Our Hamden Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation For Your Injuries
If you have been recently injured in a car crash, you may need to pursue legal action to be compensated in a fair and timely manner. A car accident claim can cover your medical bills and future care, your lost income, your pain and suffering, and any lasting impairment.
When you need an car accident attorney in New Haven County, you can turn to the Hamden personal injury firm of Sette & Parnoff, PC. Our trusted law firm has served the local community for over 50 years. We combine our knowledge of the New Haven area and local traffic laws with insight into how local courts and insurance companies operate. In fact, David Parnoff is a former insurance adjuster who uses that experience to negotiate more effectively for you.
Call us today at 203-490-4155to get started with a FREE, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
Why Choose The Accident Attorneys Of Sette & Parnoff, PC
Auto Accident Claims Lawyers In New Haven County
Distracted Driving Accidents In Connecticut
Speeding Accidents Lawyers In New Haven County
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents In Connecticut
- How much does a car accident attorney cost in Hamden and New Haven County?
- What is the average car accident settlement in New Haven County?
- What happens in an accident with an unlicensed driver?
- How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Connecticut?
- What happens if I’m hit by an uninsured motorist in Connecticut?
Why Choose The Accident Attorneys Of Sette & Parnoff, PC
One of the most important things to keep in mind after you have been in a motor vehicle accident is that you are not alone. We know that you are likely feeling overwhelmed and stressed about dealing with insurance claims and talking to adjusters. Our Hamden car accident attorneys and legal team are here to support you and guide you through the entire complex process.
Our attorney, David Parnoff, has worked on the other side of accident claims as an insurance adjuster in the past. This experience provides you with invaluable insight into the strategies and objectives of insurance companies to understand how you might maximize your claim.
While we are taking care of you, we are working hard behind the scenes to maximize your financial recovery. We have long history of settlements and verdicts in auto accident cases in New Haven County and statewide Connecticut.
Auto Accident Claims Lawyers In New Haven County
Our attorneys have handled every scenario of motor vehicle accident, including:
- Intersection and rear-end collisions
- Crashes involving commercial trucks
- Motorcycle crashes
- Bicyclists and pedestrians hit by cars
- Rideshare car accidents
- Texting and driving accidents
- Accidents involving drunk drivers
- Accidents involving hit-and-run or uninsured drivers
We can answer any questions you have and address all of your concerns, including what to do immediately after an accident. Our team will take on all the burdens while you recover from your auto accident injuries.
Distracted Driving Accidents In Connecticut
Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary task of operating their vehicle safely. Hiring a reputable distracted driving accident attorney can help guide you through the steps to take after an accident.
The following are common examples of distracted driving:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Eating
- Adjusting vehicle controls
Connecticut has clear laws prohibiting mobile device use while driving, even at stop lights. Drivers are prohibited from using hand-held mobile phones and other electronic devices to engage in voice communications while their vehicle is in motion. However, adult drivers can use hands-free devices, while drivers under 18 cannot use any phone.
A distracted driving accident can potentially lead to devastating injuries for innocent victims. It is best to involve a distracted driving accident attorney to help hold the distracted driver accountable. A distracted driving attorney’s quick action can help preserve evidence that can prove that the other driver momentarily took their attention off the road.
Facts About Distracted Driving In Connecticut
Distracted driving remains a major concern in Connecticut, with nearly 5,200 crashes attributed to it in 2022 alone. Here are some quick facts:
- At any given moment, approximately 660,000 drivers across America are using electronic devices while driving.
- In 2020, over 3,100 lives were lost nationally in crashes involving distracted drivers.
- Around 8% of all fatal crashes in 2020 involved a distracted driver.
- Connecticut law prohibits using hand-held mobile devices while driving. Fines range from $200 for the first offense to $625 for the third offense.
- Teen drivers aged 16-17 are prohibited from using any cell phone, even hands-free.
- Distracted driving is especially dangerous for truck drivers operating large commercial vehicles.
A Connecticut distracted driving accident attorney can provide you with invaluable support and representation for your claim. Experienced distracted driving attorneys know how to look for evidence that a driver was distracted, which can establish their liability for your losses.
