Whether heading to shops on Dixwell Avenue or driving down Whitney Avenue to get home after work, there are several busy Hamden roads where accidents may occur. If you’ve been injured after a crash due to someone else’s negligence, a Hamden car accident attorney from our team can help.
At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, our Hamden personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for your legal right to compensation. We have over 85 years of helping injury victims throughout Connecticut to get the justice they deserve. Contact us for a free review of your case.
Why Choose Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC for Your Hamden Car Accident Case?
Dealing with insurance companies and legal processes can be stressful when managing the physical pain and trauma after an accident. Our Hamden car accident attorneys can handle the paperwork, negotiations, and other processes for you.
We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. However, while our goal is to win your case, we also want you to feel supported during this incredibly difficult time in your life. We have a dedicated legal team available for you 24/7 and will always keep you updated and informed about your case. At Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC you have a team backing you up, you never fight solo. We make sure every one of our clients is supported by a team—attorneys, investigators, medical specialists, and more, who make sure you get the settlement you deserve.
If you’re worried about the costs of hiring legal help, we work on a contingency-fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs to you, and you will owe us nothing if we cannot recover compensation for your case.
Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident in Hamden
Car accident injuries may include broken bones, head trauma, neck injuries, spinal cord damage, and more. These injuries often take an incredible toll on your life, from dealing with physical pain to the financial stress of medical costs. Our Hamden motor vehicle accident attorneys will examine the extent of your losses, so we can fight for the maximum compensation you are eligible for.
Recoverable losses after a car accident include:
- Medical expenses, including for planned future surgeries or physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Long-term care, such as assistance with your activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Home modifications
- Mobility aid devices
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
In the event that a loved one passed away due to a car accident, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for this tragic loss. Our Hamden wrongful death attorneys can discuss your legal options with you.
Seeking Justice After Your Hamden Car Accident
Personal injury claims do more than provide financial compensation for your losses, they also can deliver justice to at-fault parties. However, determining who was at fault can be difficult. There are often a variety of factors which can influence whether an accident occurs, as well as the severity of the crash itself.
Some common examples of negligence of the driver or other party include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Failing to maintain roads
- Negligent car maintenance
Our Hamden personal injury lawyers will carefully investigate to determine fault and gather supporting evidence for your accident claim. They may do so by:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Taking photos of the accident scene
- Obtaining video footage of the event
- Consulting with experts, such as accident reconstructionists
- Reviewing police reports and driving records
It’s important to note that it can be helpful to begin an investigation soon after an accident. Important evidence such as surveillance footage and skid marks may not be available after time has passed.
The Statute of Limitations in Hamden Car Accident Cases
In addition to gathering evidence, there are other reasons to move quickly with your case. Under CT Gen. Stat. § 52-584, you generally only have two years to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline typically starts on the date of your accident.
Contact one of our Hamden auto accident attorneys today to get started on your case right away.
Affording a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Hamden
Car accidents are often financially draining. You may have expensive medical bills, be losing income from work while recovering, and facing the cost of a new vehicle or costly repairs. This may make you wary of taking on any additional costs by hiring a lawyer.
However, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, operates on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs. You will also only need to pay our fees if we recover compensation for your case. At that point, our fees will be deducted as a percentage of your settlement.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Hamden?
If you’ve been in a car accident, it can feel disorienting. You may be in shock or dealing with injuries. The most important thing you can do is check that you have no visible injuries, and that anyone with you is safe. You should always seek medical care after a car accident, as undiagnosed injuries can lead to lasting complications.
If you are able, you can also take these actions:
Reporting the Accident to the Police
In Connecticut, you are required to report accidents where there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage that totals over $1,000. In addition to legal requirements, calling the police can help secure an accident scene.
Law enforcement, like those from the Hamden Police Department, will talk to witnesses, gather evidence, and write a crash report which will include their analysis of the accident. This can be vital evidence for any personal injury claim that you later make.
Documenting the Accident
If you physically can and it is safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene. This should include damage to the vehicles, any debris left on the ground, skid marks, and any nearby traffic signs that the other driver may have failed to follow.
In addition, you should also take photos of your visible injuries. This can give you timestamped evidence to include with your accident claim.
What If You Are Unable to Take These Actions?
As noted above, your safety is paramount. If you’ve been injured, focus on getting help rather than taking additional actions at the scene of the accident. One of our car accident attorneys in Hamden can gather evidence, contact witnesses, and document the accident scene. They can also talk to the police on your behalf.
Common Questions About Car Accident Claims
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions during car accident cases:.
What If I’m Partially At-Fault for the Auto Accident?
Sometimes, accident victims may have contributed to the accident. For example, maybe the injured party was going faster than the speed limit when the other driver hit them. Many times, victims may think they are disqualified from seeking help, but this is not always the case.
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence system, per CT Gen. Stat. § 52-572h. When reviewing your case, we will look at the actions of all involved parties to determine what percentage of fault each party is responsible for. This negligence law allows victims to seek damages as long as their percentage of fault does not exceed 51 percent, and that their awards are reduced by their proportion of blame.
The negligent driver will often try to say the other party’s percentage of fault is greater than it actually is, but our lawyers can help you navigate such situations.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, the insurer must provide a reason for doing so. You will be able to appeal their decision. Your lawyer will address their reasons for denial during the appeals process.
In some cases, such as a denial being due to a lack of evidence, your lawyer may consult with medical professionals or others to help support your need for compensation.
What Happens After I Receive a Settlement Offer?
Once you receive a settlement offer you can either accept it, and your settlement will be paid promptly, or formally reject it. If a settlement does not offer you fair compensation for your losses, your lawyer may suggest re-entering negotiations with the insurer.
While most cases are settled out of court, in some cases it may be in your best interest to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Discuss your legal options with your lawyer.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Court?
Not every accident claim goes to trial. In fact, we’ve been able to settle many cases during negotiations or shortly after trial proceedings begin. For some, however, trial may give them the best possible chance at a satisfactory verdict. Our team can discuss these possibilities with you and advise you on your options.
Contact Our Hamden Car Accident Attorneys for Help With Your Case
Don’t deal with aggressive insurance companies and complicated legal processes on your own. Our Hamden car accident lawyers can advocate for you, so that you can focus on healing.
Our client reviews speak to the kindness and compassion that we will bring to your case. If you’ve been injured, trust us to fight for your right to compensation. Contact Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC, today for your free initial consultation.