Anytime you’re injured due to someone else’s carelessness and you believe you need to file a personal injury claim, it can be a traumatic and intimidating experience. What lawyer should you hire? How do you know if you’re hiring the right one? What steps must you take to ensure that you have the best chance for justice and compensation? If you or a loved one was injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. The following are some tips to consider when trying to file a personal injury claim in Connecticut.
Assess the Situation
If you or a loved one was injured, your first thought likely isn’t the filing of a lawsuit. However, it is very important to consider, given the potential injuries and medical expenses you might incur due to the accident. Try to take note of what happened – do you know what caused the accident? Who else was involved? Who was in the car with you? Assess the situation, keep notes, and consider your next steps. Was someone’s reckless or negligent behavior the cause of your injuries?
Seek Medical Attention
Car accidents can often lead to serious injuries; sometimes they’re obvious and sometimes they don’t show up until days or even weeks after the accident. That’s why it’s so crucial to go to the hospital in order to get evaluated. Make sure you first assess the situation and make sure everyone is safe, then seek medical help if necessary.
Consult with an Attorney
One of the most essential steps in beginning a personal injury claim is to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer, especially if your injuries appear to be significant and long-lasting. An attorney will help you with many issues; first and foremost they will help you determine if you have a viable legal claim in the first place. If they believe that you should move forward, they can help you collect evidence, obtain medical records, interview witnesses, determine the statute of limitations, and make sure that the lawsuit gets filed on time and that all proper legal deadlines are adhered to in order to get your claim started.
Understand the Law
One of the most important rules to understand regarding personal injury claims is the concept of modified comparative fault. Modified comparative fault determines whether you’re entitled to compensation even if you’re at partially at fault for the accident. In Connecticut, if you were injured in a car accident but you were more than 50 percent at fault, you won’t be able to recover any compensation whatsoever. This is an important law to know and discuss with your lawyer. While the court or the jury will ultimately decide your percentage of fault, an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine your liability and decide whether it’s worthwhile to file a claim or not. If there is no chance for you to receive a positive outcome due to clear and convincing evidence, your attorney might know this and be able to advise you accordingly.
Contact an Experienced Attorney for Assistance
Handling your own case is rarely a good idea. It’s always in your best interest to contact a dedicated and experienced Waterbury personal injury lawyer. They have handled personal injury claims many times before, and they will make certain that you receive the justice and compensation that you deserve.