What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Connecticut: A Legal Perspective

Car accidents are disastrous and can leave you wondering what to do next. This is why you should seek legal assistance immediately after an accident. However, there are some steps you can follow to safeguard your rights, protect yourself, and strengthen your claim if you are filing for compensation. 

From dealing with insurance organizations to pursuing a lawsuit, a Connecticut car accident attorney will advise you on the right steps to take after an accident to ensure you get the right compensation for your damages and injuries. Here is what to do immediately after a car accident.

Ensure Safety and Call for Help

First and foremost, your safety and those involved in the accident should always come first. Therefore, assess anyone involved, including yourself and your passengers, for injuries, and if possible, move the car off the road. You can also contact emergency services to report the accident and ensure that the police and emergency services are dispatched to the scene. 

Connecticut law requires that drivers always report an accident that has caused bodily harm, death, or property loss where property damage exceeds $1000. A police report is the official description of the event, and it is crucial when filing an insurance claim or going to court.

Document the Scene and Exchange Information

In the meantime, while waiting for help, try to collect the details of the scene. Capture images of all cars, the extent of damages, the skid marks, any objects that came off the cars or were on the road, traffic signs, and other vital details. Also, document any injuries you have sustained due to the accident. 

Moreover, collect information such as the driver’s licenses, phone numbers, and insurance of the other driver involved in the accident. If there are any witnesses, inquire for their details. Most of this evidence will be beneficial when filing your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Some injuries do not pose a danger to the patient during the first few days of the accident but may further complicate the patient’s condition afterward. Even though they may not be severe, an immediate medical check-up will determine if you have sustained other injuries that are not immediately recognizable. 

The doctor will also create a record that links the injuries to the accident. A doctor’s report is also essential when seeking compensation through a personal injury claim. It eliminates personal injury defense arguments from insurance companies about the extent of your injuries or their cause.

Contact an Experienced Connecticut Car Accident Attorney

If the car accident did not cause any fatal injuries, it is wise to seek the assistance of a Connecticut car accident attorney. An attorney can inform you of the laws that will apply in your case, analyze the possible legal solutions you could take, and advocate for your legal claims if, for instance, you require restitution for losses. 

Connecticut law provides for compensation for both bodily injury and property damage. An experienced Connecticut accident attorney will ensure that you understand the minor details of the laws governing the insurance companies and assist in negotiations and representation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Finally, report the accident to your insurance firm immediately. Provide simple and clear information about the incident, such as when it occurred, the area, and any other information that will help them understand the event. 

Refrain from signing any settlements without speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies work hard to deny or reduce the payout. An attorney can assist in evaluating any offers made toward a settlement to ensure you receive the right compensation.

Summary

Taking the right steps soon after a car accident can help safeguard your rights and chances of getting fair compensation. The first step is to ensure your safety and that of others, call an emergency number and capture any aspects of the accident. The next step is to contact a lawyer specializing in car accidents and report the accident to your insurer.