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For a town of less than 30,000, New London sees more than its share of traffic. In large part, this is because Interstate 95 cuts through the center of the city, meaning cars and trucks are constantly crossing the Gold Star Memorial Bridge through New London. While most of these motorists pass through without issue, the number of New London traffic accidents is surprisingly high, given the city’s relatively small size.
If you or a loved one was recently involved in a New London car accident, you may be able to collect financial compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit. At Berkowitz Hanna, our diligent and knowledgeable New London car accident lawyers provide aggressive representation to accident victims and their families.
The University of Connecticut maintains a database of all Connecticut motor vehicle collisions called the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. The database tracks several of the most common causes of traffic accidents. Below are the most recent data from 2019:
Notably missing from the Crash Data Repository is data regarding New London distracted driving accidents. For the past decade, distracted driving has been a leading cause of car crash accidents across the country. In fact, recent statistics indicate that distracted driving is responsible for nine percent of all injury crashes and four percent of the state’s fatal auto accidents.
Being involved in an auto vehicle accident is not only a traumatic experience, but it is also one that most car accident victims are unfamiliar with. At Berkowitz Hanna, one of the factors that distinguish us from the many other New London car accident law firms is the fact that we take the time to answer our clients’ questions to provide them with invaluable peace of mind during what we recognize is a challenging time. Below are just a few of the common questions clients frequently ask us:
Yes. Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence approach when determining which accident victims can recover for their injuries. Under a modified comparative negligence analysis, you can still pursue a claim against other at-fault parties, even if you were partially at fault for causing an accident. It is only if you were found to be more than 51 percent at fault for causing the accident that you would be precluded from bringing a case. However, while you may not be prevented from obtaining compensation, the court will reduce your total damages award by your percentage of fault, as determined by the judge or jury. Thus, it is crucial to work with an experienced New London car accident lawyers to ensure that the defendant does not unfairly shift blame onto you, reducing your damages award.
Yes. While some states allow defendants to use the “seat belt defense” to shift the blame for an accident onto the plaintiff for not wearing their seatbelt, that is not the law in Connecticut. In fact, under Connecticut General Statutes § 14-100a, a defendant is prohibited from admitting evidence that an accident victim was not wearing their seatbelt at the time of a collision.
In addition to providing you with the knowledge you need to make the right decision for you and your family, Berkowitz Hanna attorneys will develop a comprehensive plan to pursue your claim effectively. Our New London car accident attorneys will investigate the accident by visiting the scene, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining police and medical records. Once we come up with our strategy, we will skillfully negotiate with the insurance company to see if we can secure a fair settlement offer. However, our team of experienced litigators will not hesitate to take your case to trial if the insurance company is unwilling to offer what you deserve.
Car crash accidents change the lives of those involved. Another driver’s negligent or reckless decision can forever impact accident victims and their families. At Berkowitz Hanna, we can help you hold the responsible party accountable. If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a vehicle wreck, contact a of New London car accident lawyer for immediate assistance. We have the knowledge, skill, and tenacity to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, give us a call. You can also reach us through our online form.
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