How do I protect my rights after a car accident?

Protecting your rights after a car accident

How Do I Protect My Rights After An Accident?

Were you involved in a car accident in Connecticut? It’s natural to feel stressed, but how you respond – and the resources you use – could make a huge difference. Many problems can be avoided by taking the time to learn about your rights in advance.The more you know, the less susceptible you’ll be to problems with insurance companies. This, in turn, could lead to a higher payout. Knowledge is power – and it helps you feel less overwhelmed after an accident.

Beyond getting informed, it’s essential to work with a board-certified car accident attorney in CT. Your lawyer can provide compassionate guidance and proactive representation. Both are key to resolving your car accident case and moving forward.

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What Are My Rights After Being in a Car Accident?

To ensure that you get all of the legal benefits that you’re entitled to after a car accident, it’s important to understand your rights. In general, all drivers must carry liability insurance in case of injury or property damage — this may cover medical bills or repairs for other drivers involved in the accident, depending on who is responsible for the crash. You should also be aware of your state’s personal injury laws and what could potentially entitle you to additional compensation. Being aware of all your legal rights will help ensure that you receive all the benefits you are eligible for.

Understand the Statue of Limitations in Your State

Every state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after an auto accident. This means you only have a certain amount of time to file your lawsuit after the date of the car accident. If you wait too long, then your claim may be rejected by the courts. Therefore, it is important to understand the laws in your state and make sure that you know exactly when the deadline for filing a lawsuit will end.

What To Do After A Car Accident in Connecticut

Stay calm and check your surroundings. Make sure that you are in a safe location and out of harms way.
Check for any injuries.
Call the police and report a car accident.
Exchange information with parties involved.
Seek medical treatment. Even if you don't have pain right away, it could appear later on.
Talk to a car accident attorney.

What NOT To Do After A Car Accident

How you respond in those first moments after a car or motorcycle crash can say a lot about your efforts to collect damages. Above all else, avoid the following mistakes:

Never Make a Statement before speaking with a car accident attorney

Once notice of representation has been sent to the insurance company, they are not allowed to contact you. Some adjusters will still try to get information to use it against you. Do not speak with any insurance company. If they do contact you tell them you have legal representation and give them the name and number of the firm. Call your attorneys office immediately if this happens.

Don’t Accept Cash from the Other Driver

This person may prefer to avoid dealing with police reports and insurance claims. At first, you might consider going along with the approach. Think again. You have no idea how much you’ll eventually need to pay in medical bills or vehicle repairs. The small amount of money you receive from the other driver could be far less than the deductible.

Don’t Let the Other Driver Leave Before Providing Identifying Information

If the other driver seems reluctant to exchange information, watch out. Your failure to get basic details might cause problems when working with their insurance company. The important information to collect includes the drivers and owner of the vehicle full name, contact information, driver’s license, license plate number, insurance company and policy number, the type, model and color of the vehicle, and the location of the accident.

Don’t Forget to take pictures

One of the best ways to secure evidence, is by taking pictures at the scene of the accident. Pictures showing the damage to both vehicles can be helpful to your case.

Don’t Leave Before Calling the Police to the Scene

An accident report could be one of your most valuable tools moving forward. This document can clear up when, where, and under what circumstances the crash occurred. It may also show a link between your injuries and the car accident. The police report will include the names of everyone involved, insurance policy information, names and details of any witnesses, location of the accident, as well as a description of what happened.

Equipped with an official accident report, you’ll find the claims process far easier to navigat Seeking Medical Treatment

In the chaos following an accident, it can be easy to forget the most important thing: your health. Even injuries that seem minor could lead to significant damage if not documented and treated promptly.

Improving Your Outcome in a Car Accident Case

With the right approach, you can keep stress to a minimum and reach a positive outcome. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. Here are answers to some of the most common questions car accident victims have:

Will a Dashboard Cam Help My Case?

Depending on the situation, footage from dashboard cameras could offer helpful insight into the events that took place immediately before the accident. Such videos sometimes display clear signs of driver negligence. They may also be called upon to highlight the severity of the crash.

Dashcams may be useful, but they’re not fool-proof. By nature, their perspective is limited. Depending on the angle, they may fail to capture negligence behind the wheel. It’s simply not possible for them to tell the full story. Therefore, other evidence should also be used. This can be collected and analyzed by your attorney.

Should I Seek Medical Treatment After a Car Accident?

Medical attention is crucial even if your injuries don’t seem significant. After all, the signs of traumatic brain injuries may not be clear until days or even weeks later.

Healthcare workers will spot early damage and help you get started on the right course of treatment. This should speed up the recovery process. Proper treatment will also make it easier to build a connection between the accident and your injuries. This link could make all the difference as you seek insurance compensation.

When Should I Contact a Lawyer After Being in a Car Accident?

Have you checked that all people involved in the crash are safe? Now, it’s time to get in touch with a board-certified CT car accident lawyer.

Your lawyer from McCoy & McCoy can support and protect you. Our team will help you document the scene of the crash, gather crucial evidence, and deal with car insurance companies. Just as important: We can help you feel more confident and less stressed during an otherwise difficult time.

How Can I Ensure the Maximum Value for My Case?

Our team at McCoy & McCoy knows exactly what it takes to bring your auto accident case to a positive close. However, we believe that you can play a vital role in this effort. The best thing you can do to increase your compensation is to let your attorney do the talking. Beyond this, other essentials include:

Don’t make a statement for the other driver’s insurance company.

Your words could be twisted, even when you think you’re saying the right thing. It’s safer to let a board-certified lawyer handle all communication.

Be Honest

This is important when discussing your situation with the police and healthcare workers. Don’t minimize your injuries or refuse treatment.

Follow Your Doctor’s instructions

Proper healthcare will get you on the path to a quick recovery. It could also provide important evidence for your case. Follow your doctor’s advice for medications, physical therapy, and other recovery essentials.

Call the police

No matter how small the accident, law enforcement should get involved. Once officers arrive, they’ll create a police report. This documents the scene and can later be used as evidence.

The most effective way to maximize the value of your CT car accident case?

Working with a personal injury lawyer you trust

The team at McCoy & McCoy could make all the difference in your case. Serving Hartford and New Haven, our board-certified lawyers are committed to protecting your rights. We also provide a powerful source of stress relief. You’ll appreciate our patient, kindhearted guidance. Contact us today to get started with a consultation.