Simsbury Car Accident Attorneys

Even minor crashes can change a person’s life and leave them with serious injuries, both physically and emotionally. Our compassionate Simsbury car accident lawyers understand the damage that crashes can cause, and we will work with you one-on-one to get you the help and compensation you need to heal. Hassett & George has a proud history of experience taking our clients’ anxieties and turning them into action. Our clients are treated like family and each case gets the personal attention it deserves.

Our experienced legal team will stand by your side to ensure your rights are protected and hold the negligent driver accountable for how their actions have impacted your life.

Topics
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
The Importance of Evidence
Do I Need a Lawyer?
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
What Types of Auto Accident Cases Does Hassett & George Handle?
Connecticut Car Accident Laws
Types of Car Accidents
Additional Resources

How Do I Know If I Have a Case?

Figuring out if you have a valid car accident case can seem like a daunting task, but understanding some key factors can help. There are several key considerations to keep in mind, and they include but are not limited to:

• Injuries or damages.  Even if another party was at fault, to have a case, you must have suffered an injury or damage because of the accident. This can range from physical injuries to damage to your vehicle or other personal property.
• Insurance coverage. Sometimes, even if the other party was at fault and you suffered damages, whether or not you can pursue a lawsuit depends on the insurance coverage of the involved parties. This can get complicated, as laws vary by state and policy details can vary widely.
• Liability. One huge step in figuring out whether you have a case is establishing liability. You need to determine if another party was at fault for the accident. This could be another driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or even a company responsible for a vehicle’s maintenance or roadway conditions.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you’re wondering if you have a case, these are good starting points for consideration. However, figuring out this process can be complex and often requires expert guidance. An experienced Simsbury car accident lawyer can provide valuable insight and advice tailored to your unique situation, helping to clarify whether you have a valid claim and how to move forward.

The Importance of Evidence After a Car Accident

After a car accident, it’s important to gather evidence because it can have a big effect on how a legal case turns out. This paperwork gives clear and solid proof of what happened during the accident. This can help figure out who was responsible and how much damage happened. Immediately after an accident, if you’re able to do so safely and without exacerbating any injuries, start by documenting the scene. This can involve:

• Medical records. Seek medical attention immediately following the accident, even if you feel okay. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, and the medical record is a vital piece of evidence documenting any injuries resulting from the accident.
• Photographs. Use your phone or a camera to take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles. Make sure to get pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, any injuries sustained, and also the surrounding environment, like traffic signs, road conditions, or any other elements that may have contributed to the accident.
• Police report. Always call the Simsbury Police Department after an accident, even if it seems minor. The police report is an essential piece of evidence because it gives you an official, unbiased record of the incident.
• Witness information. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. Witnesses can provide valuable third-party perspectives that can support your account of the incident.

Remember, the more evidence you can gather, the stronger your potential case can be. However, it’s crucial to enlist the help of an experienced car accident attorney in Simsbury who can help guide you through the process and ensure they protect your rights. Their knowledge and expertise can prove invaluable in effectively using the evidence collected to support your case.

Is It Necessary to Hire an Attorney?

Following their involvement in a car accident, many victims commonly ask if they need to hire a Simsbury car accident attorney. The reasons below should clearly illustrate the importance of hiring legal representation.

They Can Help You Obtain Substantial Compensation

There are some cases where drivers and their insurers can agree to a settlement. However, settlements like that may only happen if both sides agree to a relatively small payout. If one of the parties involved asks for something more, the other side is less likely to agree to a deal right away. Negotiating will be necessary at that point, and you want a lawyer on your side during that process.

Having a lawyer is even more important if you need to take the defendant to court to get your compensation. Your attempt to land substantial compensation will be harder to pull off without a Simsbury auto accident lawyer. Their ability to negotiate and emphasize your losses will prove crucial as you fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

They Can Manage the Legal Filings on Your Behalf

Most people are not familiar with filing legal paperwork for a lawsuit or an insurance claim. That is understandable because that is not something people do regularly. If you are injured or need to get back to work, you probably want nothing to do with all that paperwork. It would be best to leave those legal filings up to your attorney. That way, you can rest assured they will handle it properly.

They Can Deal with the Other Party’s Lawyer

Many defendants in car accident cases rely on pressure to coerce plaintiffs into unfair agreements. They will use constant pressure to trick you into thinking that you must agree to their terms. In your injured state, seeing through their obviously bogus claims may be difficult. You need the services of a auto accident attorney in Simsbury because they already know all the tricks in the book.

The tactics deployed by the other side will not work on them, and that should help you avoid making a bad deal.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

A car accident lawyer in Simsbury can provide invaluable assistance. Notably, the assistance they provide can prove useful beyond the courtroom. Learn more about the different services that a good lawyer can provide by continuing below.

