What to Do After a Car Accident in Connecticut?

Car accidents happen unexpectedly throughout Connecticut in many different ways. If you believe another driver caused your recent accident, you have the right to seek accountability and compensation for your damages. It’s important for every driver to know what to do after a car accident in Connecticut. The initial aftermath of an accident can be confusing and traumatic, but the first steps you take immediately following the crash are crucial to your recovery.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Connecticut

Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Connecticut and across the United States each year. Most accidents happen because of driver negligence, but it is also possible for an accident to result from a driver’s intentional misconduct behind the wheel. No matter how your recent accident happened, you need to know what to do first in the aftermath of this situation.

The Connecticut Crash Data Repository recorded more than 306,000 crashes between January 1, 2022, and January 1, 2025, and these accidents involved more than 734,700 people. The Connecticut Department of Public Health reported that in 2021, vehicle accidents accounted for 9% of all fatal injuries and 17% of all nonfatal injuries in the state.

The initial shock of any accident can be traumatic and jarring, and the first steps you take can impact your ability to recover compensation for your damages. Connecticut law requires drivers to report accidents to 911 when they result in property damage, injury, or death. If you are able to do so, call 911 immediately to ensure that first responders can get to the scene of the crash as quickly as possible.

Your call will also ensure there will be a police report on file for the accident, which will be a very valuable initial piece of evidence. Wait for first responders to arrive and try to take photos of your injuries and the scene around you.

When the police arrive, they will interview everyone involved and ensure any injured victims receive medical care. If the police ask you questions about the crash, answer them honestly and concisely. Do not say anything that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt, even if you think you may have contributed to causing the accident. Once they allow you to leave, seek medical care right away, even if you think you only sustained minor injuries.

Recovering From a Car Accident in Connecticut

After receiving medical care, you should contact an experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer at your first opportunity. If the other driver caused the accident, you would need your attorney’s help to hold them accountable for your damages. Your recovery is likely to begin with an auto insurance claim, but you may need to file a personal injury suit to ensure maximum compensation for your damages.

Car accidents may cause life-changing injuries, prevent a victim from working for an extended time, and very quickly create a difficult financial situation for the victim and their family. You’re likely to have many questions about your situation, and while knowing the first steps to take in the initial aftermath of the accident is crucial, it’s also vital to know the value of working with a seasoned attorney.

An experienced car accident lawyer can gather evidence needed to prove liability for your accident, guide you through the insurance claim filing process, and help you build a personal injury suit if necessary to ensure the fullest possible recovery. Ultimately, when it comes to what to do after a car accident in Connecticut, hiring an attorney to help you recover is a crucial step that can greatly enhance the compensation you are able to recover.

FAQs

Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Connecticut?

Yes, you are required to report a car accident in Connecticut if it results in significant property damage, injury, or death. It’s always advisable to call 911 to report an accident immediately if you are able to do so. Failure to report an accident as required by state law or leaving the scene of a crash can lead to criminal penalties.

How Do You Prove Fault for a Car Accident in Connecticut?

Your skilled car accident attorney can help you prove fault for a car accident in Connecticut using various forms of evidence, as well as testimony from eyewitnesses. Connecticut is an at-fault state for all vehicle accidents, meaning that if you believe another party caused your recent accident, you will need to prove liability before you can collect any compensation for your damages through auto insurance or a personal injury suit.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Connecticut?

You need a lawyer to help file an auto insurance claim in Connecticut if you want to have the easiest possible time with your claim. Insurance companies will almost always attempt to settle claims for as little as possible. You should expect the defendant’s insurance carrier to try to justify devaluing or denying your claim any way they can. Hiring an attorney can ensure you are treated fairly and receive a reasonable settlement offer in a timely manner.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Car Accident in Connecticut?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident in Connecticut varies based on multiple factors. If you can prove another driver is directly responsible for causing the accident, they are liable for all economic and non-economic damages you suffered because of their actions. You may be able to recover compensation for your vehicle repair costs, medical bills, and lost wages following the accident.

When Should I Contact a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer?

Ideally, you should contact a Connecticut car accident lawyer at your first opportunity after an accident. You have limited time to pursue compensation for your damages, and the more time and flexibility your attorney has to gather evidence for you, the more likely you will be to maximize your compensation. Once you have received medical treatment for your injuries, speak with an attorney before talking to any insurance companies about your accident.

The team at Bartlett & Grippe excels at resolving complex car accident cases for clients throughout Connecticut. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Connecticut is crucial for every driver, and it is important to acknowledge the value of experienced legal counsel in this difficult situation. If you have been hurt in an accident, contact Bartlett & Grippe to schedule a free consultation with our team.