Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, P.C.

What Is a Fair Settlement for My Car Accident Case?

2025-02-28T15:03:48Z

Figuring out the value of your car accident case is not as straightforward as you might think. Unlike a workers’ compensation injury, personal injury cases, like car accidents and slip and fall cases, do not follow a set formula for calculating the value of an injury. However, as medical bills add up and you miss time from work, understanding the value of your claim is very important to make sure you are not left in a bad financial situation after an accident. At Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, our personal injury lawyers in New London know all too well the major issues car crash victims deal with after suffering injuries in an accident. So we are here to explain what you should consider when assessing a fair settlement and how a New London personal injury attorney can be instrumental in this process. Understanding the Value of Car Accident Claims The law provides that you are entitled to “fair, just and reasonable compensation” for injuries suffered in a car accident. As you can see, this legal phrase does not provide much help in determining fair compensation for your injuries caused by a car crash, but the phrase is so general because there are many factors to consider when determining how much you can recover for your injuries after a car accident. The factors that go into determining the value of your car accident claim are broken down into two categories: liability (who was at fault for the crash) and damages (money you can receive as compensation for the injuries you suffered because of the crash). Liability Liability means who was responsible for causing the car accident. As the injured party, the law requires you to prove that the defendant caused the accident. This means that you have to show that the defendant’s actions (or failure to act) was a “substantial factor” in bringing about the crash. Substantial factor means the defendant’s actions (or failure to act) contributed materially and not just in a trivial or inconsequential manner to the car crash. Clear evidence showing the other party’s fault in causing your injury strengthens your claim. However, the law allows a jury to consider whether your actions contributed to the car accident if the defendant makes such a claim. This concept is known as comparative negligence. The defendant must prove you were comparatively negligent. If the jury finds that the actions/inactions on the part of BOTH parties was a substantial factor in causing the collision, then the law is that the plaintiff can recover damages from the defendant only to the extent of the defendant’s fault and may not recover damages to the extent that he/she was at fault. If the plaintiff (you) was more at fault than the defendant (the other driver), then the plaintiff cannot recover any damages. Here is an example to make this rule clear: If the plaintiff was 20% at fault and the defendant was 80% at fault, the plaintiff recovers 80% of his/her damages. If the plaintiff was 50% at fault and the defendant was 50% at fault, the plaintiff recovers 50% of his/her damages. However, if the plaintiff was more than 50% at fault, (he/she) was more at fault than the party (he/she) has sued, and (he/she) recovers no damages. As an example, suppose the plaintiff’s total damages were $100 as a result of the car accident. If the plaintiff was 30% at fault and the defendant was 70% at fault, the plaintiff would recover 70% of the $100, or $70. The plaintiff would thus not receive payment for the part of (his/her) damages caused by (his/her) own negligence. Obviously, these numbers used are just for the sake of an example. Damages Damages are broken down into two groups: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic Damages Economic damages are damages that typically include a bill that you had to pay, money you lost from missed time from work or money you will lose because your injuries prevent you from working like you were able to do before the car crash. More specifically, economic damages includes:

Medical Bills: A fair settlement should cover all your medical bills related to the injury — past, present, and future. This includes emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and long-term care needs. A good car accident attorney will also know which experts to use to determine the cost of any future medical treatment you may need for your injuries. A settlement or judgment for a car accident only occurs once, so you need to make sure you receive compensation for your future medical bills.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injuries meant you have missed time from work, a fair settlement for your car accident case must include your lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries will affect you for the rest of your life and prevent you from making as much money as you used to before the accident, your settlement needs to consider how much less money you will make over the course of your working life. An experienced car accident attorney will know the right economic experts to make the calculations for the money you will lose because of any loss in your ability to work (that is any loss in your earning capacity).
Property Damage: If your car, truck or motorcycle was damaged during the car accident, then the insurance company needs to pay for repairs or replace your car. Even if your car can be repaired, your vehicle will be worth less after being in a car accident. An expert who specializes in determining value of cars will be needed to ensure you are compensation for the diminution (loss) in value.

