Connecticut roadways such as Interstate 84 and Route 8 are often busy and congested, testing the skills of the best drivers. When careless and negligent drivers take to Connecticut streets and highways, the situation can turn tragic in an instant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or motorcycle accident, and you believe negligence may have played a role, it is important to consult with an experienced car accident attorney.
At Tinley, Renehan & Dost, LLP, we have significant experience handling car accident lawsuits for clients from the Waterbury, Cheshire, Watertown, CT area and throughout the state of Connecticut. We handle every case with care and attention to detail, perusing maximum compensation for our clients’ losses. Contact our law firm today to learn more about our legal services or to schedule a consultation.
In the wake of a car accident, there are often conflicting accounts of how the accident took place and who was at fault. In handling car accident cases, our personal injury lawyers know how to find the facts. We conduct thorough investigations of the car accident scene, using witness testimony, accident scene photographs and other evidence to support our clients’ claims. We also consult with leading experts in accident reconstruction and other fields who help us find the facts in these cases.
In handling any personal injury case, an attorney must assess the damages — the short- and long-term impact the injury will have on the victim’s life. In order to do this, we consult with leading experts in medicine, economics, life-care planning and other fields who help us determine the ongoing needs of our client. This thorough approach allows us to pursue full and fair compensation for our client’s needs, for today and far into the future.
If you are injured in a car accident and it was the other driver’s fault, you will likely hear from his or her insurance company. Insurance companies do not thrive by freely paying claims freely. They will likely do everything they can to limit or deny your compensation.
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who know the tricks and tactics insurance companies employ. While we strive to pursue favorable settlements for our clients, we prepare every case for trial. When an insurance company learns that we are handling a case, the company knows it must treat our client fairly or be in for a fight.
The moments following a car accident can be extremely stressful and overwhelming; however, taking the right action is vital to give yourself the best chance of success in any potential personal injury case. If you’ve been in an accident, you should first check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 or ask someone to do so. Anyone seriously injured should try not to move too much during the wait for emergency personel. If you are able, get yourself and any passengers to safety; move to the side of the road or a sidewalk if your car isn’t safe to drive. If it is, pull it to the side of the road to avoid oncoming traffic. Turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights, and use road flares or signs to warn other vehicles to slow down.
Contact the police and emergency services once you’re safe to report the accident. The responding officers will document the scene and fill out an accident report. When you file your personal injury claim or for any insurance payouts down the line, the police report will be invaluable.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Include full names and contact information, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver’s license and plate numbers, vehicle information, and the location of the accident. Avoid discussing who is at fault with the other driver, the police, or anyone at the scene.
You can also take steps to document the scene of the accident yourself, especially if you know that an injury has been sustained. Identify the responding officer(s) by name and badge number, and ask for a copy of the accident report. Take pictures of the vehicle or the accident from different angles, including the damage done, the weather conditions, the direction the vehicles were driving, any skid marks, road signs, etc. It might also be a good idea to get a photo of the other vehicle’s license plate. Talk to any nearby witnesses who may have seen what happened.
If you, or someone acting on your behalf, can collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident, your injury case could go more smoothly.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, our lawyers are here to help you explore your legal options. Contact us today online or by telephone at 203.596.9030 to speak with an experienced Waterbury car accident attorney.