Car Accident FAQs
What should I do after a car accident?
You should contact the police, accept medical care, and contact your own insurance company. You should take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and that of any other vehicle, if possible, as well as of any other things that may have contributed to the accident. You should contact an attorney.
What if I was partially at fault in the car accident?
If your case went to trial the jury would be given questions to answer, amoung which would be one asking it to attribute percentages of fault to you and the other party(ies) in the case. Damages which the jury awarded you would be reduced proportionately to your percentage of fault. However, if they attributed greater than 50% of the fault to you, you don't recover anything in Connecticut.
What if the other driver is not insured?
If the other driver is not insured, there may be other sources of compensation. Connecticut and Rhode Island have mandatory insurance requirements that cover you if you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver (RI Gen. Laws §27-7-2.1, Conn. Gen. Stat. §38a-336). It is called uninsured motorist insurance and also covers you if the other driver is underinsured.
How do I know if I am eligible to file an auto accident lawsuit?
There are no eligibility requirements. If a lawyer assesses your case and deems it sufficiently worth undertaking, you are "eligible".
How do I know if I can afford an attorney?
Everyone can afford to hire a lawyer for a car accident. We don't require an up front fee and only get paid if you receive money.
When should I contact an attorney?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after accessing medical care. Sometimes what is done right after an accident, like preserving evidence, makes a big difference in the success of your case.
What is my case worth?
What your case is worth is a function of a multitude of variables, including:
Is there a time limit for filing a car accident lawsuit?
The statute of limitations pertaining to car accidents is two years in Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-584) and three years in Rhode Island (RI Gen. Laws §9-1-14(b)), meaning that suit must be commenced within those time frames. Be careful though because there may be shorter notification periods if you have a "dramshop" case or were involved with a vehicle owned by a municipality, state, or federal governmental agency.
You should contact the police, accept medical care, and contact your own insurance company. You should take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and that of any other vehicle, if possible, as well as of any other things that may have contributed to the accident. You should contact an attorney.
What if I was partially at fault in the car accident?
If your case went to trial the jury would be given questions to answer, amoung which would be one asking it to attribute percentages of fault to you and the other party(ies) in the case. Damages which the jury awarded you would be reduced proportionately to your percentage of fault. However, if they attributed greater than 50% of the fault to you, you don't recover anything in Connecticut.
What if the other driver is not insured?
If the other driver is not insured, there may be other sources of compensation. Connecticut and Rhode Island have mandatory insurance requirements that cover you if you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver (RI Gen. Laws §27-7-2.1, Conn. Gen. Stat. §38a-336). It is called uninsured motorist insurance and also covers you if the other driver is underinsured.
How do I know if I am eligible to file an auto accident lawsuit?
There are no eligibility requirements. If a lawyer assesses your case and deems it sufficiently worth undertaking, you are "eligible".
How do I know if I can afford an attorney?
Everyone can afford to hire a lawyer for a car accident. We don't require an up front fee and only get paid if you receive money.
When should I contact an attorney?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after accessing medical care. Sometimes what is done right after an accident, like preserving evidence, makes a big difference in the success of your case.
What is my case worth?
What your case is worth is a function of a multitude of variables, including:
- How obvious is the fault of the other driver?
- How serious is the fault of the other driver?
- Were you in any way at fault?
- How serious are your injuries?
- Will your injuries clearly have serious effects on your ability to work or other life activities?
- How much insurance is available?
- Is there serious disfigurement?
Is there a time limit for filing a car accident lawsuit?
The statute of limitations pertaining to car accidents is two years in Connecticut (Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-584) and three years in Rhode Island (RI Gen. Laws §9-1-14(b)), meaning that suit must be commenced within those time frames. Be careful though because there may be shorter notification periods if you have a "dramshop" case or were involved with a vehicle owned by a municipality, state, or federal governmental agency.
To schedule a Free Consultation contact me by phone, email or complete the online form.
CT: 860-886-2800
RI: 401-596-0808
bradley@michaelbradleyatty.com
I am available for evening, weekend and in home appointments
CT: 860-886-2800
RI: 401-596-0808
bradley@michaelbradleyatty.com
I am available for evening, weekend and in home appointments