Non-Economic Damages Noneconomic damages means money awarded as compensation for non-monetary losses and injuries which the plaintiff has suffered, or is reasonably likely to suffer in the future, as a result of the defendant's negligence. They are awarded for such things as physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional pain and suffering, and loss or diminution of the ability to enjoy life's pleasures. Non-economic damage is harder to quantify because you cannot look at a medical bill or have an expert calculate the lost wages over a lifetime. But non-economic damages, which refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress suffered because of the injury, are typically much larger than economic damges. Calculating a fair amount for pain and suffering often requires the guidance of a skilled car accident lawyer. Punitive Damages If a jury finds that a defendant’s actions demonstrate recklessness (much worse behavior than a mistake), punitive damages may be granted to penalize the offender and discourage similar conduct. For car accident cases, use of a cell phone while driving can rise to recklessness. Very rarely are these kind of punitive damages awarded. Other Factors Influencing Your Settlement Other factors that affect the compensation for your car accident include: Severity of Injuries: Generally, more severe injuries lead to higher settlements due to increased medical costs and a greater impact on quality of life. Impact on Quality of Life: Injuries that lead to a permanent disability or significant changes in your lifestyle and ability to enjoy life merit higher compensation. Insurance Policy Limits: The defendant’s insurance coverage can also limit the compensation available in some cases. How a New London Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim while recovering from your injuries can be daunting. Here’s where the role of a New London personal injury attorney becomes critical: Case Evaluation: An experienced attorney can objectively assess your claim’s value, considering all potential damages while understanding how an insurance company values your injuries and what is needed to show the insurance company the true value of your claim. Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Personal injury lawyers are adept at negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. They understand the tactics insurers may use to minimize payouts and are prepared to counteract them effectively. Legal Guidance: Understanding the legal framework surrounding personal injury claims in Connecticut is crucial. Your attorney will handle all legal aspects, from filing the claim to representing you in court if necessary. Furthermore, working with a knowledgeable attorney can give you the assurance you need, knowing your case is handled with the utmost importance and consideration. At Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, we advocate for the rights of those injured by others’ negligence every day. Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers in New London understands the complex nature of personal injury law and works diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Call Our New London Personal Injury Attorney Today Assessing a fair settlement for your car accident claim involves thorough evaluation of various factors, including the extent of your injuries, their impact on your life, and the specifics of the law in Connecticut. Partnering with a knowledgeable New London personal injury attorney ensures your rights are protected and you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Conway, Londregan, Sheehan and Monaco are committed to obtaining fair compensation for our clients, and our experienced and compassionate approach helps us achieve this goal. If you find yourself facing the aftermath of a car accident, remember that you do not have to go through it alone. Contact us to explore your options and take the first step toward securing a fair settlement for your car accident case.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured at Work?

2025-02-04T21:18:30Z

What Should I Do If I Am Injured at Work? If you suffer an injury on the job, the following steps improve your chances of recovery and help your workers’ compensation claim process be more efficient and effective:

Notify your employer – Report the injury to your boss as soon as possible even if you do not think the injury was a big deal. Reporting the injury in writing (by email or text message) is the best practice if its possible.
Fill out the required forms – Your employer should give you a form about how the injury, including the date, time, location, and nature of the incident. Make sure to fill out this form and keep a copy for yourself.
Get medical attention – See a doctor as quickly as you can even if you think your injury is minor. If you do not have a primary care doctor, go to an urgent care or walk-in clinic. The sooner you have medical documentation of the injury, the harder it is for the insurance company to claim your injury did not occur at work. When you see a doctor, explain that you received your injury at work. Follow all instructions and treatment plans your doctor prescribes.
Save documentation – Make sure to keep copies of all incident reports, medical records, and injury-related expenses to ensure your claim is accepted or you have the evidence needed to win at a formal hearing (the name of a trial at the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission). Insurance companies are always looking for a reason to deny a claim, but having the paperwork to back up your claim helps show that the insurance company is wrong to deny your workers’ compensation claim.
File a formal claim with the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission – Reporting the injury to your employer is a required step, but in order to officially file your workers’ compensation claim, you need to file a claim with the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission within one year of the date of your injury or when you learn of your work related illness.
Consider Contact a Connecticut workers’ comp attorney – The claims process can be complicated, and you may face unexpected challenges. Working with an experienced lawyer can help the process go more smoothly and ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to under the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act.

