After suffering injuries in a car accident, recovering compensation from the liable party can prove challenging. A severe accident can be expensive, and your life may never be the same. Fortunately, an experienced New Haven car accident attorney can help you get the money you need from the liable party.
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, we have a proven track record of recovering compensation for our clients, including the highest bodily injury verdict ever awarded in Connecticut of $100 million. Our team of experienced New Haven personal injury lawyers will work diligently to ensure you recover the money you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
How an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in New Haven Can Help You Recover Compensation
When hiring a New Haven car accident lawyer to help you collect damages after an accident, they will take a variety of steps to ensure you get the money you need and deserve. Your attorney will handle every aspect of your legal case, leaving you free to focus on your health.
One of the first steps your lawyer will likely take will be to conduct an independent investigation into your accident. Through this investigation, they will aim to gather evidence and prove the liability of another party. The phases of this inquiry will likely include:
- Visiting your accident scene to take photos, record observations, find potential witnesses, and gain access to any available security footage
- Obtaining a copy of the official police report
- Speaking with eyewitnesses about what they observed
- Consulting expert witnesses
- Reviewing your medical records as they relate to the injuries you sustained
After completing their investigation, your lawyer will review the losses you sustained and calculate how much your case is worth. They will then proceed to file the necessary documents for an insurance claim with the liable party’s insurer or a personal injury lawsuit with the court before the deadline set forth by the statute of limitations.
As your attorney prepares your case for court, they will negotiate with the opposing party in an attempt to come to terms on a settlement deal. If you do not reach an agreement before the conclusion of the pre-trial process, your lawyer will present your case at trial in an attempt to win a favorable verdict.
Injured in an Accident?
Get the Compensation You Deserve. Our Experienced Lawyers Can Help.
Comparative Negligence in Connecticut
Connecticut uses a comparative negligence rule when assessing fault and determining eligibility for pursuing damages. Under this rule, an injured party is not barred from pursuing damages as long as their share of the fault for the accident is 50% or less. However, the amount they are able to pursue will be reduced in proportion to their level of liability.
For example, if you are determined to have been 10% to blame for the crash, you will only be able to recover 90% of the full value of your losses. Using this example, if your case is worth $100,000, the most you could receive would be $90,000.
Don’t Trust the Insurance Company
When pursuing compensation after suffering damages in a car accident, it is critical that you understand that the insurance company does not have your best interests at heart. Instead, these companies work to protect their own financial interests at the expense of accident victims, doing everything they can to deny or devalue a claim.
Insurance adjusters will use a wide variety of tricks against you if you give them the opportunity. That’s why the best course of action after a car accident is to decline to speak with the insurer until you have secured the services of an experienced car accident lawyer.
By hiring a New Haven car accident attorney, you will help level the playing field and put yourself in the best possible position to win your case. With an experienced lawyer working for you, the insurance company will be barred from contacting you directly. By forcing them to work with your lawyer, they will be unable to employ their usual tricks.
Suffered a Personal Injury?
Let Us Fight for Your Rights and Maximize Your Compensation.
Most Car Accident Cases Settle Out of Court
When pursuing a legal case after a car accident, you need to realize that your claim will likely end up settling out of court. Settling is often in the best interest of both parties. A settlement allows the accident victim to recover money more quickly, while the at-fault party can avoid any unwanted press coverage.
Furthermore, both sides can have some say over what happens with their case rather than leaving their fates in the hands of an unpredictable jury.
However, it is still critical that you prepare for a potential trial. There is always the possibility that you won’t be able to reach a settlement agreement. If a trial is necessary, the preparation of your attorney will greatly increase your chance of a favorable verdict. Additionally, being ready to take your case to court will give you leverage in settlement negotiations.
Injured Due to Negligence?
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Assist You.
Get Help from an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Serving New Haven Today
After suffering damages in a car accident, securing the services of an experienced lawyer will greatly improve your chances of recovering the compensation you need and deserve. At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, we are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive a favorable outcome to their case. As indicated by our name, we never shy away from taking a case to trial.
Contact us today by giving us a call or completing our online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation.
