New Haven Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

Uninsured Motorist Accident Attorney in New Haven, CT

In Connecticut, state law requires all drivers to have auto insurance so that all parties will have the financial care they need if an accident occurs. When it does, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the resulting damages. However, whether due to finances or lack of attention, some people don’t. When they don’t, it can seriously hurt other drivers. You need an experienced New Haven uninsured motorist accident lawyer as soon as possible. It is vital to understand Connecticut car accident laws to protect your rights from the moment the collision occurs.

Legal Counsel for Uninsured Motorist Accident Claims in New Haven, CT

The personal injury attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC have a strong record of successful legal representation in a wide range of vehicle accident cases in New Haven and the surrounding areas of Connecticut. To date, our firm has secured over $60,000,000 through settlements and verdicts for our clients.

We have helped many past clients file their auto insurance claims after damaging accidents, and we can also provide comprehensive legal representation against a driver who has failed to meet Connecticut’s minimum auto insurance requirements. In some cases, especially involving hit-and-run scenarios, our experienced New Haven hit-and-run accident lawyer can assist with additional recovery options. Our team can help you navigate how to pursue legal action without the at-fault driver being immediately identified.

You have a relatively short time in which to pursue compensation for your damages in the aftermath of an accident caused by an uninsured driver. You will need to prove fault, showing the exact cause of the accident and proving that the defendant in question is directly responsible for causing your claimed damages. Having an experienced New Haven uninsured motorist accident lawyer on your side will make this process much easier and more likely to succeed.

Proving Liability for Your Accident in New Haven

The first challenge you meet in the aftermath of your accident in New Haven will be proving liability for the accident. Most vehicle accidents result from driver negligence, such as speeding, committing a moving violation, or driving while distracted. Our skilled New Haven distracted driver accident lawyer can help investigate phone use, in-car activity, or other signs of inattention if that’s suspected.

It is also possible for accidents to happen because of illegal misconduct, like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

It’s possible for many forms of evidence to come into play in your case. Your attorney may look for cell phone records, vehicle computer data, and traffic camera recordings, if available. A dedicated New Haven DUI accident lawyer can also review police toxicology reports if alcohol or drugs were involved and they will also obtain statements from any witnesses who saw the accident happen firsthand. They will be ready to address any disputes regarding liability for your accident so you can hold the correct party or parties fully accountable.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Your New Haven uninsured motorist accident lawyer will help you gather evidence and witness testimony required for proving fault for the accident. They will also help you accurately determine the full scope of the damages the at-fault driver inflicted in the accident. This is an essential step after any motor vehicle accident, regardless of whether the at-fault driver has insurance.

Once your attorney has built a strong foundation for your case, they will explain the steps you will need to take in order to hold the at-fault driver accountable for your losses. They may be able to help you claim against your own auto insurance policy under certain conditions, but filing a personal injury case is typically the optimal method for resolving an uninsured motorist accident in New Haven.

Understanding Motorist Insurance Requirements in Connecticut

Drivers in Connecticut are required by law to carry liability insurance. The reasons for this are clear. Every year, motor vehicle collisions in the state cause numerous injuries and casualties. Current Connecticut car accident statistics show that thousands of residents seek treatment annually for traumatic injuries. Every year, there are around 18,000 new traumatic spinal cord injuries in the country, and many result from vehicle collisions. Nearly 32,000 people sought medical treatment in Connecticut for head injuries in 2023.

The mandatory minimum coverage for drivers is currently $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that someone harmed in a collision under this policy level could receive up to $25,000 in compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Property damage under the minimum standard is covered up to $25,000, while uninsured motorist coverage is required at the $25,000/$50,000 level.

What to Do Following a Car Collision

The steps you take following a car collision in New Haven can protect your safety and position you for a favorable outcome to your injury claim. Immediately after the crash, call 911 to report the collision. Law enforcement from the New Haven Police Department, located at 1 Union Avenue, will be dispatched to your location. Be sure to tell the dispatcher how many people may be injured so they can send the appropriate number of ambulances.

If your car is operational, drive it away from moving traffic. Wait in a safe area until EMS and law enforcement arrive. Allow paramedics to check you for injuries, even if you believe that you are not seriously harmed. Adrenaline and the shock of a collision can mask certain symptoms. As soon as you can, seek medical treatment at your primary care physician’s office or Yale New Haven Hospital, which is located at 20 York Street.

Preserving evidence from the collision scene is also crucial. Photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and a copy of the police report can all play a crucial role in supporting your claim and establishing who is at fault for the harm you endured. Finding the right attorney should also be a top priority following a collision. An attorney can ensure that you have the right evidence to back your claim.

What Can I Do if an Accident Involves an Uninsured New Haven Motorist

Connecticut law requires every driver to have auto insurance, but many drivers are uninsured and cause accidents throughout the state each year. If this has happened to you and you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurer for compensation for your damages.

