Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. While it is true that the fault for these crashes often falls on the driver in the back vehicle, it’s not impossible for the driver in front to be at fault.

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end car accident in Connecticut, you need qualified legal representation to help you get the maximum compensation for your injuries. The attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, cannot guarantee any specific outcome, but we can promise to provide dedicated and personalized representation in your rear-end car accident case.

Establishing Fault for a Rear-End Car Accident

Fault is not automatically assigned to the back driver in a rear-end collision; the front driver may be partially or fully at fault for the accident.

The driver who was rear-ended may be responsible for the crash if:

  • Their brake lights were inoperable
  • They stopped suddenly for no reason
  • They changed lanes and cut off the rear driver
  • They brake-checked the rear driver

Connecticut is a fault state, so establishing who caused the accident is crucial for your injury claim. Specifically, Connecticut uses a system called modified comparative negligence, which uses the following elements to establish fault and award compensation:

  • Multiple people can be found liable for an accident
  • Injured accident victims must be less than 50 percent liable to recover compensation
  • The amount of compensation awarded will be reduced by the percentage of fault

What to do After a Rear-End Car Crash

After any accident, assessing the health and safety of everyone involved is a top priority. You should seek medical attention even if you think your injuries are mild. Some injuries, such as concussions or whiplash, can take hours or days to become significantly symptomatic.

Other crucial steps to take after a rear-end auto collision in Connecticut include:

  • Call 911 and notify the police
  • Move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic if you are able
  • Get contact information for the other driver if you are able
  • Take photos of the scene and the vehicles if you are able
  • Get witness information if you are able
  • Do not speak to any insurance company until you speak to us

When communicating with the other driver or the police, be careful not to admit fault in any way.

Contact an Experienced Rear-End Car Accident Attorney in Connecticut

Consulting with an experienced attorney is another key step after a rear-end car accident in Connecticut. A lawyer will provide a case evaluation to analyze the details of your car accident and assess the full value of your injury claim. When calculating the value, an attorney will consider numerous factors, including:

  • Property repair or replacement
  • Lost wages
  • Your ability to work
  • Existing medical bills
  • Future medical needs
  • Therapy costs
  • Psychological trauma
  • Pain and suffering

An attorney can also collect evidence, preserve evidence, investigate the cause of the crash, negotiate a settlement amount with the insurance company, and litigate in court if necessary.

When you need unparalleled experience and legal knowledge, contact the seasoned attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. We have over a century of combined experience fighting for fair compensation for our clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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If you or someone you love has suffered an injury or illness, you need to take immediate action so we can start our investigation. It’s not just a legal matter; it’s about helping you rebuild your life.

We have a proven track record of success. Other lawyers refer their cases to us because we have the experience and resources to resolve these complex matters.

It’s important that you contact us right away, before evidence disappears and critical legal deadlines expire. Our office is centrally located in Watertown and we offer legal counsel to victims and their families throughout Connecticut. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a free remote or in-person consultation.