Provide Legal Representation in Court

Let’s get to the most obvious benefit Simsbury car accident attorneys provide. You should consider partnering with an attorney because they can represent you in court. If the defendant is adamant that they did not cause the accident, they may drag the case to court to avoid a payout. Make sure you are ready to handle that courtroom date by hiring a car crash lawyer beforehand.

Communicate and Negotiate with the Other Side

If the defendant knows they are in the wrong, it will not take long before they start reaching out to you to negotiate a settlement. However, they may attempt to do more than negotiate a settlement because they may also try to get you to share some of the blame for what happened. Your compensation may be affected greatly if you admit that your actions contributed to the accident. Avoid that potentially disastrous outcome by having your attorney deal with the other side.

Gather Evidence to Bolster Your Case

Whether you are aiming for a settlement or willing to take your lawsuit to court, you will need substantial evidence to back up your claims. Your car crash attorney can collect evidence for your case. They can speak with witnesses, obtain camera recordings, and speak with the police to gather as much evidence as they can. When the time comes for you to present your side to the court or the defendant, you can be confident that you will have solid evidence for your claims.

Secure the Compensation You Deserve

The compensation awarded in car accident cases changes based on the injuries sustained by the victim. If you sustained a brain injury from the accident, you may be entitled to receive more compensation compared to the average plaintiff. An experienced legal representative will ensure that you receive adequate compensation for all the losses and injuries you sustained in the accident so you can pay for your injury treatment without worries.

Give You Time to Recover

The days and weeks following your car accident can be rough. You may be in the hospital because moving around is too painful for you currently. Staying in the hospital for an extended time will not be an issue if you have a legal representative. They can handle all the legal matters while you continue to recover.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney?

Many people involved in car accidents shy away from hiring lawyers for one reason. That reason is their lack of desire to pay the attorney’s fees. It is easy to understand why people balk at the idea of paying for a lawyer, but you may think differently once you grasp how payments actually work. Detailed below are the different payment methods for personal injury lawyers, as well as the costs associated with hiring one.

Contingency Fee

More often than not, Simsbury car accident lawyers will charge a contingency fee. So, what is a contingency fee? If your attorney works on a contingency fee, that means you will only pay them if they manage to secure compensation in your case. You will not need to worry about paying them until the case is over. Lawyers typically ask for 25 to 40% of your compensation package as their contingency fee.

The final rate often depends on how long the case goes. Expect your lawyer to charge more the longer a case drags on. Note that they may not include witness and filing fees in the contingency fee. Some lawyers may ask you to pay those fees right away, while others may wait until the courts decide the case. If your lawyer opts for the latter setup, you must deduct the legal fees from the financial award before they take their percentage of the payout.

Retainer and Contingency Fees

Car accident attorneys in Simsbury who do not work purely on a contingency basis may instead use a setup where they receive both a retainer fee and a contingency fee. You pay the retainer fee upfront while the contingency fee becomes settled if the outcome of your case turns out in your favor. Crucially, this setup does not necessarily mean you will be paying more. The retainer fee will be deducted from the contingency fee if you receive compensation.

What Types of Auto Accident Cases Does Hassett & George Handle?

Understanding what negligence is and what you can do about it will allow you to know when you should contact a Simsbury car accident lawyer and take action. We have successfully helped drivers to obtain maximum compensation in auto accident cases such as:

• Rear-end accidents
• Wrong way accidents
• Texting and driving accidents
• Lyft accidents and Uber accidents
• Hit and run accidents
• Fatal car accidents
• Reckless driving such as speeding
• Road violations such as failing to yield
• Accidents involving commercial vehicles
• Distracted driver accidents

These are just a few of the many motor vehicle cases we take on. Every case is different and the best way to learn if you have a case is to speak with one of our seasoned Simsbury car accident attorneys directly.

Connecticut Car Accident Laws

Whether or not you will take home compensation in your car crash case will largely depend on two important Connecticut laws. The laws that Hartford County, CT, residents will need to become familiar with are related to the modified comparative fault principle and the statute of limitations. Let’s discuss them in greater detail below.

Modified Comparative Fault

Since Connecticut follows the principle of modified comparative fault, that means the plaintiff can recover damages as long as they do not share most of the blame for the accident. However, the fact that they share blame for the accident will still affect the outcome of the case for them. To be more specific, the courts will reduce the compensation they receive based on the percentage of blame they bear.

Statute of Limitations

Connecticut residents looking to file a personal injury lawsuit should do so quickly. That is because the Connecticut personal injury statute of limitations for those types of cases is only two years. Go beyond that two-year time limit, and they may dismiss your lawsuit before discussing its merits. Work closely with a car accident lawyer in Hartford County so you can meet that deadline. Contact us at Hassett & George, P.C. if you need a dependable attorney. Let us handle your case so you can take home substantial compensation when it is ultimately settled.

Common Types of Car Accidents

The type of car accident you are involved in will have a significant impact on how things ultimately turn out for you. Some accidents are worse than others, so it is good to know what you are dealing with.

