Norwalk Car Accident Lawyers

Help for When You’re In a Car Accident 

If you were recently in a motor vehicle collision, you are likely dealing with multiple issues, such as recovering from your injuries, repairing your vehicle, and obtaining compensation for your financial losses. The other driver’s insurance company is not there to help you and may unjustly deny your claim. The Norwalk car accident attorneys at the Carter Mario Law Firm can help you navigate the personal injury claims process and build a strong case to obtain the financial compensation you need to get your life back on track.

When You Should Find a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer 

You must find and retain a Norwalk car accident lawyer immediately following an automobile collision. Waiting for the other driver’s insurance company to do “the right thing” increases the risk of crucial evidence, such as potential eyewitnesses disappearing. Additionally, a Norwalk car accident attorney can begin investigating your case and collecting evidence immediately.

Minor Car Accidents 

Most automobile collisions result in victims suffering soft tissue injuries. Despite soft tissue injuries being non-life threatening, victims still require expensive medical treatment to recover fully. You still have a valid personal injury claim even if you did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Car Accident Claims as a Passenger

You can still file a personal injury claim if you were a passenger in a vehicle which was involved in a collision. However, if the driver of your vehicle and the driver of the other vehicle blame each other, you will have to file claims with both of their insurance companies. This is because, as a passenger, either the driver of your vehicle, the driver of the other car, or both are at fault.

Partial Fault in Collisions 

You are entitled to financial compensation even if you committed an act of negligence which contributed to the collision. This is because Connecticut follows the doctrine of modified comparative negligence, which allows car accident victims to recover damages if their level of negligence does not exceed 50%. However, your level of negligence will reduce your award, e.g., a $10,000 award is reduced to $8,500 if a judge or jury finds you were 15% negligent.

Hit & Run Incidents 

It may seem impossible to obtain financial compensation if you were injured in a hit & run accident because you do not know the other driver’s identity or insurance information. The State of Connecticut requires automobile drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance coverage protects victims struck by uninsured vehicles or drivers who fail to remain at the scene of the collision.

If you were the victim of a hit & run collision, you would have to make an uninsured motorist claim. In short, you will have to sue your insurance company which then assumes the identity of the at-fault driver. Aside from this hypothesis, an uninsured motorist claim is nearly identical to a standard personal injury claim.

Catastrophic Injuries

Serious automobile collisions often cause victims to suffer catastrophic injuries. Unlike soft tissue injuries, devastating injuries require victims to receive life-saving emergency medical care. Sadly, catastrophic injuries are often life-altering, leaving victims with permanent disabilities.

Fatal Automobile Collisions

Under Connecticut State law, a victim’s estate can pursue a wrongful death claim against the person responsible for their death. Specifically, the estate’s administrator or executor can file a wrongful death claim. The estate can seek compensation for the victim’s medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Damages You May Recover in a Car Accident Claim

“Damages” is another way of describing the losses you suffered. Under Connecticut State law, you can recover compensatory and non-compensatory damages in a car accident case. Additionally, depending on the facts of your accident, you may be able to claim punitive damages. 

Compensatory Damages

A claim for compensatory damages is meant to reimburse you for the financial losses you suffered. Specifically, you can claim your past and future medical bills. You can also claim your past and future lost wages.

Non-Compensatory Damages

Unlike compensatory damages, a non-compensatory damages claim is meant to satisfy the non-financial injuries you suffered. For example, you can claim the physical pain and mental suffering you experienced as your non-compensatory damages. You can also claim non-compensatory damages for any physical disabilities caused by your injuries.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are meant to financially punish a tortfeasor. Successfully claiming punitive damages is difficult. Specifically, you must prove the other driver acted recklessly, with gross negligence, or with malice.

Proving Damages in a Collision 

Under Connecticut personal injury law, you must prove your injuries resulted from the collision by a preponderance of the evidence, i.e., 51%. This can be proven either by your testimony and medical records or via testimony by an expert medical witness if you suffered catastrophic injuries. Insurance companies often argue that the injuries victims suffered are minor or result from pre-existing conditions.

Common Types of Car Accident Cases 

The car accident lawyers at Carter Mario Law Firm have litigated a variety of car accident cases in the Norwalk area and throughout Connecticut. Our attorneys typically represent victims who suffered personal injuries due to:

• Motorcycle collisions
• Commercial truck collisions
• Automobile collisions
• Drunk drivers
• Lyft / Uber collisions

Norwalk Car Accident FAQ

Aside from causing victims to suffer physical injuries, car accidents cause victims to lose their means of transportation and possibly their jobs. Accordingly, the time following a car accident is often confusing and stressful. At Carter Mario Law Firm, our attorneys offer free initial consultations to help victims and their families navigate this difficult time.

What is the Car Accident Claim Statute of Limitations in Connecticut?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit following an auto accident in Connecticut is two years beginning on the date of the accident. This law is strictly enforced and is meant to encourage victims to file their claims promptly. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the expiration of the two-year time limit, your claim is permanently barred.

How Do I Pay For A Norwalk Car Accident Attorney?

At Carter Mario Law Firm, our car accident lawyers represent injured victims on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay a legal fee if we win your case in court or negotiate a favorable settlement. Finally, under our Zero Fee Warranty, you do not have to pay any fees or expenses if we lose, which rarely occurs.

What You Should Do After Getting in a Car Accident 

If your injuries are severe, you should immediately seek emergency medical treatment. If your injuries are not life-threatening, you should obtain medical treatment with your primary care provider or at an urgent care clinic. Additionally, you should contact the police to report the collision and attempt to gather evidence, such as the names of potential witnesses. Finally, talk with a Norwalk car accident lawyer for help concerning your claim and possible lawsuit.

Contact Carter Mario to Talk with Our Norwalk Car Accident Lawyers

The car accident lawyers at the Carter Mario Law Firm can advise of the true value of your case and fight to get you fair financial compensation. In addition to the countless awards we have earned, we have obtained more than one billion dollars in financial compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and to learn how a car accident attorney can begin building your case!