Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Wethersfield

Each year, tens of thousands of individuals are killed, and hundreds of thousands are seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout the nation. Connecticut alone has hundreds of traffic-related fatalities annually, with accident survivors often suffering severe injuries. Overall, our state averages about 8 road deaths each year per 100,000 in population.

Injuries from motor vehicle accidents can be life-altering. The large medical bills and time missed from work can put a major financial strain on injury victims and their families. But perhaps even worse is the physical pain the injured party has to endure, and the uncertainty of not knowing how long it will last and when (if ever) they will be able to resume a normal life.

At APEX Law Firm, we understand the enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll motor vehicle accident injuries take on households, and we work hard to make the legal process smooth and seamless. We have extensive experience successfully representing clients injured in vehicle accidents in Connecticut, and we work closely with our clients, fighting hard to recover maximum compensation for their injuries.

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you need strong legal counsel in your corner advocating forcefully for your rights and interests. Before speaking with anyone from the insurance company, call the APEX Law Firm at 860-900-0900 for a free no-obligation consultation and case assessment.

What are the Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Motor vehicle crashes can happen for a number of reasons. Some are uncontrollable, resulting from adverse road conditions such as ice, snow, and other types of inclement weather. Most often, however, vehicle accidents are caused by the negligence or careless actions of another party.

Some of the most common reasons motor vehicle accidents occur include:

• Aggressive or Reckless Driving: People today seem to always be in a hurry, and many motorists drive aggressively or recklessly to get where they are going on time. Excessive speeding, tailgating, weaving back and forth between lanes, dangerous passing maneuvers, and refusal to yield the right-of-way are just a few examples of driving behaviors that can cause a car accident.

• Distracted Driving: Another growing problem in today’s electronic age is distracted driving. Motorists have always had distractions, but few practices are more dangerous than texting while driving (and similar electronic activity while behind the wheel). Sending or receiving a text distracts drivers in three ways; manually, visually, and cognitively.

• Drowsy Driving: Many people get behind the wheel while they are sleepy or fatigued. Among the groups most likely to drive while drowsy include commercial truck drivers, shift workers (those who work long shifts during the overnight or early morning hours), individuals with untreated sleep disorders, frequent travelers, and those who get 6 hours or less of sleep every night. Of course, falling asleep at the wheel can be disastrous. But even if they don’t fall asleep, drowsy drivers have slower reaction times and are often inattentive to important things that are happening on the road.

• Driving while Intoxicated: Despite decades of public relations campaigns highlighting the dangers of drunk driving, far too many people still make the decision to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Driving while intoxicated can make a driver tired, slowing their reaction times. This behavior can also have the opposite affect and put drivers in a reckless state where they have willful and wanton disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of others.

• Motor Vehicle Defects: Some auto accidents are caused at least in part by a faulty vehicle or vehicle part. Examples include defective tires that cause tire blowouts and faulty brake lines that prevent the vehicle from being able to stop and avoid an accident. When a vehicle defect contributes to a car accident, it may be possible to bring a product liability claim against the designer, manufacturer, supplier, or distributor. 

Pursuing a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim in Connecticut

Whether you drive a car, truck or motorcycle, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensatory damages may include not only direct monetary losses such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage, but also non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, psychological distress, diminished quality of life, and loss of consortium.

Connecticut applies a modified version of the “comparative negligence” legal doctrine, which allows an injured party to receive compensation if they are no more than 50% at fault for the underlying accident. However, their damage award is reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault they share in the accident. For example, if the economic and non-economic damages totaled $100,000 and you were found to be 25% at fault, your damage award would be reduced by $25,000.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer for my Vehicle Accident Claim?

This is a fair question. After all, attorneys take a percentage of the settlement for their fee, so you may believe that you can get more overall compensation by handling the claim on your own. In some cases, this may be true. For example, if you sustained very minor injuries and minimal vehicle damage from the accident and receive an offer from the insurance company that you are happy with, it might be fine to just accept the offer and move on.  If, on the other hand, there are any complications; such as moderate to severe injuries, a dispute over who was at fault, or multiple parties involved, then it would be in your best interests to retain the services of an experienced attorney. Your attorney can skillfully navigate the complexities involved with the claim and handle all of the complicated legal tasks, so you can focus on your recovery.

In the end, a lawyer is likely to obtain a much higher net settlement from a motor vehicle accident, because they are able to properly value your claim, construct the strongest possible case, negotiate directly with the other side, and file a lawsuit if the other side is not willing to negotiate in good faith.

If you are not sure whether or not you need a lawyer for your accident, it never hurts to at least speak with one to have your case reviewed. An attorney at The APEX Law Firm can take a look at your case free of charge and advise you of your legal rights and options, so you can make the most informed decision on how you wish to proceed.

Contact the APEX Law Firm for Help with your Motor Vehicle Accident

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the underlying accident. For this reason, it is best to get an attorney involved sooner rather than later. Contact the seasoned auto accident attorneys at APEX Law Firm today at (860) 900-0900 or message us through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.