Car Accident Lawyers in New Haven, CT

Car accidents are a common sight on Connecticut roads. While automobile manufacturers have ramped up their safety features and innovations, they’re not quite fast enough to keep up with human error. All of this new technology has also given drivers plenty of ways to be distracted, increasing accident numbers across the country.

If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses. Your next step is to call the team at The Dodd Law Firm and set up a consultation. Call us at 203-272-1883 to get started.

Heightened Risk of Accidents in Connecticut

While the numbers for car accidents are never what we’d like them to be, the most recent statistics out of Connecticut are especially alarming. CT Insider reports that 2022 was one of the deadliest years for Connecticut residents, thanks to worsening crash statistics.

By late December of 2022, there were already 70 pedestrian deaths for the year. This makes 2022 the deadliest year for pedestrians since 1988. Wrong-way accidents are another serious issue in Connecticut, indicating a potential issue with impaired and distracted drivers.

In 2022, there were well over 300 crashes that resulted in fatalities. The five years prior saw between 233 and 289 fatal crashes, indicating a worrying trend on Connecticut roads. Research from the University of Connecticut shows that the peak time for accidents in Connecticut was from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on weekdays, although crashes were also very common between 7:00 A.M. and 8:00 A.M. on weekdays. Wednesday and Friday are the two most common days for accidents.

What Causes Car Accidents?

When you’re involved in a car crash, finding out the cause of the accident can help you figure out what happened and who’s at fault. Mechanical errors and roadway issues cause a small number of accidents on Connecticut roads—the majority of collisions are the result of human error. Common causes of accidents include:

• Failing to yield right of way.
• Driving too fast for the conditions.
• Ignoring road signs and traffic lights.
• Reckless driving.
• Following too closely.
• Unsafe lane changes and turns.
• Driving while impaired.
• Driving while fatigued.
• Driving while distracted.

Commonly Reported Injuries

Injuries vary widely in car accidents. Many people walk away without any injuries and only have property damage to deal with after a crash. Others suffer minor injuries like mild concussions or some light bruising. Those who suffer severe injuries may spend the rest of their lives dealing with traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, or a lost limb.

Some accidents commonly resulting from car collisions include:

• Broken bones
• Lacerations, cuts, and scrapes
• Spinal cord damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Fatal injuries

The type of injury or injuries you suffer largely determine how much compensation you may be able to recover from the other party. Another important factor is what you do after a collision and if you take the appropriate steps.

What to Do After a Crash in New Haven, CT

It’s important to make the most of the minutes, hours, and days after a New Haven, CT car crash. Not only is it crucial to be proactive about your health after an injury, but you also want to protect your right to seek compensation with a personal injury claim. After a car accident, we recommend:

• Reporting the accident: Depending on the severity of the accident, you may call 911 or you may call the non-emergency line of the New Haven Police Department. Make sure to tell them about any obvious injuries, as they may choose to send an ambulance.
• Gathering evidence: Much of the evidence available after a car crash is only available for a limited time. There’s a rush to clean up after a crash in order to keep the roadways safe and keep traffic moving smoothly. That’s why you should use this time to take photos of the crash scene. Take photos from a variety of angles and distances, and try to get some photos with road signs, nearby businesses, or other identifying features in the frame. You’ll also want some photos that show both cars’ license plates. If possible, you may want to take video footage of the crash. Back up these photos as soon as possible.
• Exchanging contact information: You will need to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver before leaving the scene. If the other driver is aggressive or unruly, you may want to ask the police to help you with this step.
• Talking to the police: Make sure you tell your side of the story to the police. The police report is crucial evidence for the insurance companies, and you don’t want the other driver to control the narrative.
• Get checked out at a medical facility: Local options include Yale New Haven Hospital, Hartford HealthCare Urgent care, and Concentra Urgent Care. You need a paper trail tying your injuries to the accident.
• Talk to a personal injury lawyer: Your next call should be to a New Haven car accident attorney. An experienced and committed attorney will fight to recover the compensation you are owed.

How the Dodd Law Firm Can Help You

When you choose The Dodd Law Firm for your personal injury claim, you know that your case is in reliable hands. Our team has handled many car accident cases, and we know what it takes to hold the negligent party accountable. While you focus on healing and recovering, we will start investigating your claim.

Our goal is to determine what happened, find out who is liable, and demand full and fair compensation on your behalf. Most cases settle outside of court, but our team is more than ready to take your case to court and fight for you there. We aren’t here to rush your claim through, get whatever settlement we can, and tie up your case. We are here to get what you are owed.

Reach Out Today—We’re Here to Help

The sooner you connect with the team at The Dodd Law Firm, the sooner we can start working on your claim. Set up a time to talk now by contacting us online or calling us at 203-272-1883.