Car accidents happen so frequently that sometimes people do not take them very seriously. When an accident happens to you, and you or your family member suffers an injury, a crash is a very serious matter indeed.
At D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, our dedicated personal injury attorneys never lose sight of the fact that car accidents disrupt the lives of real human beings. A Litchfield car accident lawyer keeps your best interests in mind and works diligently to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Even a minor car wreck can cost you thousands of dollars when you add up property damage, time off from work, and medical expenses. You will need to file an insurance claim to get that money back. It is easy to weaken your car accident claim without even realizing it, but there are steps you can take to strengthen your claim.
If you were driving, try not to apologize for the accident or assume responsibility, even if you think you were probably at fault. The lawyers and insurance companies will determine how much blame rests on everyone’s shoulders. Until they do, don’t say anything to indicate you’re responsible.
If the police offer you ambulance transportation to the hospital, accept it even if you’re not sure your insurance will cover it. If EMS does not take you to a hospital, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible—ideally the same day. Go to your family doctor, an emergency room, or an urgent care center even if you feel you weren’t hurt. A medical professional can screen you for hidden injuries, and the medical record that is generated can be important evidence later.
Connecticut offers drivers many car insurance options, and navigating them can be tricky. Working with a seasoned car accident attorney in Litchfield can help you maximize your insurance and the other driver’s insurance policies.
If you have optional medical payments (MedPay) coverage or if you were a passenger in a car owned by someone who does, MedPay will cover part of your immediate medical expenses up to the limit of coverage. This amount varies and is selected at the time the optional coverage is purchased. Typically, between $1,000 and $10,000 of coverage but it can be higher.. Your private health insurance will cover a portion of your medical expenses MedPay does not cover once the MedPay coverage is exhausted based on the terms of your private plan.
When another driver is at fault, their liability coverage will pay your medical costs and lost wages but only after all your medical care is complete and your prognosis known so that the claim can be settled in total all at one time. The liability insurance carrier will not pay medical bills and wage loss as it is incurred in most circumstances. Also, insurance companies are for-profit companies, and they will not offer a fair settlement off the bat. There is typically negotiation involved, and when your injuries are serious, sometimes it is necessary to file a lawsuit to get a reasonable compensation offer.
When you have serious injuries, a lawsuit may be the only way to obtain a fair financial settlement. According to Connecticut General Statute § 52-584, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. When a Litchfield car crash attorney can prove another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you could claim non-economic damages in addition to reimbursement of your accident-related expenses.
Non-economic damages provide money for the results of the accident that impact your quality of life. You can receive non-economic damages for pain, emotional trauma, disability, scarring, and lost enjoyment of life. When you have a serious injury, these damages can be substantial.
When you file a lawsuit, your lawyer will look for additional sources of insurance coverage. If you have suffered a more serious injury, the at-fault driver’s coverage will usually be insufficient to cover your losses. The legal team at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, has extensive experience handling car accident cases and they are often able to identify other parties who have some responsibility for the collision. These could include vehicle manufacturers, car repair garages or car dealers, rental car companies, the owners of property where the accident happened if on private property, or state and local governments if a road defect caused the crash, among other potentially liable parties.
People sometimes assume they lose money if they hire an attorney to handle their car accident claim. However, an attorney can usually achieve much better results than an injured person can on their own, due to their vast experience and knowledge of the system. You will come out ahead even after deducting a Litchfield car accident lawyer’s fees from your settlement.
Discuss your case with our experienced legal professionals at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC. We offer in-person or remote appointments, and the initial consultation is free. Get started today.