You will need an attorney’s help, and if you cannot fully recover with this insurance or if it is not an option, you will likely need to file a personal injury case, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help guide you through the process.

Recovering Compensation

The main goal of a personal injury case is for the injured plaintiff to recover whatever compensation they need to be as “whole” as possible again after a defendant has injured them. Connecticut’s personal injury laws enable injured plaintiffs to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and property damage, and they also have the right to seek compensation for any projected future economic losses resulting from the accident.

In addition to these economic damages, the plaintiff may also claim compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced. To help you pursue justice after a tragic loss, our dedicated New Haven wrongful death lawyer can guide you through the legal process. Bartlett & Grippe can help if you must file a wrongful death claim in New Haven. Our firm can also explain what damages can be sought in a wrongful death claim specifically in Connecticut.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim for an Uninsured Motorist Accident

If your family member died in a fatal accident caused by an uninsured driver, it is possible that there are grounds to file a wrongful death claim, but it must be managed by a representative of the estate. If none were named in the decedent’s will, a probate court may appoint one.

This type of personal injury case aims to recover compensation for the surviving family’s losses, such as their funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and the pain and suffering they experienced.

Why You Should Hire a New Haven Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

If you were struck and injured by an uninsured motorist, the decision to hire an uninsured motorist accident lawyer should be your top priority. Uninsured motorist accident laws are complex, and your attorney can begin by assessing liability. These cases may either focus on negotiating with your insurer for compensation from your uninsured motorist policy or taking direct legal action against the at-fault driver in court.

When you work with a New Haven uninsured motorist accident attorney, you benefit from their years of experience managing complex uninsured motorist accident claims. An attorney can streamline the process, greatly reducing the stress you are under. By handling the complexities of your case, your attorney can take decisive action to maximize the compensation you are owed while addressing your questions and keeping you updated on important matters.

Tips for Finding the Right Injury Lawyer in New Haven, CT

Finding the right attorney for your case can greatly improve the chances that you secure the compensation that you are owed. Begin by asking friends and colleagues for referrals. If that does not lead to recommendations, you can search online for reputable law firms that handle uninsured motorist claims.

Look for an attorney with several years of experience. Memberships with legal groups, along with recognitions and awards, are all favorable signs. Come to your initial consultation prepared with questions. If the attorney is attentive and knowledgeable, you can inquire further about their fee structure before deciding whether to hire them for your case.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against an Uninsured Motorist?

Yes, you can file a claim against an uninsured motorist if they caused a collision that harmed you. When someone fails to purchase the coverage they are required by law to have, they can still be held financially liable for the harm they cause. Securing compensation from the at-fault driver may require legal action in court. Once a claim is filed, the court takes an active role in guiding the process toward either a negotiated settlement or a court verdict.

What Are the Odds of Winning an Uninsured Driver Claim?

The odds of winning an uninsured driver claim can be highly favorable when you work with an attorney who has years of experience managing personal injury claims. Legal representation ensures that you have the evidence you need to secure fair compensation from the negligent party.

An attorney can also play a crucial role in documenting the harm you endured. With medical records, photos, testimony, and other forms of evidence, you can move forward in your pursuit of compensation with confidence.

Am I Covered if I’m Hit by an Uninsured Driver?

If you are hit by an uninsured driver, your own uninsured driver coverage could provide you with compensation for medical bills and other damages. Depending on your level of coverage, you may still have expenses that are not fully covered by your police. You have the further option of pursuing a civil claim against the at-fault party. A successful claim in court can fairly compensate you for the harm you endured.

Is Legal Action Worth It?

If you suffered harm due to another driver’s negligence, and they are uninsured, legal action may well be worth it. An attorney can manage your negotiations with your own insurance company and the at-fault party. By maximizing the compensation you receive from both avenues, your lawyer can play a key role in seeing that you have the financial recovery that you need to rebuild and move forward.

Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Connecticut?

Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Connecticut. Drivers are required to carry insurance policies that meet the state’s minimum standards. This includes $25,000 for individual injury and $50,000 total compensation for all parties involved in a collision. Connecticut also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. Drivers who fail to meet this requirement can face fines and other consequences.

How Your New Haven Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Can Help

The team at Bartlett & Grippe has years of proven experience helping our clients in New Haven and the surrounding Connecticut areas with the most challenging vehicle accident cases. While filing an insurance claim is usually part of the recovery process, it is not always an option. If the insurance doesn’t help you or fully cover your expenses, we can help.

You can trust us to gather evidence needed to prove fault, to accurately assess the full scope of the damages you can claim, and lead and advise you through every stage of your legal proceedings in the aftermath of your accident. You have a limited time in which to file your case, so it’s important to reach out to our team as soon as possible after the accident.

We take personal injury cases on contingency, so there are no upfront attorneys’ fees, and you pay nothing if we are unable to obtain compensation on your behalf for any reason. This policy removes any economic risk of choosing our firm to represent you. If you are ready to learn how we can help you recover, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New Haven uninsured motorist accident lawyer you can trust.

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