Am I Required to Report My Injury to My Employer? Yes, the law requires that you report a job-related injury or illness to your employer immediately after it happens, or you discover the illness is work-related. Your employer must then immediately notify their insurer. Once your claim is successfully submitted, your employer or their insurer should begin paying your wage replacement benefits. Do I Really Only have One Year to file a Workers’ Compensation Claim? Yes, you only have one year from the date of the injury to file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. A few exceptions exist to this rule (the biggest one being if the employer/insurance company has been paying for medical treatment), but it is always best to file the claim within one year of the date of injury. Simply reporting your injury to your employer is not enough to file your Workers’ Compensation Claim. To file a claim, a Form 30C must be filed with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Contact our workers’ compensation lawyer today with any questions or get help filing your claim on time.

I was a passenger in a car involved in an accident, do I have a case?

2026-03-06T06:29:32Z

If you are a passenger injured in a car crash, your claim for personal injury is like any other type of car accident claim. However, as a passenger involved in a car accident, you generally have an easier case to prove than the driver. Since you were not driving, you do not have to worry about who caused the accident since one of the drivers will be responsible. Passenger Injury Case in a Two-Car Accident However, if two cars were involved, then you as the passenger could make claims against both drivers. Making two claims is generally helpful because there will hopefully be enough insurance money to properly compensation you for your injuries. However, there may be some disagreement over liability (who caused the crash) between the two insurance companies, which can unnecessarily delay the passenger’s settlement. Multiple Passenger Injury Claims If, for example, a rear-end crash involves more than one passenger in the car that was hit and the driver of the car is also hurt then all the people can make claims against the negligent driver. If the total value of the injury cases exceeds the driver’s insurance, each injured person will have to settle with the negligent driver for less than what their case may be worth. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage If you were a passenger in a motor vehicle accident, and the at-fault driver carried no insurance or insurance inadequate to cover your damages, you may have additional coverage under your own auto insurance policy. Insurance coverage issues can be complicated including time limits within which to make a claim for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, so please contact our car accident attorneys as soon as possible following an accident. Contact Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, P.C. If you are a passenger who was injured in a car accident and have any questions about your legal rights, you may want to discuss your options with a car accident lawyer. At Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, P.C., we provide attentive and personalized service while handling your car accident case. Your car accident case will be handled directly by Connecticut and Rhode Island car accident lawyers. You will always be able to talk with and meet with us. We will work hard to hold people and companies responsible for injuries caused by their carelessness. To schedule a free consultation, please call us at (860) 447-3171 to talk with our experience personal injury attorneys who can represent in Connecticut and Rhode Island. To learn more about the personal injury practice at Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, please click here.

Brief Overview of Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation System for Workers

2024-01-20T22:02:12Z

Connecticut’s Workers’ Compensation Act requires businesses with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. CT workers’ compensation provides benefits to part- and full-time employees if they get a work-related injury or illness. In exchange for the benefits being provided without questions as to what caused the injury (excluding reckless conduct like drinking on the job), the amount of your workers comp benefits is less than your full salary and you cannot sue your employer over the work injury. You can still bring a lawsuit against a third party who caused your work injury. For example, if you are driving for work and you are rear-ended, you can sue the person who rear-ended you. The State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission oversees workers’ comp in the state. It ensures workers with a job-related injury or illness receive payment for lost work time and medical expenses as well as compensation for permanent injuries. Workers’ compensation does not provide for payment for pain and suffering. The Commission also has various duties related to workers’ compensation claims, such as:

Resolving disputes over payment of benefits and medical treatment.
Assisting in voluntary agreements. This means an insurance company agrees to provide you with workers’ comp benefits.
Hearing and ruling on appeals.
Overseeing case closings through settlements.

Is Workers’ Comp Required in CT? Connecticut businesses with at least one employee are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This includes:

Sole proprietors
Part-time employees
Business partners
Family members on the business’ payroll
Seasonal employees

There are a few exceptions to who Connecticut considers an employee, such as:

Casual employees
Employees working in a private home for less than 26 hours a week
Corporate officers who choose not to have coverage

What Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Covers Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover:

Medical treatment
Wage replacement if you have to miss work due to a work-related injury or illness.
Illnesses caused by exposure to allergens or chemicals while your employees are working.
Funeral costs if the employee loses their life in a work-related accident or illness.
Disability benefits if a work-related injury or illness leaves your employee temporarily or permanently disabled.
Accident or injury sustained while working.
Repetitive stress injuries that develop over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Mileage reimbursement if you use your own car to go to medical appointments.

CT Workers’ Compensation Benefits The available benefits for an employee under Connecticut’s Workers Compensation Act includes:

Temporary total disability
Temporary partial disability
Permanent partial disability
Disfigurement or scarring
Permanent disability benefits if you are completely unable to work due to your work injury.

