Fairfield Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Fairfield Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Getting into a car accident is typically a driver’s worst nightmare. When the cause of the incident was distracted driving, it’s normal to feel angry at the person responsible. Reach out to a Fairfield distracted driving accident lawyer to represent you during your legal case.

Choose a Knowledgeable Car Accident Law Firm in Connecticut

At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, our attorneys understand the hardships that come with surviving a traumatic event. We offer free consultations to those living in Fairfield and the surrounding Connecticut cities. When you come into our Milton or Bridgeport office, you’ll be able to explain your situation in full detail.

From there, one of our lawyers can offer transparent legal advice so you can make informed decisions regarding your case. If you’re struggling after your accident, we’re happy to travel to meet you.

The Reality of Distracted Driving Accidents in Connecticut

In 2024, there were 103,232 car crashes in Connecticut. In a country where residents rely on cars for transportation, it’s easy to forget how dangerous driving is.

Residents of Fairfield use Merritt Parkway and I-95 for daily commuting. These highways have thousands of drivers, and the more congested the traffic is, the more likely drivers are to make a mistake, leading to an accident.

With the prevalence of phone navigational apps, music apps, and talking on the phone while driving, distracted driving accidents are becoming increasingly common. Texting and driving may seem fine to do, but most people don’t realize just how dangerous it actually is.

If you take your eyes off the road for five seconds to send or read a text at 55 mph, it’s the equivalent of driving an entire football field with your eyes closed. In 2022, there were 5,318 distracted driving crashes in Connecticut, leading to eight deaths.

Steps to Take After Getting Into a Distracted Driving Accident

It’s helpful to know what steps to take after getting into an accident, in case you’re involved in one in the future. Be sure to:

1. Call 911. Even if you feel okay physically, it’s important to have the incident reported and be looked over by medical professionals to ensure your safety. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, take longer to present symptoms and can often be fatal.
2. Collect the contact and insurance information from the other party involved in the crash. Gather the contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident. Your lawyer will be able to contact them as soon as possible to write down their testimony.
3. Take extensive photos of the crash site, your visible injuries, and any damage to your vehicle and personal belongings. During this time, it’s crucial to avoid apologizing or admitting fault for the accident. You may have good intentions while doing so, but it’ll ultimately harm your legal case.
4. Then, hire a distracted driving accident lawyer to help you file your case at the Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court, located at 1061 Main Street in Bridgeport. They’ll be able to help you navigate insurance claims and your legal case.

Connecticut’s Laws Surrounding Negligence

Connecticut courts assign everyone involved in a car crash a percentage of fault. This helps them determine who is required to pay compensation at the end of the case. Any compensation you recover is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example:

• If you were speeding at the time of the accident, you may be assigned 20% at fault.
• If the other driver was texting and driving, causing them to swerve into your lane and hit you, they may be assigned 80% at fault.
• If you were awarded $100,000, it would be reduced by 20%, making your final compensation $80,000.

If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can’t recover compensation.

FAQs

How Long Do I Have to File My Car Accident Claim in Connecticut?

Most car accident claims must be filed within two years of the accident. However, if the crash was intentionally caused, you have three years to file. While this may seem like a long time, it’s important to file as quickly as possible. Evidence tends to disappear quickly, such as witness memories fading and surveillance footage of the crash taping over itself. Filing and preserving evidence early is key to a successful outcome.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in My Distracted Driving Case?

In a distracted driving case, there are two main types of damages that can be recovered by the filing party. Economic damages help recover financial losses, such as your medical bills or lost income due to missing work from your injuries. Non-economic losses help recover any emotional losses, such as pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Your lawyer can help calculate the maximum compensation that can be requested, based on the details of what happened.

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are a specific type of damage awarded only in unique cases, where the wrongdoer acted with extreme malice or negligence. For example, if a driver was looking away from the road for longer than a minute, they may have to pay you punitive damages as further punishment. These damages help deter any similar behavior from happening in the future. Your lawyer will be able to help determine if punitive damages apply in your unique situation.

What Evidence Should I Gather for My Car Accident Case?

Survivors of car accidents should gather as much evidence as possible for their car accident case. This can include the photos and videos taken at the time of the crash and witness testimony gathered by your attorney. They can also get testimony from a professional about their opinions on what caused the crash. Be sure to include copies of the incident report and your medical records. Dashcam and traffic camera footage can be pivotal in a car accident case.

Hire a Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer With Years of Professional Experience

Reach out to Sorrentino Legal today to learn how we can assist you in your case. We offer free consultations to Fairfield residents and residents of surrounding towns in Connecticut. After suffering a car crash, you deserve to rest. Let our skilled team take care of the legal side of things so you can focus on recovery.