In just moments, a car accident can happen and your life can change completely. Suddenly, you are forced to deal with medical bills, painful injuries, and financial strain. You could even be held responsible for damages to the other driver. If you feel you have contributed to an accident, you must act fast to ensure your case is treated fairly. But what can you expect if you find yourself at fault for a car accident in Connecticut?
Before talking to the insurance company, contact us at Gould Injury Law. We will review your case and advise you on what your next steps should be. What’s more, we can advocate for you and fight to protect your interests.
We act fast to get you the justice our clients deserve. And when you let us handle your case, you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. We don’t get paid unless you win your case and receive a settlement.
At no cost out of pocket, we will help you understand your legal options and guide you every step of the way. Contact us at 888-WIN-FAST or fill out the contact form for a free case review.
Steps to Minimize Liability If You Think You Caused a Car Crash
After an accident, you should take the following steps to help minimize the damages you could be held responsible for:
- Stop your vehicle as soon as possible. Remain calm and do not panic. This can be difficult to do, but panicking may only make a bad situation worse.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number.
- Act fast to gather evidence. Take multiple pictures of the accident scene. If there is property damage, you must document and exchange information about that.
- You should check for injuries. If you or anyone else involved in the accident appears to be injured, you should call 911 immediately.
- Do not give a statement. Do not say anything to the other driver or anyone else that could be viewed as admitting fault for the accident. Even if you feel you may be at fault, you may only be partially responsible.
- Call Gould Injury Law. You may not be entirely at fault for the accident so it is vital that you do not speak with the insurance companies until you have called us. We can handle any claims or negotiations that may arise from the accident. Events can unfold very fast after an accident and you need to act faster to ensure you have a solid case.
Negligence Can Decide Who is At Fault in a Car Accident
There are different degrees of fault in a car accident, and it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. What is the legal definition of fault?
Fault in a car accident is defined as the negligence of one or more drivers that causes an accident. There are different degrees of negligence, and each can impact who is held at fault.
The following are two categories of negligence:
- Contributory negligence: This means that the driver did something that contributed to the accident but was not the sole cause of the accident. For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits another car, he or she would be considered negligent. However, if the other driver was also speeding, that person could be considered partially at fault for the accident as well.
- Comparative negligence: This means that the driver was partially at fault for the accident but with a degree of fault less than the other driver’s. For example, if a driver hits another car due to not paying attention, he or she could be considered negligent.
Because of all of the stress and decisions you are facing, trying to figure out what laws apply can fast become overwhelming. Our team knows which laws may apply to your unique case and we will help you navigate them in a simple and clear way.
Understanding Car Accidents and At-Fault Laws in Connecticut
Car accidents in Connecticut fall under a modified comparative fault law. Under this law, an injured party can recover damages from another party if found to be less than 50 percent at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages.
Even if you feel you were only partially at fault for a car accident, you may be held liable for significant damages:
- Repairs to the other driver’s vehicle
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Destruction of public property, such as a guardrail or street sign
If you think you are at fault for a car accident in Connecticut, act fast to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you know your rights and options. An attorney can also help ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the other driver or their insurance company. When it comes to car accidents, insurance companies will try to pressure you into a fast and unfair settlement.
Types of Negligent Driving
If you are found to be at fault for an accident, you need to understand the specific type of negligent behavior that may have played a role in it.
Here are some of the most common types of negligent behavior that contribute to car accidents:
- Distracted driving: This is one of the most common types of negligence. Distracted driving includes anything that takes your attention away from the road, such as talking on the phone, texting, eating, or changing the radio station.
- Speeding: Speeding is another common type of negligence in a car accident. Speeding increases your chances of losing control of your vehicle and increases the severity of any collision that does occur. If you were speeding at the time of the accident, it is very likely that you will be found at fault.
- Driving under the influence: This is one of the most serious types of negligence in a car accident. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol includes illegal drugs, prescription medication, and over-the-counter drugs that can impair your ability to drive. If you were driving under the influence at the time of the accident, you will almost certainly be found at fault.
Will Your Insurance Company Cover All the Damages If You Are At Fault?
The insurance company’s decision to pay damages often depends on the specifics of your policy and who is determined to be at fault. One way that insurance companies decide who is at fault is by the police report. The police report will usually have a section where the officer notes who is believed to be at fault for the accident.
Another way that insurance companies can determine who is at fault is by looking at eyewitness accounts. If there are any witnesses to the accident, the insurance company will likely speak to them in order to get their account of what happened.
If there is not enough evidence to determine who was at fault, then the damage to the vehicles must be examined. In some cases, insurance companies may also look at surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Remember, insurance companies do not have your best interests. Insurance companies are notorious for offering unfair settlements. You should always speak to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer before contacting the insurance companies. Get the guidance you need fast by contacting us today. We can handle the insurance companies for you.
Our Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyers Can Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident
In review, if you are at fault in an accident, you may face significant financial penalties, as well as the possibility of having your driver’s license suspended or revoked. If you are facing these charges, it is important to seek a lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
If you are afraid that you are at fault in an accident, you must act fast. Do not wait to contact our team at Gould Injury Law, especially if anyone was injured as a result of the accident. Let us be your advocates. We understand that the struggles you are facing can be extremely costly, both financially and emotionally, for everyone involved.
Our winning team has experience with difficult cases like yours and we know how to get a fair outcome for you. You do not have to worry about upfront costs. We do not get paid unless you win your case and receive a settlement. We will make sure you understand your legal options.
Our clients know us as “The Fast Firm” because we work fast to bring you justice. Contact us at 888-WIN-FAST or complete the contact form for a free consultation.