Depending on the situation, you can get additional benefits in Connecticut, like:

308a benefits which are provided if there is a difference between the amount you are able to earning after your injury and the amount you would have been earning if you had not been injured.
Job retraining to help you return to work in a different job or career.
Relapse or recurrence benefits if you have relapse or flare-up of your work injury.

How Does Workers’ Comp Work in CT? Workers’ compensation in CT requires employees to report an injury or illness to their employer. It is best to report an injury or illness right away even if you think the injury is minor. Delays reporting injuries typically results in insurance companies denying valid claims. Connecticut’s report of injury process includes:

The employee reporting their job-related injury or illness to their supervisor or employer.
The employer submitting the first report of injury to notify the insurer.
The employer/insurer either starting payment within 28 days for the lost time or denying the claim.

Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Claims A claim must be filed with the Workers’ Compensation Commission within one year of the injury. There are a few exceptions to this rule such as if the employer/insurance company has been paying for medical treatment, but it is always best to file the claim within one year of the date of injury. Simply reporting your injury to your employer is not enough to file your Workers’ Compensation Claim. To file a claim, a Form 30C is filed with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. How Much Does Workman’s Comp Pay in CT? If you are hurt on the job, you entitled to 75% of your after-tax average weekly wage. Your average weekly wage is based on your 52-week wage history with the employer or the amount paid to you by the employer divided by the number of weeks you have worked for the employer if you have worked for less than 52 weeks with the employer. In Connecticut, there are maximum and minimum weekly compensation benefit that is adjusted every year. If you have a second job, then it is important to tell your attorney and the Workers Compensation Judge about this second job so that income is considered as part of your wage benefits. A second job or other employment is called concurrent employment. The insurer for the employer where your work injury happened will not know about your other job, so they will not include it when trying to figure out what your compensation rate should be your claim. To learn more about the Workers’ Compensation practice at Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, please click here.

Should I hire a Workers Compensation lawyer?

2023-08-30T14:17:18Z

When you are injured on the job, it can lead to expensive medical treatment and lengthy time away from work. Indeed, getting hurt at work can be serious, and even result in death. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to cover injured workers’ medical expenses and provides benefits in place of lost wages suffered. Whether your work injury falls under the State of Connecticut Workers Compensation Commission or the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), the first question is you need a workers’ compensation lawyer to handle your claim? Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney has its benefits and drawbacks. Some of the advantages and disadvantages include: Advantages of Hiring an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney

A skilled Connecticut workers’ compensation lawyer can make sure you file all the necessary paperwork on time and fill it out properly. You claim can be denied for even small errors in your paperwork.
A workers’ comp lawyer can ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to receive, and that those benefits continue for as long as possible.
Generally, an injured worker who hires an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer receives more money for their claim than workers who do not hire a lawyer. Simply put insurance companies are well aware of the benefits they are required to pay, but unless you know to seek these benefits you will not receive them.
If your claim is denied, especially if you did not have an attorney for handling your claim initially, an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can appeal the denial. In many cases, the worker is successful on appeal when an experienced workers’ comp lawyer handles the case.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can handle discussions with insurance companies and the workers’ compensation commission on your behalf so you can focus on getting well.
All insurance companies and most employers have lawyers to handle workers’ compensation claims. If you do not hire a lawyer, you will need to talk directly to those lawyers. With an experienced workers’ comp lawyer, your lawyer can speak to the other lawyers for you.
An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can answer all your questions and will have your best interest in mind.

Disadvantages of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Some workers see hiring an attorney as aggressive and negative, but the reality is that employers have a team of insurance attorneys to handle the employer’s side of the workers’ compensation process.
All hearings and other meetings must be scheduled around the attorney’s schedule. This might make the claims process take longer. However, your workers’ comp lawyer will handle dealing with insurance company including the adjusters and attorneys. This means the process will require less of your time and ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Act.
Your attorney works on a contingency fee basis. This means they are not paid until they collect money for you. The workers’ comp lawyer will be paid 20% of benefits received. This means you will receive less than 100% of the money. However, an attorney typically will not collect their fee when you are totally out of work. While your attorney is paid from the benefits you receive, in nearly all cases you will receive more compensation on your workers comp claim than if you handled it yourself. In other works, you may end up with more money when you hire an attorney even though a percentage is being paid to the workers’ comp lawyer.

