Hartford Car Accident Lawyer
Hurt in a Car Crash in Hartford? Contact Our Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers Today
At Etemi Law, our Connecticut car accident attorneys fight aggressively to help injured victims secure the maximum financial compensation after a crash. You do not have to take on an insurance company alone—we have what it takes to hold them accountable. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash and you are looking for a car accident attorney near me, we are more than ready to help. Contact a car accident attorney today to set up a free consultation with a top-rated Hartford auto accident attorney.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Hartford, Connecticut
Involved in a traffic collision in Hartford? It is imperative that you take a proactive approach to protect your health, well-being, and ability to bring a successful claim with a Connecticut car accident lawyer. Here are five essential steps to take after a car crash in Hartford County for your car accident case:
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Stop Your Vehicle: Connecticut law requires all motorists involved in a crash to stop their vehicle, and exchange information (name, contact details, license plate, insurance policy, etc) with all other parties. Stay at the scene unless there is a medical emergency.
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Report the Crash: All injuries in crashes should be reported to law enforcement. Call the police right away after a collision. You may report a crash to the Hartford Police Department, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, or the Connecticut State Police.
- Seek Medical Care: A car accident injury should always be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Many common injuries—including back injuries and concussions—often arise with a delayed onset. You need medical records to be eligible to bring a personal injury case.
- Document the Collision: Connecticut is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. Given the law, you need to document your crash. Take photographs, gather witness contact details, and secure any other information that is relevant to the case.
- Speak to a Lawyer: Before you agree to give a statement to an insurance adjuster, be sure to consult with an experienced Hartford, CT auto accident attorney. Be proactive: Consult with your Hartford car accident lawyer right away after a major crash.
Car Crashes are a Leading Cause of Accidental Injuries
Car crashes are a major concern in our region. According to data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, there are approximately 100,000 crashes reported in the state each year. It is a grave problem—with hundreds of people being killed and tens of thousands being hurt in motor vehicle accidents in Connecticut annually. These car accident injuries and wrecks are largely avoidable. Victims of an automobile accident often suffer from a wide range of injuries, which can range from minor to life-threatening. Some common types of injuries sustained in car accidents include:
- Lacerations and contusions
- Soft tissue damage, including whiplash;
- Fractured and broken bones;
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Internal bleeding and internal organ damage;
- Amputations;
- Spinal cord injuries; and
- Whiplash.
The Most Common Causes of Hartford Motor Vehicle Collisions
While car crashes in Hartford and elsewhere in Central Connecticut can happen for a wide array of different reasons, the vast majority of them could and should have been prevented had all parties exercised reasonable care. A crash should be carefully investigated by a Hartford, CT car accident lawyer to determine exactly what went wrong. Here are some leading causes of collisions:
- Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of accidents in Hartford. Driving too fast for the road conditions not only reduces a driver’s ability to react, it also increases the severity of any resulting collisions. Speeding is negligence and a speeding driver can be held liable.
- Failure to Yield: Failure to yield the right of way is another of one the top causes of accidents—particularly at intersections and when merging onto highways. Drivers who fail to yield may misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles. It can cause bad crashes.
- Tailgating: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of multi-vehicle accident in Hartford. Many of them happen because of tailgating. When a driver tailgates, they reduce their reaction time, making it difficult to stop in time if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes.
- Distracted Driving: Federal highway safety researchers note that there has been an increase in distracted driving in recent years. Cellphones are a major culprit. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous. It puts other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving—the willful disregarding traffic laws and the safety of others—is a major problem. Examples include extreme speeding, running red lights, or weaving through traffic. Reckless driving can lead to criminal charges in Connecticut.
- Intoxicated Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, leading to a high risk of accidents. Notably, nearly 40 percent of traffic fatalities nationwide are linked to drunk or drugged driving.
- Truck Company Negligence: Accidents involving large trucks can often be traced back to negligence on the part of the company. When trucking companies cut corners to save costs, they put everyone on the road at risk. They must be held legally responsible.
- Vehicle Manufacturer Defects: Automotive defective vehicles—faulty brakes, bad tires, etc—can lead to sudden and unexpected failures that cause accidents. Even the most careful drivers can find themselves in dangerous situations if their vehicle malfunctions due to manufacturing defects.
