Connecticut Car Accidents FAQ's
I was in a car accident. What
should I do?
If I'm injured or my car is
damaged in an automobile accident, who pays?
What do I do when the
other driver's insurance company calls me?
I don't feel hurt. Should I see
a doctor?
I didn't feel hurt at
first, but now I have some aches and pains. What should I do?
What issues will I face in
making a claim for my injuries sustained in an auto accident?
My car was totaled in the
accident. Who pays for this?
I think the accident was
my fault. What do I do?
Do I have to go to court to get
a fair settlement?
Why do I need a lawyer if it was
just a minor car accident?
I was in a car accident. What should I do?
If you have been involved in a car accident you
should first remain calm, then call for help. If no one is
injured, your first call should be to the police. Although it is
best to remove the crashed vehicles out of traffic, wait for the
police to advise you. The police will also take statements from
the drivers and passengers involved.
Other important things to do:
- File an accident report with your insurance
company. Also, you should notify the other driver's
insurer of the accident.
- Take notes.�Get the names, addresses and
phone numbers of everyone at the scene, especially
witnesses.
- Be careful what you say. Don't make any
remarks or statements about who is at fault. If an insurance
adjuster shows up at the scene, do not give any statements
and do not sign anything.
- Call an attorney. It is essential that
you get someone to represent you right away. If you've been
injured, you will want a skilled accident attorney to make
sure you receive a fair settlement from the insurance
company. Also, proving to another driver's insurer that its
policyholder caused the accident might require the services
of an attorney.
- See your doctor. You may have injuries of
which you're unaware. If you are examined by a doctor, make
sure you are specific in explaining how the accident
happened and any and all injuries and problems you sustained
as a result.
If I'm injured or my car is damaged in an automobile
accident, who pays?
It depends on who is at fault. If you are to blame for
an automobile accident, your liability insurance will pay the
other driver for property damage and personal injuries up to
your policy's limits. If you are not at fault, the other
driver's liability insurance pays for your car damage and
personal injuries.
What do I do when the other driver's insurance
company calls me?
Say nothing. Be polite, but do not answer and questions
or make any statements. You should not take any settlements
offered by an insurance company without first speaking with an
experienced auto accident lawyer. Claims adjusters are
professional negotiators that work for the insurance company --
not for you. Their job is to protect the interests of their
employer. The attorney you select will be the only one
protecting yours.
I don't feel hurt. Should I see a doctor?
Yes. Both you and your passengers should consider
seeing a doctor after an accident. The doctor may recognize
injuries, sometimes serious, that are not apparent to you. The
charges for a doctor visit and medical treatment may be covered
by your insurance.
I didn't feel hurt at first, but now I have some
aches and pains. What should I do?
You should immediately consult your medical provider regarding
any pain, discomfort or possible injuries from a car accident,
even if you think they may be only minor injuries.
What issues will I face in making a claim for my
injuries sustained in an auto accident?
A claim for injuries is usually based upon carelessness
or negligence. In worse case scenarios, it is based on an
intentional or reckless act. The three categories of issues that
typically arise in a tort claim after an automobile accident
are:
- Liability - who is at fault and to what degree.
- Damages - injuries or losses that were caused by the
accident.
- Insurance Coverage - what the insurance company will pay
for after an accident.
My car was totaled in the accident. Who pays for
this?
It depends on who is at fault. If you are to blame for
an automobile accident, your liability insurance will pay the
other driver for property damage and personal injuries up to
your policy's limits. If you are not at fault, the other
driver's liability insurance pays for your car damage and
personal injuries.
I think the accident was my fault. What do I do?
If you rear-ended another car, it's a safe bet that you will
be considered at fault. The law states that you must maintain
assured clear distance from the car in front of you so that you
can stop safely. There are exceptions, especially if the other
driver makes a sudden and unexpected stop, or if you are
involved in a chain-reaction collision. Keep in mind that a car
accident is not always solely one person's fault.
Do I have to go to court to get a fair settlement?
Most car accident claims are settled out of court. If
another driver's insurance company agrees to pay what your
attorney believes your case is worth, and you wish to settle for
that amount, then your case will not go to court. However, if an
agreement cannot be reached, your attorney should be poised to
fight your case in court.
Hiring a law firm with experience in handling personal injury
cases is critical to your success.
Why do I need a lawyer if it was just a minor car
accident?
You will want to hire an experienced car accident
attorney, because that person is the only one that is working in
your best interests. There is no law against handling your own
claims. At least notify your insurance company. Keep in mind
that insurance companies and their attorneys know exactly how
much your claim is worth, and they are in a much more powerful
position to negotiate with the other party than you are. Their
job is to resolve the potential "liability" by paying as little
as possible to you. Many valuable rights were lost because the
injured person believed what he or she was told by the insurance
company. Contact a car accident attorney at Haymond Law to
protect your rights.
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