To learn more about the Workers’ Compensation practice at Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, please click here.

Motorcycle Collisions

2023-06-08T21:34:05Z

Motorcycle collisions represent some of the most difficult cases to present to a jury and as a result, these cases can be difficult to resolve without a trial. Because of this, it is imperative to begin building a case early so that the necessary evidence can be collected as close in time to the incident as possible. In many respects evidence in motorcycle collisions can be lost due to weather conditions, lack of thorough investigation, failure to document injuries or failure to document the scene of the incident. These failures can lead to an inability to bring a claim, inability to properly and effectively litigate a claim or an inability to effectively present all of the underlying facts to a judge or jury. In many respects, these issues can be avoided by engaging legal counsel as soon as possible after a rider is involved in a collision and sustains injuries. Our injury attorneys at Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco have significant experience in handling these types of cases and ensuring that the information necessary to provide aggressive representation to a client is properly preserved. Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we do not wait to begin assembling the necessary materials and conduct an investigation into your case. Instead, we immediately begin to gather evidence, document necessary facts and witnesses in order to put our clients in the best position to present their case to a judge or jury. In addition, our motorcycle accident attorneys will work with necessary motorcycle experts and accident reconstructionists to analyze any issues or potential defenses to a claim so that our attorneys are well positioned to protect our clients’ rights. Protecting Motorcycle Riders’ Rights and Safety Unfortunately, many motorcycle riders are subjected to a stigma when collisions occur. That is, whether an incident occurs on I95 in New London or in any of the various shoreline towns of Connecticut or on one of the many well-travelled routes in Tolland, Hartford, or Windham counties, it is often assumed that the motorcycle operator was at fault, acted recklessly or otherwise caused the incident. The fact is that motorcycle riders are vulnerable on the streets and the safety and security of motorcycle operators is truly subject to the actions of other drivers on the roadway, many of whom are operating much larger and less exposed vehicles. For these reasons, it is imperative that a motorcycle operator engage counsel as soon as possible after an incident occurs so that your motorcycle accident attorney can begin to investigate the facts and circumstances of the collision immediately. Litigating a Motorcycle Collision Case in Connecticut and Rhode Island At Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco, our attorneys have represented motorcycle riders and their passengers, or family members in cases involving serious and catastrophic injuries, including death. Regardless of the injuries suffered by the motorcycle rider, these cases are difficult and oftentimes emotional for all involved. Our knowledge and experience allow us to start the case off on the right path and immediately begin gathering evidence and facts that will be necessary for litigation and trial. Taking this approach with an eye towards trial and considering how a jury will hear a case from the outset allows our experienced attorneys to properly position the motorcycle accident case for any ensuing litigation. Whether your case is litigated through trial, resolved before a lawsuit is filed, soon after a lawsuit is filed, or on the eve of trial, having positioned the case for trial from the outset, our attorneys will be prepared to leverage that approach to obtain the best possible result or if necessary try the case to the judge or jury. Determining Fault and Damages In Motorcycle Accidents Connecticut follows the law of comparative negligence when determining fault in a motorcycle accident or any motor vehicle accident. This means that for the purposes of litigating a case in Connecticut, all parties involved in the motorcycle accident can be found responsible. In Connecticut, your recovery after a motorcycle accident is limited to compensation for physical injuries and losses only if your responsibility for the motorcycle accident is 50% or less. This means that an individual seeking recovery for losses suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident must prove that the other driver was more than 50% at fault for the collision and that the other driver was negligent in some way. In order to prove the other party’s negligence in a Connecticut motorcycle accident, you must show:

The other driver owed the motorcycle operator a duty of care;
The other party breached that duty in some way;
The other party’s breach caused injuries to the motorcycle operator;
The motorcycle operator suffered damages or losses as a result of the motorcycle accident.

Our Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyers will gather and document all of the facts and evidence necessary to effectively question and call witnesses, and to provide motorcycle accident experts who can testify in order regarding the other party’s negligence in leading up to the motorcycle crash that caused your injuries. Recovering Damages for Injuries Suffered In a Motorcycle Crash Under Connecticut law, an individual involved in a motorcycle collision may recover various types of damages. In seeking to compensate a victim for injuries suffered in a motorcycle collision, an award of damages may include:

Economic damages: These damages include economic losses such as bills that are incurred as a result of a motorcycle accident including medical bills, repair bills, costs of medication and future bills that may be incurred for medical treatment…etc. These damages may also include lost wages and time lost from work.
Non-economic damages: These damages include losses like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life and other losses that are more difficult to calculate.
Punitive damages: These damages include damages that are intended to punish the party at fault where their actions or inactions show extreme recklessness, carelessness, intent or malice, and extreme disregard for human life.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Connecticut or Rhode Island?