Speeding Accidents Lawyers In New Haven County
Speed is one of the very first lessons drivers need to learn to maintain. If a driver speeds, they are not only breaking traffic laws but also endangering themselves and others. In a speeding accident, drivers may cause traumatic injuries to pedestrians, cyclists and occupants of other vehicles.
Connecticut is an “at-fault” state, which means that the driver who is at fault for the accident is responsible for compensating those injured. Compensation is awarded through a modified comparative negligence system, and a defendant may not recover damages if they are 51% or more at fault. In addition, the amount a victim can recover may be reduced proportionally to their negligence. That makes it critical to protect your interests from the start against allegations that you may have contributed.
Why Speeding Is The Largest Cause Of Auto Accidents
Everyone is in a rush to be somewhere, and they must make it there even at the expense of others. This is one of the biggest reasons why speeding accidents are so common. Many speeding accidents are caused by:
- People rushing to and from work or events
- Drivers following too closely to other vehicles
- Drivers failing to stay in the property lane
- Failing to stay in the proper lane
- Weaving in traffic due to aggressive driving
- Failures to yield the right of way
It does not matter why a driver caused an accident. What matters most is that someone was injured because of another person’s actions.
How Is Speed Determined In A Car Accident?
Gathering evidence showing a driver was speeding is important in a vehicle accident case. Tire marks on the road, the damage done on impact and the position of the vehicles after they come to rest often reveal the physics of the moment. This can point to liability through professional testimony and accident reconstruction, whether the accident was a head-on crash, a rear-end collision or a side swipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents In Connecticut
How much does a car accident attorney cost in Hamden and New Haven County?
There is no out-of-pocket cost if you work with our firm. The initial consultation and case evaluation are free. We represent you on a “no recovery, no fee” contingency basis. Simply put, you pay nothing if we can’t secure a resolution.
What is the average car accident settlement in New Haven County?
It is important to understand that every car accident settlement is different. While the nationwide average is $23,900, many accident claims involving minor injuries settle for much less – while claims involving serious injuries may settle for many times more.
Unique factors that go into the calculations involved in a personal injury claim include:
- Your injury and medical bills, including estimated future medical costs for long-term injuries and if surgery is required
- Actual lost wages and projected future lost wages due to reduced earnings capacity
- Pain and suffering, including any emotional distress or post-traumatic stress issues
- The amount of property damage that you incurred as a result of the crash
- The state where you reside since average jury awards are higher or lower depending on where you live
In addition, the available insurance coverage and resources of the at-fault driver as well as your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will play a role in how much you can recover. Also, the extent of liability of each party is taken into account.
What happens in an accident with an unlicensed driver?
According to a 2022 American Automobile Association (AAA) study, roughly 3% of drivers on the road are unlicensed, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that unlicensed drivers are responsible for nearly 18.4% of fatal motor vehicle accidents. Driving without a license is illegal, but unlicensed drivers are a constant problem. Many unlicensed drivers are teenagers, young adults and those who have had their licenses revoked for prior incidents – and unlicensed generally means “uninsured.”
Fortunately, Connecticut requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These UM/UIM policies will cover your losses – and the losses of your passengers – when you are struck by an unlicensed driver or are the victim of a hit-and-run, up to the value of your policy. In the case of an unlicensed and uninsured teenage driver, their parents may be held legally and financially liable if they were the owner of the vehicle.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut statute of limitations for these claims is two years from the day the injury occurs. There may be exceptions, which an attorney can explain. It is best to seek legal help earlier than later to preserve evidence and preserve your right to sue for damages.
What happens if I’m hit by an uninsured motorist in Connecticut?
Get Experienced Legal Help From A Car Accident Attorney Near You Today
We offer you a free case evaluation to discuss the details of your situation with our experienced Hamden car accident lawyer. Mr. Parnoff provides you with a unique perspective of the insurance industry and how it treats accident claims, using that knowledge to your advantage. We also have Spanish speaking staff and can take your case if you are in an auto accident and speak Spanish primarily. If you would like to get started, simply contact us online or call Sette & Parnoff, PC at 203-490-4155.
Our Car Crash Case Results
Our attorneys have fought for clients to get maximum compensation for countless car wreck injuries. Some of our most relevant case results below, but we have many more injury settlements in Connecticut cases.