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Car Accidents On Monday, March 29, 2021
Rear-end car accidents are some of the most common types of vehicle collisions, especially on roads with a lot of congestion. Rear-end collisions can occur when a driver does not pay attention, follows too closely, drives drunk or falls asleep behind the wheel. If you get into a rear-end car accident in Connecticut, take the following steps to protect your rights.
All drivers involved in auto accidents in Connecticut must pull over at the scene. Leaving without stopping is the crime of a hit-and-run. After a rear-end car accident, stop your vehicle in a safe place and assess the damage. If you or anyone else is injured, or someone is unconscious, call the police.
All auto accidents in Connecticut should be reported to the police as soon as possible. This means serious accidents that cause injuries and expensive property damage as well as minor rear-end collisions. If you can, use a cell phone to call 911 while still at the scene of your rear-end car accident. Request an ambulance if anyone is injured.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance information, and a description of his or her vehicle. When the police arrive, give the officer your version of events but do not admit fault.
Even if you were the rear driver, who is most often at fault for these types of accidents, do not admit fault. Saying you are at fault can place liability automatically with you. If you wait, however, an investigation may show the other driver shares fault, such as for slamming on the brakes or cutting you off.
If you can, take pictures of the scene of the rear-end car accident before leaving. Take photographs of property damage and injuries, as well as close-up shots of any relevant details, such as markings in the road. Capture images of the entire scene of the car accident from farther away, as well. Photographs can help investigators and crash reconstructionists piece together how the rear-end accident occurred. They can also help you prove the other driver’s fault.
Do not wait to go to a hospital in Connecticut after a rear-end car accident. Common injuries inflicted by these accidents are whiplash, back injuries, soft-tissue injuries, muscle strain and broken bones. Some of these injuries may have hidden or delayed symptoms. Going to a hospital immediately can diagnose you with an injury before you notice symptoms. An insurance company will check to see how long you waited to see a doctor to determine your eligibility for benefits.
Your own auto insurance company will want to know about your auto accident, whether or not you were at fault. Call your own insurance provider after a rear-end collision to describe the accident. Do not admit fault or speculate about who caused the crash, however. Then, consider filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
If you believe the other driver is at fault, he or she will be liable for your damages according to Connecticut’s fault law. In this scenario, you will file a claim with the other driver’s insurance provider for reimbursement for your medical bills and property repairs. You will need evidence of the other driver’s fault, however, to recover compensation.
If you get injured in a rear-end collision, contact an experienced car accident lawyer for assistance. A lawyer can represent you during the claims process to ensure you do not settle for less than your case is worth. A lawyer can also take care of legal matters for you, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries rather than dealing with a claim alone.