2024-04-15T06:12:02Z

Unfortunately, anyone, anywhere can experience the trauma of a car accident. Whether the accident seems minor or life-threatening, the following information can help ensure you and your passengers obtain the necessary medical treatment and ensure your rights are protected. Call 911 or Notify Police Following a collision, check if you, your passengers, or anyone in the other vehicle needs emergency medical care. If anyone needs medical treatment, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no apparent injuries, you should consider visiting your doctor within 72 hours to treat late-onset injuries. Early medical treatments can reveal latent injuries and make sure insurance companies do not deny any potential claims down the road. Wait for the Police to Arrive Under Connecticut and Rhode Island state law, you are required to stay at the scene of an accident until the police arrive. The police officer will make sure to obtain the parties’ information including insurance information. The police create an accident report which is helpful when submitting a claim to an insurance company. Exchange Information Even if all the drivers speak to the police, do your best to get the other driver’s information, including their name, contact details and insurance company. Making a note in your cellphone or taking a photograph of the other vehicles’ make, model, color and license plate can help document details and determine all involved in the crash. Get Witness Information If there are bystanders who saw the accident happen, ask them for their names and contact details. Car accident witnesses can be other motorists, pedestrians, or passengers. Even if the at-fault driver tells the police it was their fault, their story may change down the line and know the names of witnesses can help set the story straight. Do Not Engage with the Other Drive Other Than to Make Sure They Are Okay and To Obtain Contact Information Being involved in a crash that is not your fault is upsetting, but do not get into an argument with the other driver. Talk about how the accident occurred only with the police and your personal injury attorneys. To that end, when gathering information and exchanging details, do not admit fault. You may think that you caused the accident, but there may be other details that you are not aware of. As an example, the other driver may have violated a traffic law and unbeknownst to you, that violation may have led to the collision. If the other driver admits fault, make a note of what they have said. Take Photographs Use your phone to take photos of everything: the accident scene, the property damage, any injuries, and insurance cards. It is important to also take photos of the other driver’s vehicle. Generally speaking, it is best to start with wide photos depicting the entire scene so as to document the location of the vehicles. Then take narrower shots of specific areas of damage and/or injuries. In this way, it makes it easier to provide context to photos that do not necessarily depict the entire scene or even one entire vehicle. Ensure an Accident Report is Created Making sure the police respond to the scene is an important step to make sure a police officer creates an accident report. If the accident occurred on private property (such as a private parking lot), the police officer may not want to do accident report, they should still create what is known as an Incident Report. Quickly Contact Your Insurance Company No one likes dealing with insurance companies, but your car insurance policy typically requires you to notify the insurance company of a car crash. If you fail to contact your insurance company quickly it could jeopardize the outcome of your claim. Consult with a Car Crash Lawyer Motor vehicle accidents happen regularly and insurance companies routinely undervalue claims that arise from such accidents and attempt to get parties to agree to settlement of any claims as quickly as possible. To ensure your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your damages, it is important to protect your legal rights. The experienced attorneys at Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco have been representing people injured in car accidents since 1962 and will zealously represent you at all stages of your accident claim. To schedule a free consultation at our offices, give us a call at 860-447-3171 or contact us through our website HERE. The personal injury attorneys of Conway, Londregan, Sheehan & Monaco are licensed in Connecticut. Stonington - New London CT Personal Injury Attorney, Eric Garofano is also licensed in Rhode Island. In Connecticut, we handle personal injury claims in the cities of Middletown, New Haven, New London, Hartford, Stamford, Waterbury and Norwich as well as New London County, Middlesex County and Windham County. In Rhode Island, we handle personal injury claims in Westerly, Warwick, Providence and Newport, including Newport County, Kent County, Washington County and Providence County.

Welcome To Our Blog

2023-01-31T23:49:05Z

We established this blog to share stories and information about topics relevant to our law practice. Our intent is to regularly provide posts highlighting legal issues of local, state and national interest that we think you will find interesting. Please check back later for updates.