Your Guide to Auto Accident Liability in Connecticut
Understanding auto accident liability in Connecticut is crucial for any person involved in a serious accident. Our state uses an at-fault standard of liability and it follows a modified comparative negligence system. These could have major ramifications for your personal injury case with a Hartford car accident attorney. Here is what you need to know:
- At-Fault Liability in Connecticut: Any party found to be responsible for a crash can be held liable for the damages. At-fault liability refers to the responsibility of a driver, trucking company, or any other party for causing an accident due to their negligence. Negligence is the failure to take due care. It comes in many forms—from a speeding driver blowing through a red light to a truck company failing to properly inspect its vehicles.
- Comparative Negligence is Proportional Fault: Comparative negligence is a legal principle used in Connecticut to determine each party’s degree of fault in an accident (C.G.S.A. § 52-572(h)). Under this system, the court or insurance company will assign a percentage of fault to each driver involved in the accident. A driver found partially at fault for their accident will bear partial liability for their damages. For example, if you were 30 percent to blame for a crash in Hartford, you are liable for 30 percent of your losses.
We Help Car Accident Victims Fight for Full and Fair Compensation
Putting the pieces back together after a serious car crash can be challenging. You do not have to figure everything out on your own. Injured victims in Connecticut can seek compensation for economic and intangible damages with an experienced personal injury lawyer—but the big car insurance companies can put hurdles in the way to help pay for medical bills for any serious injuries sustained. Our car accident lawyers near Hartford go the extra mile to help our clients secure the absolute maximum recovery. You may be entitled to compensation from your auto accident injury for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability/disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
Looking for a Car Accident Attorney Near Hartford, CT? You Need Etemi Law
Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash is never easy. You probably have a lot of questions about what comes next. Our founding attorneys Lou Etemi and Ron Etemi are standing by, ready to walk you through every step of the claims process. We are proactive. The reviews from our clients and our case results tell the story best. When you reach out to an experienced car accident attorney at our law firm, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Connecticut auto accident lawyer who can:
- Hear your story and answer any questions you have about your legal case;
- Carefully investigate the crash, securing all evidence to establish liability;
- Connect you with the right doctors and gather/organize your medical records;
- Represent you in car accident settlement negotiations with insurers; and
- Develop a personalized legal strategy focused entirely on getting you the best results.
Hartford Car Accident Claims: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I Need a Copy of the Police Accident Report After a Crash?
Yes. You should always obtain a copy of a police report after a crash in Hartford. The report provides an official account of the incident—and it will typically include key details, such as the identities of the parties involved, any witness statements, a diagram of the accident scene, and the officer’s observations. A Hartford, CT car accident lawyer can help you get a copy of the report.
Should I Give a Statement to an Insurance Adjuster?
No. Do not give a statement to an insurance adjuster after a car accident until you consult with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may use your words against you in order to minimize or even deny your claim. They are protecting their company’s best interests, not your best interests.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Hartford?
There is no true “average” car accident injury settlement amount in Hartford. Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor accidents to millions of dollars or even tens of millions of dollars for catastrophic crashes. Do not agree to settle your case for less. Our Hartford auto accident attorney will ensure that your damages are well-documented.
Is My Car Accident Claim Going to Go to Trial?
It is possible, but not likely. Most car accident claims in Connecticut are settled out of court. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. You need a trial-tested Hartford car crash attorney.
You Do Not Have the Worry About the Cost of Hiring Our Top Hartford Car Crash Lawyers
After a motor vehicle crash in Hartford, the last thing auto accident victims need is more bills that need to be paid. With Etemi Law, you do not need to worry about the cost of hiring a top-rated attorney. Our Hartford auto accident lawyers represent injured victims on a contingency basis. Our car accident clients do not pay upfront costs, hourly bills, or any other form of out-of-pocket fees. There are no costs until we win your case. Initial consultations with our trusted car accident lawyer is free, completely confidential, and carry no obligations.
Call Our Connecticut Auto Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
At Etemi Law, our Connecticut car accident lawyers are experienced, effective advocates for victims and their families. If you or someone you know was seriously hurt in a crash, our experienced accident lawyers can help. Contact us now to set up your free, fully private initial consultation. With law offices in Waterbury and Watertown, we handle motor vehicle accident injury claims throughout the Greater Hartford area, including in West Hartford, East Hartford, Wethersfield, Newington, and Bloomfield.
