Norwich Car Accident Attorneys

Helping Clients in Norwich After Serious Crashes

Many of us in the Norwich area drive our cars and SUVs every day without worrying about accidents. You should be aware, however, that a car accident can happen any time you drive a vehicle or ride as a passenger. Whether the victim of a minor fender-bender, or a catastrophic collision, a car accident may leave you suffering from debilitating injuries and devastating losses for the rest of your life.

The State of Connecticut reports alarming crash statistics. In just a single year, the car accidents in the state include:

• • 96,574 crashes reported

• • 31,842 people injured

• • 8,681 confirmed injuries that were not incapacitating

• 1,356 confirmed injuries that were incapacitating

That’s roughly one car accident per 36 residents of Connecticut—every year! Even worse, the number of fatalities recently jumped to 311. Car accidents occur more frequently in congested urban areas with more traffic, which means the Norwich area sees more than its fair share of crashes.

Common Car Accident Scenarios

Because car accidents happen in so many different ways, we know that each car accident case has its own unique circumstances and legal questions. We treat every client like an individual—not a case number—and work tirelessly to investigate accidents and protect the rights of injured victims. We specialize in car accidents and regularly handle all kinds of cases, including:

• • Rear-end collisions – While many people think minor rear-end collisions amount to just fender-benders, many people suffer serious and lasting injuries such as concussions or whiplash, as well as debilitating back and neck injuries that may not show up right away. If you are involved in a rear-end collision, don’t take it lightly—you may have injuries that need immediate treatment, even if you don’t feel pain right after the accident.

• • Head-on collisions – Head-on collisions often result in fatalities. Some of the deadliest crashes happen when two cars hit each other head-on. Drivers often count themselves lucky to survive, even with debilitating injuries.

• • Rollover crashes – Rollover crashes happen when a vehicle flips over, potentially crushing the roof of the vehicle and the people inside. These crashes also involve increased forces, throwing the occupants of the vehicle around inside it—or worse, ejecting people through windows and windshields. Even wearing seatbelts, passengers may incur extensive head injuries from hitting the inside of the doors and the roof of the vehicle because of the forces applied as the vehicle rolls. Although rollover crashes sometimes involve only one car, the driver still may not have been at fault.

• • Intersection accidents – Car accidents happen more frequently at intersections. Common causes are failing to yield, running traffic lights, low visibility, and distracted driving. These can include sideswipes and broadside accidents—and all too often involve multiple cars and multiple collisions in a pileup—causing more injuries than first responders can reach and treat quickly, while blocked traffic impedes access around the intersection.

• • Drunk driving crashes – Even though driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly against the law in Connecticut, many people continue to engage in this dangerous and unlawful behavior, causing completely preventable accidents and serious injuries. These accidents often occur late at night, caused by drunk drivers with multiple offenses who flee the scene of the accident without reporting it—resulting in sometimes deadly delays in emergency personnel locating and reaching injured victims.

• • Distracted driving crashes – Connecticut has some of the strictest distracted driving laws in the United States, banning handheld devices for all drivers and all cell phone use for novice drivers. Unfortunately, these laws do not stop people from texting and using cell phones while behind the wheel, even while sitting in school car lines and stop-and-go congestion, thinking it is okay to text while virtually stopped. Sadly, these decisions often lead to serious crashes, easily preventable by putting just down the cell phone.

• Aggressive driving crashes – Many people become frustrated by traffic and other driving annoyances, allowing frustration to escalate into road rage and aggressive driving behaviors. These include tailgating, running others off the road, weaving in and out of traffic, and other deliberately reckless driving, which all too often results in life-threatening accidents purely because of haste and impatience behind the wheel.

This list provides just a few of the most common ways that car accidents occur in Norwich. Even if you don’t see the particular circumstances of your car accident listed here, we can handle cases involving the most unusual facts. After any car accident, you need the right legal support and representation on your side. The law firm of Polito & Harrington, LLC, represents clients in the Norwich region who have been injured in all types of traffic accidents. Don’t hesitate to talk with an experienced attorney about the facts of your case and the injuries you suffered. Consult with a member of our team to learn more about how we may help you today.

What to Do Next?

Your first priority after a car accident should be getting your injuries treated right away. If emergency medical personnel want to transport you to the hospital, you should always go in the ambulance. If not, visit the emergency department as soon as you can for a thorough evaluation if you feel any pain or discomfort. Some injuries do not show up right away, even though you may need immediate medical care. The sooner your injuries are diagnosed, the sooner you can begin the treatment you need, improving your chances of recovery.

Some injuries require a few weeks of treatment and you can get back to normal. However, this does not mean that you won’t be left with medical debts and other financial issues, especially if you had to miss work and lost out on income. In other situations, the effects of injuries can persist for a long time—or indefinitely. You may not be able to return to your previous job at all, or after months of persistent pain, be forced to find another job involving less physical activity. You may need help dealing with permanently limiting injuries, including those that prevent you from taking part in activities with your family and friends like you did before the accident. You should always stay on track with your treatment plan and do anything you need to help you recover physically as much as possible.

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, it can be overwhelming. Getting the help of an experienced attorney can enable you to focus on your recovery and putting your life back together. Each case requires a different course of action and different strategy, so it is always important to consult with a skilled personal injury law firm that knows how to handle all kinds of complex car accident cases.

Seeking Compensation for Your Losses

Losses from a car accident injury can be extensive and may include:

• • Medical bills

• • Estimated expenses for future treatment

• • Permanent injuries and disabilities

• • Lost wages

• • Lost future earning ability

• • Pain and suffering

• • Loss of enjoyment of life

• Emotional distress

To recover for your losses, you must first identify who caused your crash. This can be another driver, a car manufacturer, or even a government agency who neglected the roadway. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate all the facts and what happened, as well as what factors may have contributed to your accident, to determine everyone who may be held responsible.

Some accident cases can be resolved through insurance claims, while others require further legal action in civil court. We can handle every step of your case, from dealing with insurers to filing a personal injury lawsuit when necessary to fully protect your rights. We deal with the legal side of your case—so you can focus on recovering your physical health and getting back to your life.

The skilled legal team at Polito & Harrington, LLL, knows how to handle car accident cases, big and small. Case evaluations are always free. We can advise you whether you may have the right to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Our car accident attorneys handle cases in Norwich and throughout Connecticut. For more information, please contact us online or call the office at 860-447-3300 today.