Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need an attorney?

If you or a family member experiences an injury, you can benefit from speaking to a Connecticut injury lawyer at Carter Mario Injury Lawyers today. Often the insurance company for the person who caused the injury will try to settle with you before you have an opportunity to retain an attorney. The reason for this is that the insurance company knows it can probably settle the case for less money if you do not have a lawyer. We will investigate your case and obtain the necessary witness statements, documents, photographs, and other materials to protect your rights.

How much will Carter Mario charge?

At Carter Mario:

There is no charge for your first visit or telephone call. All your questions will be answered, and there is no obligation.
We never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.
We will advance all costs for investigators, experts, filing fees, and other expenses associated with obtaining the maximum recovery possible.
If a recovery is not made, you pay nothing.
We do not charge any fee for helping you settle your claim for damage to your vehicle.

Will I meet with a lawyer?

Yes. At the initial consultation, a lawyer from Carter Mario will meet with you. Throughout the remainder of our representation, a lawyer and a legal assistant will be involved in the handling of your claim.

What if I can’t travel?

If your injury prevents you from traveling to our office, an attorney from Carter Mario will meet with you at your home, the hospital, or any meeting place you designate.

Are you available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Yes. Our law firm is staffed so that a Carter Mario employee can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If appropriate, this employee can contact a firm attorney at any time. We are ready, willing, and able to discuss a claim with you 24/7.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. If the insurance company for the person who caused the injury is willing to volunteer a fair settlement, you do not have to bring a lawsuit in order to obtain a recovery. We are skilled at negotiating settlements without filing a lawsuit. In the event the insurance company is not willing to negotiate fairly, we will then proceed with filing a lawsuit if you so desire.

Who may bring an action for damages in a personal injury case?

A competent adult who is over the age of 18 and injured must bring the lawsuit in his or her name. A minor or an incompetent adult must have a suit brought either by parents or a court-appointed guardian.

How much money is my case worth?

Your case is worth either what we tell the insurance company it is worth or the amount of an award granted by a judge and jury. We examine all of the conditions surrounding your case in order to arrive at a figure that we believe the insurance company must pay for your injuries. These conditions include how the accident happened, what injuries you suffered, future medical problems, the amount of medical expenses and lost income, as well as future medical costs and future loss of income. We study every detail so that we can get you the money you deserve for your injuries.

How long do I have to bring a case?

You must file your case within the statute of limitations, a fixed period of time dictated by the law. In many cases you are required to bring your case within two or three years from the date of the event that caused the injury. For an explanation of these time limits, always consult with an attorney experienced in these matters.

Can I change my attorney?

You have the right to change lawyers, however your initial attorney will usually be entitled to payment for services rendered up to the time of dismissal. The lawyer will be paid from the fee earned at the conclusion of the case. Your new lawyer will usually work out an arrangement to split the fee between the two lawyers.

Should I get a second opinion if an attorney thinks I do not have a case?

Yes. Different lawyers will see a potential case differently. Some lawyers may not be familiar with the type of case you have. If a lawyer rejects your case, it is always a good idea to seek a second opinion.

I was injured but may have been partly at fault. Can I still sue?

Yes. Under Connecticut's comparative negligence rules, you may still have a case even though you were partly at fault in causing an accident. These cases are very fact-specific, and you should consult with a lawyer.

An insurance adjustor wants to settle and says I do not need a lawyer. Should I get one?

Remember: the adjustor works for the insurance company. They have one goal: to settle your case for the least amount of money possible. What may seem like a fair offer to you could fall far short of any amount of money settled through a lawyer. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney at Carter Mario before accepting any offer made to you by an insurance company.

Does Carter Mario handle other types of cases in addition to personal injury?

Yes. We are actively representing individuals for workers’ compensation, social security disability, and medical malpractice.

Will my insurance rates go up if I pursue a claim or obtain a recovery?

No. Based on the information insurance agents and insurance carriers provide us, simply because an injured person pursues a claim does not mean that their insurance premium will be increased. It is when a person's negligent or wrongful acts cause injury that their own insurance premiums are increased.

Free Case Evaluation

At Carter Mario, we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We guarantee your phone calls will be returned that day, or lunch is on us! Clients come first for all of our Connecticut personal injury lawyers, and we strive to provide excellent representation to injury victims throughout the state, including Bridgeport, Hartford, Milford, New Britain, and Waterbury. Call us at (800) 900-6700 or fill out a free online consultation form.

The Connecticut injury lawyers at Carter Mario represent clients with injuries stemming from auto accidents, defective medical devices, dog bites, drug injuries, fire and burn injuries, medical malpractice, Social Security Disability denials, slip and fall accidents, truck accidents, workers' compensation denials, as well as the families of wrongful death victims.