Danbury Car Accident Lawyer

Car wrecked due to a fatal accident.Every year in Connecticut, approximately 300 people die in car accidents throughout the state. Thousands more are injured. Unfortunately, many accidents happen right here in Danbury. While dangerous weather and road conditions cause many of these auto accidents, the majority are caused by unsafe driving – which includes driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, speeding, and other violations. With people’s ever-increasing reliance on mobile devices, motor vehicle accidents caused by texting while driving continues to occur each and every day in Connecticut and across the country.

However a car accident may occur, the injuries sustained may be severe, permanent, and life-altering. If you or a loved one were in a Danbury car accident, chances are that you suffered some sort of injury, whether it is whiplash, burns, or scrapes to your neck, head or face; nerve damage or paralysis; broken bones; soft tissue damage; or even the loss of use of a limb.

These injuries should not be taken lightly, and the person(s) who caused the injury should not be let off the hook for your resulting pain. If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a car accident in Danbury, CT, it is essential to obtain the services of a skilled, reputable Danbury car accident lawyer. The personal injury attorneys at Berkowitz Hanna have a long history of experience practicing personal injury law, and they specialize in representing individuals injured in car accidents. The Berkowitz Hanna legal team possesses the requisite skills necessary to obtain for you the highest recovery possible.

Causes of Auto Accidents

As mentioned, there are a number of ways for people to cause motor vehicle accidents – and negligence is often the biggest culprit. As drivers, we all have a duty to other drivers on the road to drive in a reasonable, safe manner so as not to cause accidents. A driver is negligent when he or she acts or fails to act in a reasonable and safe manner and causes an accident, which then leads to someone else’s injuries. Here are some common causes of car crashes involving negligence on the part of the driver:

  • Unsafe driving given that the traffic and/or weather conditions
  • Drunk driving
  • Driving while under the influence of illegal drugs
  • Driving while under the influence of over-the-counter or legally prescribed drugs with adverse side-effects, such as drowsiness and lightheadedness
  • Driving while distracted
    • Cell phone usage
    • Eating
    • Smoking
    • Goofing off
    • Talking with others in the car
    • Playing with the radio or GPS
  • Failure to yield to other vehicles
  • Failure to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
  • Failure to yield to pedestrians
  • Speeding
  • Drowsiness and falling asleep at the wheel
  • Failure to follow the rules of the road
  • Road rage
  • Inexperience (particularly on the part of young drivers)
  • Inability to see well while driving at night

If someone else caused your auto accident due to one of these factors, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver based on negligence. The Danbury car accident lawyers at Berkowitz Hanna use their experience, resources, and relationships with accident reconstruction experts to figure out the exact cause of the accident so that we can help you recover the compensation that you need and deserve.

The legal team at Berkowitz Hanna is compassionate and tough

Our Danbury auto accident lawyers are compassionate, smart, and aggressive. We understand that emotional turmoil ensues following any type of car accident – especially one caused by the negligence of someone else. We pride ourselves in helping those injured in motor vehicle accidents, as well as their families.

At Berkowitz Hanna, we recognize that the aftermath of a car crash may be overwhelming, particularly when you must focus on your physical and mental recovery, deal with mounting medical expenses, attend countless medical and rehabilitation appointments, worry about your job and how much time you are away from work, and stress about how to support your family financially and emotionally. We are here to help lighten some of this burden. On behalf of our clients, we routinely deal with insurance companies and communicate with medical care providers and employers.

However, don’t let our compassionate side fool you. We are a tenacious bunch and pledge to aggressively fight on your behalf so that you may obtain an appropriate and favorable settlement or court-ordered verdict. We are effective negotiators, as well as skilled litigators.

We know that you need financial relief now

We understand that your goals, particularly in the short term, are to ensure that all of your medical expenses are covered and paid on time, that you and your family do not suffer financially because of lost wages, and that the insurance company (through the defendant’s or your own policy) will pay for all of your medical treatment – both now and in the future. That is why we attempt to negotiate with the defendant’s insurance company first and foremost.

If negotiations are unsuccessful, we are well-equipped to bring a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. However we reach the ultimate results, it is important to know that you may be entitled to recover damages (both economic and non-economic) that include the following:

  • Medical expenses and out-of-pocket costs
  • Reimbursement for property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

The absolute basics regarding car accident liability

An auto accident injury claim is based upon negligence (which essentially is carelessness). And, while negligence is never acceptable, it generally does not involve malice or ill will on the part of the defendant. However, there are certain situations where a claim may be brought based on a defendant’s reckless and/or intentional actions. Regardless of the type of personal injury claim, the basic issues that must be resolved throughout the negotiation and litigation process include:

  • Liability. Although sometimes the parties agree as to who caused the car accident, there are often disputes regarding liability. The injured party asserts one theory as to who was at fault, while the defendant (and his or her insurance company) asserts quite a different theory. Liability must be established before a fair settlement is reached or a verdict is ordered.
  • Damages. These include the injuries suffered, the losses incurred (tangible and intangible,) and the financial “value” of what it is all worth.
  • Insurance coverage. What insurance coverage is available to cover the damages? And, to what extent?

Taking the case to trial v. Settling out of court

While the vast majority of auto accident claims settle before they ever reach trial, accident injury attorneys often file personal injury lawsuits with the courts so as to preserve all of their clients’ legal rights in the event that settlement is not reached. It typically is to everyone’s best interests to negotiate and settle a case while the parties still maintain some semblance of control over the outcome. Once a case goes to trial, the decision ultimately lies with a judge. For this reason, your legal counsel must be willing, able, and ready to fiercely litigate on your behalf if necessary. This means that your Danbury car accident attorney must be well-versed in conducting discovery (including depositions), filing necessary motions, attending hearings, and proceeding to a final trial.

Can I recover damages for the emotional trauma I suffered as a result of my car accident?

Personal injuries may range from minor bumps and bruises to debilitating injuries such as paralysis, loss of limb(s), and even death. In some instances, a person may suffer so much more than just physical injuries. Claimants may suffer extreme emotional distress and other psychological damage. You may be able to recover financially for these damages. The Danbury auto accident lawyers at Berkowitz Hanna successfully obtain both settlement amounts and verdicts that reflect these types of damages. We seek to hold defendants accountable for their negligent acts, and we do so by fighting for you and what you deserve.

I have been contacted several times by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. I have yet to speak to them. How do I handle this inevitable conversation?

If you have already hired a Danbury car accident lawyer, it is important that you direct any insurance company representative to your legal counsel. Your Danbury auto accident attorney will then directly handle all communications with the insurance company going forward. If you have not yet hired counsel, it is in your best interest to say nothing to any insurance company representatives. Refrain from answering questions and making any statements. Moreover, beware of low-ball settlement offers. It is to the insurance company’s best interest to settle your claim as quickly as possible for as little as possible. An adjuster works for the insurance company – he or she is a professional negotiator and has little interest in fully compensating you for your losses.

Contact a Danbury Car Accident Attorney Today

Contact a Danbury car accident attorney with Berkowitz Hanna today to find out how we can help you and your case. Our Danbury office is prepared to handle any type of cases; we pledge our commitment, dedication, and unparalleled attention to detail. We offer complimentary initial consultations and handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay us unless and until you obtain a settlement award or a court-ordered verdict. Take advantage of our education, experience, skills, and reputation. Call us today!