While some minor accidents often don’t result in significant disputes, others can involve hidden injuries, liability issues, or unexpected expenses. When a minor accident happens, drivers may wonder, “Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Connecticut?” Depending on the facts of the accident, as well as damages and injuries, you may or may not need legal help from a Connecticut car accident attorney.
Thousands of motor vehicle accidents occur each year in Connecticut on highways like Interstate 95, Interstate 84, Route 8, Route 15, and local roads in cities and towns across Connecticut like New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Wallingford, and more. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to serious legal and financial headaches for weeks, months, or even longer after the vehicles are fixed.
What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?
Minor car accidents are typically collisions that cause little vehicle damage and no apparent catastrophic injuries. Some examples of minor accidents are listed below:
- Parking lot accidents
- Rear-end accidents at low speeds
- Minor side-swipe accidents
- Accidents causing only cosmetic vehicle damage
Just because an accident is labeled minor doesn’t mean the victims suffered only minor injuries. Modern vehicles are built to absorb impact, meaning occupants might still suffer severe injuries even if the car seems mostly unharmed. Until all damages and injuries are known, drivers should avoid labeling an accident as minor.
Even if you don’t think you were injured in a minor car accident, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. In 2023, there were 33,975 reported crash-related injuries that were treated at emergency departments in Connecticut. An additional 942 patients were admitted to the hospital following their accident injuries. You can never be too careful following a car accident, even a minor one.
Connecticut Car Accident Laws That Affect Claims
Connecticut car accident laws can impact your claim after a collision occurs. Connecticut General Statutes § 52-572h outlines Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rules. According to the statute, an injured victim can seek monetary compensation if they were not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, their recovery would be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584 generally allows two years for a victim to file a personal injury claim arising from a motor vehicle accident. Failing to meet crucial deadlines can impact your right to seek compensation. An attorney can go over how these laws may impact your car accident case. It’s often helpful to understand how state laws apply to your specific situation when evaluating a claim.
When to Call a Connecticut Car Accident Attorney
While a low-speed parking lot accident would likely be considered a minor fender bender, you should consult with an attorney. Even if after swapping insurance information, the other driver admits fault, and there are only minor property damages and no personal injuries. In this situation, your insurance claim should be relatively easy to handle. However, you still should discuss your accident with a legal professional in case there are details you’ve missed.
Even in minor cases like this, it’s important for drivers to review their settlement offers carefully. Always confirm that all damages have been identified before agreeing to a settlement.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer When Liability Is Disputed
Drivers may hire a car accident lawyer for many different reasons. One of the most common reasons to consult with an attorney is when there is a disagreement over who was at fault for the collision. Insurance companies can conflict with one another over who they believe was at fault for an accident. Accidents, such as intersection accidents, lane-change crashes, and multi-vehicle accidents, can make it difficult to determine who caused the collision.
When you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, they can review any police reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene and damage, surveillance video, and any other evidence that may help determine who was at fault. An attorney can help identify weaknesses in the insurance company’s argument and go over how comparative negligence could impact your claim. If liability is being disputed, hiring a lawyer can make a big difference in your case.
Why Choose Us?
Weber & Rubano, a local Connecticut accident injury law firm, was thoughtfully established in 2018 to serve victims injured in any type of accident. Whether a car accident claim is major or minor, a head-on collision, a multi-car rollover accident, or a bicycle or pedestrian accident, we have the resources and knowledge to guide you and advise you on how to move forward after your accident.
Our Connecticut personal injury attorneys have more than 75 collective years of experience, making us the authority on personal injury accident claims in Connecticut.
FAQs
Can I Recover Compensation if the Other Driver Was Uninsured?
Yes, in Connecticut, you may have coverage under your own automobile insurance policy known as uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage may pay for certain damages you incur if the driver who caused the accident does not have insurance. Your ability to recover, and the amount you can recover, depend on many factors, including your policy provisions, the facts of the collision, and the type of injuries you suffered.
What if the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene of the Accident?
An at-fault driver leaving the scene of an accident or evading responsibility can complicate things, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to recover compensation. In order to file your claim, notify the police of the accident as soon as possible. Tell them all the information you have about the other vehicle. Your claim might come down to witness statements, video surveillance, and uninsured motorist coverage after a hit-and-run accident.
Can I Still Bring a Claim as an Injured Passenger in the Vehicle?
Yes, even if you are a passenger in a car accident, if you are injured, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. In some cases, a passenger may have a claim against more than one driver. Medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the accident may be recoverable from the proper insurance company.
What Happens if a Witness Changes Their Story?
Witnesses who change their story can have their previous statements, police reports, photos, and other evidence compared to determine their credibility. However, just because a witness is inconsistent does not necessarily mean that your claim is going to be accepted. Inconsistencies can impact liability assessments, though. Witness statements may be used to help determine what happened during an accident.
Connect with a Compassionate Connecticut Car Accident Attorney
You may need to hire a lawyer even after a minor car accident. Claims may involve only vehicle damage and minor property damage, but it’s still wise to have a lawyer review your case. Your car accident case may seem like it can be resolved relatively easily, but you never know when another driver or insurance company may dispute fault.
Learning about Connecticut car accident laws, knowing common pitfalls, and carefully considering any settlement offer are things a skilled legal professional can help you achieve. Even if the accident seems minor initially, taking the time to evaluate the situation could prevent issues later on in the claims process. Weber & Rubano can help you in the legal process. Contact us for more information.
