Bridgeport Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can cause devastating damage, leaving victims with life-changing injuries, emotional trauma, lost income and financial stability, and plenty of stress. As you navigate this process, you may experience enormous pressure from the other party’s insurance company to accept a settlement and finish your claim.

That isn’t in your best interests. It’s likely that your car accident will cost you far more than you expect, and accepting the first settlement offer could leave you without the money you need to recover. That’s why it’s important to work with the team at The Dodd Law Firm. We’ll fight for every dollar you’re owed. Set up a consultation with us now by calling us at 203-272-1883.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Connecticut

A wide range of errors or issues can lead to collisions. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in the Bridgeport area include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers who take their eyes off the road to text, grab a bite to eat, take a drink, or talk to friends are essentially leaving their car without a driver for hundreds of feet. In these situations, it’s only a matter of time before they cause an accident.
• Speeding: Speeding dramatically increases the likelihood of an accident. Even worse, accidents involving a speeding driver are far more likely to be severe.
• Driving recklessly: Reckless driving includes tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring traffic lanes and signs, and speeding.
• Impaired driving: Impaired drivers experience a slowdown in reaction time, poor decision-making abilities, and an inability to pay attention. This all makes them more likely to cause a crash.
• Weather conditions: Weather can be unpredictable in Connecticut. Poor weather is closely tied to an increase in crashes.
• Vehicle issues: While most crashes are because of human error, malfunctioning vehicle components can also cause collisions.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Bridgeport

While a car crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed and panicked, do your best to keep a clear head. Doing so can help you protect your best interests. We recommend:

• Calling the police. The Bridgeport Police Department can process the accident for you and create a police report. You absolutely need a police report for your personal injury claim. In some cases, the other driver may encourage you to avoid calling the police and to settle the incident without the insurance companies getting involved. Don’t let them talk you into this—protect yourself.
• Exchanging contact information. You and the other driver should exchange contact and insurance information. If they are aggressive or unwilling to work with you, ask the police officer at the scene to facilitate the exchange.
• Taking photos. The next time you return to the crash scene, all of the evidence you need will be gone. Take photos of the crash scene, ensuring that you take photos from a variety of angles and distances. You’ll want photos that include both vehicles’ license plates, road signs, any damage to the roadway, and distinguishing landmarks. The more information you can provide to your attorney, the better.
• Seeking medical attention. Bridgeport is home to a number of medical facilities that can help you get the care you need, including AFC Urgent Care, DOCS Urgent Care, and Bridgeport Hospital. Don’t ignore this step, even if you feel fine after the accident. It is crucial that you catch any injuries as quickly as possible, begin treatment, and document your injuries.
• Talking to a Bridgeport auto accident attorney. Your next step is to talk to a car accident lawyer in Bridgeport. Getting the compensation you deserve after a collision can be a challenge since insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying out a full and fair settlement. An attorney can help you avoid these roadblocks.

Connecticut Car Accident Laws

The statute of limitations in Connecticut is two years. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the other party. If you wait too long and let the two years pass, you’ll lose your right to seek compensation.

Connecticut is a fault-based insurance state. This means that the party liable for a crash pays for the damage they cause.

Connecticut is a comparative negligence state. If a jury finds that you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still receive compensation for your losses. Your award will just be reduced by an amount proportionate to your share of liability.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer—and Why You Should Choose the Dodd Law Firm

Car accidents can be incredibly expensive. Between medical bills, lost wages, and your damaged vehicle, you could easily be out thousands of dollars. You might think the liable party’s insurance company will pay out a fair settlement. They want to avoid court, right? Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.

While they do want to avoid court, they want to do so while paying as little as possible. They do this by downplaying the severity of the accident, trying to find ways you may be to blame, blaming pre-existing injuries, and using your own words against you. These tricks are very effective against most victims, causing them to get far less than they deserve.

With the right attorney, you can fight back and actually demand the compensation you’re owed. At The Dodd Law Firm, we’ve seen the numerous ways insurance companies take advantage of accident victims. Our experienced team knows what it takes to hold insurance companies accountable and put them in a position where they must negotiate in good faith. You spend less time worrying about your personal injury claim and more time focusing on your recovery.

Reach Out to The Dodd Law Firm Today

The team at The Dodd Law Firm is here to help you explore your legal options and pursue full and fair compensation. We’re ready to help—just contact us now to schedule your free consultation. You can reach us online or call us at 203-272-1883.