Rear-End Collisions – Rear-end collisions are among the most common examples of car accidents. They may occur at traffic stops if the trailing driver cannot stop in time. They also take place due to drivers suddenly popping out of a corner. In some cases, a rear-end collision is the byproduct of brake checking. No matter the cause, you must take rear-end collisions seriously. A rear end accident can cause frame damage, alignment problems, and suspension issues. Even the engine may receive damage during a rear-end collision.

Do not agree to a small settlement because the incident you were involved in was only a “minor rear-end collision.” The other party does not know for a fact that your car avoided serious damage. Take your car to an auto shop and consult with a Simsbury car accident attorney before you decide on any settlement offer.

Sideswipe Collisions – Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles heading in the same direction hit each other. The two vehicles may only make contact momentarily, but that may still be enough to leave visible damage. If the two vehicles make contact while both are moving at high speeds, the accident could turn out badly. Once again, you should avoid accepting the other driver’s assessment if they say that the damage is no big deal. Simply exchange information with them and get in touch with them later after you have spoken to your car crash injury lawyer.

Side-Impact Collisions – Compared to rear-end collisions and sideswipe crashes, side-impact accidents are more dangerous because the victim is often more vulnerable. The side portions of car doors typically do not come loaded with numerous safety features. The driver and the passengers are left more exposed to the impact of the crash because of that.

Side-impact crashes commonly occur when one motorist ignores the stoplight at an intersection. As they speed through the red light, they may hit another vehicle that is moving at the right time. The result of that crash can potentially be disastrous.

Head-On Collisions – Head-on collisions are notorious for how deadly they are. That should come as no surprise since the drivers and their front seat passengers are close to the point of impact. Head-on collisions take place when cars traveling in different directions collide. Drivers who swerve in and out of traffic lanes are more likely to be involved in these accidents.

Rollovers – A rollover accident is often the result of a driver taking a turn at an excessively high speed. If they bump into a car while trying to take that turn, they are likely to roll over onto their roof. Taller vehicles like SUVs are especially susceptible to rollover crashes.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions – Multi-vehicle collisions may begin with one accident and spiral out of control from there. The initial incident could be one vehicle rear-ending another. The rear-ended vehicle may then hit the car in front and cause a chain reaction. Other types of car accidents can also cause multi-vehicle collisions. Collisions involving multiple vehicles can be difficult to parse through.

You may have a tough time figuring out who to hit with a personal injury lawsuit following that type of accident. Determining fault in that scenario will be easier if you have a car collision lawyer helping you out.

Single-Vehicle Collisions – A single-vehicle collision takes place when a driver crashes into a fixed object like a wall or other type of structure. You can attribute these accidents to various factors. A single-vehicle crash could be related to a car defect or a road hazard. It could also be an accident caused by the driver being distracted or drunk.

Other drivers can also cause single-vehicle crashes. A fellow motorist may drive in such a way that they essentially force you off the road. If that is the case, you should sue the other driver for damages.

Serving Simsbury, CT

Simsbury, CT, is a charming New England town nestled in the heart of the Farmington Valley. Offering a mix of picturesque natural beauty, rich historical heritage, and a vibrant community atmosphere, Simsbury is a place that captures hearts. You can learn more about this captivating town on the Connecticut Visit website.

Among the many attractions that Simsbury boasts, two standout events draw crowds year after year: the Simsbury Fly-In and the Vintage Car Shows. The Simsbury Fly-In, one of the largest events of its kind in New England, offers an exciting look at more than 750 vintage and classic airplanes and cars. Not to be outdone, the Vintage Car Shows feature an impressive array of classic, antique, and modified vehicles, turning the town into a paradise for automobile enthusiasts.

When it comes to shopping and local businesses, Simsbury has a wealth to offer. From unique boutiques to delectable eateries, the town has something to cater to everyone’s taste. You can explore the variety of shopping and business options in Simsbury on the Shop Simsbury website.

In Simsbury, you’ll find a community that welcomes both visitors and new residents alike with open arms. With its mix of small-town charm, community activities, and the stunning backdrop of natural beauty, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to call this place home. Whether you’re just passing through or considering a more permanent move, Simsbury, CT, is undoubtedly worth the visit.

Contact Hassett & George, P.C. Today

For 30 years, we have been protecting clients who have been injured in a car crash all over Connecticut with all their legal needs. Our attorneys take the lead in car accident claims and litigation with empathy, integrity and dedication to getting the right results for you.

In addition to Simsbury our our auto accident attorneys also serve Glastonbury, Hartford, New Britain, Bridgeport, Waterbury, and more. Call us today for a free consultation at 860-651-1333.

Additional Resources For Car Accident Victims

Connecticut Car Accident FAQs
Determining Fault in a Left Turn Car Accident
Who is at Fault in a 3-Car Accident?
What Happens When a Pedestrian Causes An Accident?