Rear-End Car Accidents in Connecticut

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 crash, 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% 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 Accident

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 car accident 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

Consulting with an experienced attorney is another key step after a rear-end car accident. 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 car accident 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.