Whenever a driver causes an accident in Connecticut, state law requires them to remain at the scene of the crash until the police arrive and allow the parties involved to leave. When a driver causes a collision and then flees the scene, it is known as hit and run and is a serious crime. If you have been hurt in such an accident, it is imperative that you consult an experienced Fairfield hit-and-run accident lawyer as quickly as possible so they can help you recover.
The personal injury attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, have more than 100 years of combined experience helping accident victims recover in Fairfield and throughout Connecticut. We know how frustrating it can be to experience a hit-and-run and that you are likely to have many complex questions about your recovery options. Our goal in every accident case we accept is to help our clients recover as fully and as efficiently as possible.
As per the latest car accident statistics in Connecticut, Fairfield saw more than 5,800 crashes in Fairfield between January 2022 and January 2025 involving more than 14,000 people. While most drivers follow the law and remain at the scenes of their accidents until police arrive, some unfortunately choose to flee. A recent study reported that between 2018 and 2022, more than four million hit-and-run accidents happened in the United States, resulting in more than 12,000 fatal injuries.
These accidents sometimes have devastating results. Recently, a Fairfield doctor was sentenced to 18 months in prison after causing a fatal hit-and-run that took the life of a local school nurse in front of her home. This is just one tragic example of the effects these accidents can have. Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, can provide legal counsel if you have been hurt, and we can also represent you in a wrongful death claim if a family member died from a hit and run.
The biggest initial challenge you will face in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident is proving fault. Your attorney can help you with this, coordinating with local law enforcement if necessary to identify the driver who caused your accident. Once they are identified, you can proceed with claiming compensation for your damages with an auto insurance claim.
Dealing with insurance companies is often difficult as they will typically do everything they can to avoid paying fair settlements. However, when you have an experienced attorney on your side, they can ensure that you are treated fairly and receive an appropriate settlement offer. If you cannot recover with insurance, you will likely need to file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver.
The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, have the skills and experience necessary to help you with a personal injury case or a wrongful death case following a hit-and-run accident in Fairfield. You have limited time to build your case, so reach out to our team as quickly as possible to learn how we can help you recover.
The penalty for hit and run in Connecticut will depend on whether it is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If the accident only caused property damage and/or minor injuries, the defendant is likely to face a misdemeanor charge that may lead to a fine, jail time, and driver’s license suspension. If they seriously injured or killed someone, they face a felony conviction, a heavier fine, prison time, and a longer driver’s license suspension.
You can prove fault for a hit and run in Fairfield by collecting various forms of evidence. Your attorney may seek out traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports, and coordinate with local law enforcement to identify and locate the at-fault driver. The police will be pursuing them for breaking the law, and your attorney can help you prove fault to recover compensation for your damages.
The amount of compensation you can recover for a hit-and-run accident will depend on the severity of your damages. You may be able to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. However, because the defendant caused your injury by breaking the law, you could also receive punitive damages at the court’s discretion. Your attorney can explain what to expect.
You should hire a Fairfield hit-and-run accident lawyer because this can be one of the most challenging types of accident cases to resolve. You would be unlikely to identify and locate the at-fault driver and establish fault on your own. You’re more likely to succeed with your case and more likely to maximize your total compensation if you have an experienced Fairfield hit-and-run accident lawyer representing you.
The cost to hire a Fairfield hit-and-run accident lawyer depends on the total value of your case award when you choose Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, to represent you. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our firm only collects a fee from you if and when we win your case. Because the contingency fee is a percentage of the case award, there is no risk of paying more for legal counsel than you win in compensation.
The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, understand your frustration and concern if you have been hurt by a hit and run or if a family member has died from such an accident. We are confident we can guide you to a positive outcome in your case, but it is important to start as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Fairfield hit-and-run accident lawyer you trust to help with your recovery