If you have the misfortune of being involved
in an auto accident in Connecticut, don't make an unfortunate
situation worse. Keep a cool head and remember some
basic rules:
Stop - Never
drive away from an accident, even a minor one, without stopping
to see whether there are damages or injuries. Connecticut
law requires this.
Protect the Scene - Prevent further accidents by warning approaching vehicles. Use
a flashlight at night. Set out flares or reflectors
if available.
Help Injured Persons - Call the local police on secondary roads or state police on major highways. Report
your location accurately. Request an ambulance
and medical assistance if there are injured persons. Do
not move the injured parties unless there is immediate danger
from explosion or fire or traffic.
Call Police - Even
if there are no serious injuries it is best to summon the
police. An official police report may be of crucial
importance to protect your rights in possible future liability
claims. Make sure that the facts on the official
police report are accurately reported. Before the
police arrive, carefully examine the damage to all cars. also,
ensure that all motor vehicles and other objects at the scene
are not moved after the accident. No automobiles
or other objects should be moved unless they interfere with
traffic.
Obtain Names and Addresses and Record
Important Observations -
Get the name, address, driver's license number and home phone
number of the other driver; get the name and addresses of
all witnesses to the accident. If any persons refuse
to provide information jot down their license number. Make
a note of the license number - year - make and color of all
vehicles involved in the accident. If possible,
get the name of insurance companies and policy numbers covering
other vehicles in the accident. For future reference,
write down details of the accident, including date, and time,
exact location, road conditions,traffic controls and weather
conditions. Draw a rough diagram of the scene which
contains the position and direction of vehicles immediately
before the collision and where they finally came to rest.
Furnish Information - Give the other driver your name, address, home phone number and your driver's
license number. Do not admit fault or offer to settle the matter. Anything
you say will be used against
you in possible subsequent legal proceedings and may violate
the terms of your insurance policy. Do not exchange
accusations. There is nothing to be gained by roadside
argument.
Report the Accident -
Notify your insurance company
immediately. Consult your attorney
or insurance agent.
If you hit a parked car, domestic animal, a deer or other
property, notify the owner and / or the local or state police.
If you must depart from the scene, leave a note in order
to notify the owner.
Protect Your Rights - Refer all persons making claims against you and any legal papers served
upon you immediately to your family attorney and your insurance
company. Do not attempt to negotiate or settle
on your own.
If you are injured in an auto collision, consult your physicians
soon as possible. There is often a time - lag between
the collision and the full extent of physical injuries sustained. Potentially
serious injuries which may seem trivial at first can have
severe aftereffects.
Consult an attorney for any questions which you have about
your right to sue for either persona injury or property damage.
No Fault Insurance Benefits in Connecticut
- No fault insurance benefits
were repealed by the Connecticut legislature effective January
1, 1994.
There are a number of changes under the new law. one
is the elimination of the requirement that every diver purchase
medical benefits. Under the new law any medical expenses
should be submitted by you to your health insurance carrier.
Also under the new law you have the right to be compensated
by the fault driver for any monetary loss including pain and
suffering, physical injury and property damage.
When to Consult an Attorney - If
you are injured in an automobile collision, you should consult
an attorney immediately! Even though your injuries may not
seem serious, first they may ultimately be of a serious nature. Delay
in contacting an attorney can result in the destruction of
valuable evidence and jeopardize your legal rights and remedies. Most
attorneys who deal with personal injury claims will be willing
to advise you of your rights and possible legal remedies for
a minimum or no charge. If you are in need of an
attorney, contact the Lawyer Referral Service or local Bar
Association and they will put you in touch with attorneys
who deal with personal injury claims.
Renewing Your Automobile Insurance
- Prior to renewing your
automobile insurance policy, you should consult with your
attorney or insurance agent about changes in the underinsured
and uninsured portions of your policy.
Warning:
The simple, so-called "Fender
- Bender" may become a real hassle unless you are alert to
following these few rules. Be sure to inform your insurance
agent and your lawyer immediately, and put the facts on record. These
days there is no such thing as a simple auto accident.