit by a drunk driver can be jarring and enraging, but it can also lead to civil charges as well as criminal charges. A good lawyer can help you get what you are owed.
• Manufacturing problems. When you purchase a car, it’s understandable to expect the car not to have any serious manufacturing problems. Unfortunately, you may not discover one until it’s too late. A defect in the car’s design or an error in the manufacturing process can lead to a serious accident. If you move forward with legal action, the claim can often be against the car’s manufacturer instead of the other driver or their insurance.

What to Do After an Accident

Every action you take after a car accident can be reflected in your accident claim and your police report. You want to ensure that you take precautions and avoid any mistakes that could affect your claim. Here are some of the most important steps you should take after a car accident:

• In the minutes after the accident, you need to try your hardest to remain calm. Take a few deep breaths, assess your situation, and move forward carefully. Treat every moment as if it matters. What you say or do in the immediate aftermath can help or hurt a potential claim.
• Make sure you check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Be sure to search for any blood, possible broken bones, protrusions, and other injuries that could be life-threatening. Make sure you are totally honest with the EMTs when they arrive.
• Seek medical care. If you are involved in a serious car accident in the Waterford area, you may be taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in neighboring New London, which is only around two miles from Waterford. In some cases, it’s possible you could end up at Backus Hospital Emergency Room on Washington Street in Norwich.
• Don’t try to flee the scene of the accident. If you attempt to flee, you are likely to make things worse for yourself and could end up facing hit-and-run charges. Stay put and wait for the police.
• Call 911 as soon as you can. You want law enforcement officers to block off the scene and EMTs to take care of any wounded survivors. When the police arrive to take your statement, don’t admit any fault for what happened. Even apologizing can be seen as admitting fault. Taking verbal responsibility for the accident can hurt your claim and make it difficult to get compensation from your insurance company.
• Ask the 911 operator or law enforcement officer if you should move your car out of the road. You don’t want to accidentally cause another collision. If advised, move your car onto the shoulder. If the car is too damaged to move or you’re too injured to move it, don’t worry about it.
• Document the scene extensively. Take plenty of photos of all your injuries, the damage done to both cars, the road conditions, and any posted signs that could be relevant. Speak to any witnesses who may be willing to provide a statement. Exchange contact and insurance info with the other driver. You have to call your insurance carrier and tell them what happened. Don’t admit fault to them either.
• Contact a lawyer as soon as you can. Provide them with all your evidence, and if you haven’t already, see a doctor for your medical records. Your lawyer can help you build your case and pursue damages.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

As you work through your case, it’ll be helpful to hire a car accident lawyer to work with you. At Suisman Shapiro Attorney-at-Law, we’ve spent nearly a century assisting clients with their legal needs. In that time, we’ve been recognized as Super Lawyers, among other accolades. We know how to help. Contact us to speak with a member of our team about what we can do for your case.

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