Partial Fault and Your New Haven Car Accident Claim: Tips to Protect Your Rights
Car accidents happen every day in New Haven, CT, and sometimes it is not clear who is completely at fault. Connecticut law recognizes that more than one person can share responsibility for a crash, which is called comparative negligence. Even if you were somewhat responsible, you can still recover compensation, but the amount may be lowered based on your percentage of fault. Working with an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Haven helps protect your rights and ensures the insurance company does not assign you more blame than is fair.
Understanding Partial Fault in Connecticut Car Accidents
In Connecticut, the law allows both parties to share blame for an accident. If you are partially at fault, unfortunately, your financial recovery will be lowered by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you suffered $10,000 in damages but were deemed 20% responsible, you would only receive $8,000. Partial fault can happen in many ways: you might have been speeding, failed to signal, or made a quick lane change, while the other driver also ran a red light or was distracted. Understanding how fault is calculated is crucial to avoid losing money unfairly.
Sometimes accidents involve multiple vehicles or tricky situations. Imagine a driver rear-ends your car at a stoplight, but you were slightly rolling through the intersection. Or perhaps you hit a pothole and swerved into another car while the other driver was texting. These situations make fault complicated, and insurance companies may try to assign you more responsibility than you actually have.
How an Auto Accident Lawyer in New Haven Can Help
An auto accident lawyer in New Haven can gather evidence to show your role in the crash accurately. Attorneys work with police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction experts to make sure your share of fault is fair. Insurance adjusters often try to settle quickly and may offer less money if they believe you were partially responsible. A lawyer ensures the full extent of your injuries and damages is considered and negotiates for a settlement that reflects reality.
- Review police and medical reports to check for accuracy
- Gather eyewitness statements to support your version of events
- Calculate economic damages like medical expenses and lost income
- Estimate non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Represent you in negotiations or court if the insurance company refuses to pay fairly
With a skilled attorney, you are less likely to be unfairly penalized for partial fault, and you significantly increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Common Examples of Partial Fault
Partial fault can happen in many everyday driving situations. For example, if you make a left turn without seeing an oncoming car, both drivers might share the blame. Another example is rear-end collisions, where you were rolling forward slightly, but the other driver failed to stop in time. Even something as simple as not using a turn signal can affect fault percentages. Insurance companies assign percentages based on evidence, but sometimes they overestimate your responsibility. Having legal help ensures you are not unfairly treated.
Connecticut Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Lawsuits
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to act quickly. Connecticut law requires you to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline usually prevents you from seeking compensation in court. An auto accident lawyer in New Haven can help you meet all filing requirements, ensuring your claim is timely and complete. Acting promptly also allows for the collection of evidence while details are fresh and witnesses are available.
Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident
After an accident, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the scene, your car, and any damages
- Gather contact information for witnesses and other drivers
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid admitting fault
- Contact an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Haven as soon as possible
Following these steps preserves evidence and strengthens your claim, especially in cases where partial fault might be disputed.
Get Help From a New Haven Auto Accident Lawyer
Partial fault does not have to mean partial compensation. With an auto accident lawyer in New Haven, you can make sure your rights are protected and that you are not unfairly assigned blame. Attorneys handle negotiations with insurance companies, manage all necessary paperwork, and fight for the maximum recovery possible. If you were injured in a car accident in New Haven, contact a trusted attorney today to review your case and take the first step toward fair compensation.
