Stratford, Connecticut Car Accident Attorneys

Lawyers for Head-On Collisions, Rear-End Crashes, and More in Stratford

Every day, thousands of vehicles travel through Stratford on local roads and major highways, including Interstate 95, Barnum Avenue, and Stratford Avenue. When drivers engage in negligent, reckless, or careless behavior, they may cause collisions, and innocent people may suffer injuries that can range from minor soft tissue damage to catastrophic harm.

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., our attorneys have extensive experience representing people who have been injured in car accidents in Stratford and other Connecticut communities. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that accident victims face as they receive medical treatment, deal with insurance companies, and attempt to recover from their injuries. Our legal team can conduct thorough investigations to establish how accidents occurred and determine who may be held responsible. We fight aggressively to secure fair compensation that will address all of our clients' accident-related damages.

Forms of Driver Negligence Leading to Car Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions can occur for numerous reasons, but most crashes are caused by preventable errors and negligent behavior by drivers. Distracted driving has become one of the most significant causes of car accidents in recent years. Drivers who text, use smartphones, adjust navigation systems, eat, apply makeup, or engage in other activities that divert their attention from the road may be unable to respond to changing traffic conditions. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a driver failing to notice brake lights, traffic signals, pedestrians, or other hazards, and this can lead to a devastating collision.

Speeding can make it more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. When violating posted speed limits, drivers may not have enough time to react to unexpected situations. The force of impact in high-speed collisions can lead to more serious injuries than crashes at lower speeds. Drivers who exceed speed limits or who fail to adjust their speed for conditions such as rain, fog, or ice may be held responsible for the injuries they cause in accidents.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can severely impair a person's judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Intoxicated drivers may weave between lanes, run red lights or stop signs, misjudge distances, or fall asleep at the wheel. Accidents caused by drunk or drugged drivers often result in serious injuries, and victims may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages for the harm suffered in these crashes.

Aggressive driving, including tailgating, unsafe lane changes, road rage incidents, and running red lights, can lead to accidents. Drivers who follow too closely may be unable to stop safely when traffic slows suddenly. People who change lanes without checking their blind spots or signaling may strike other vehicles. Running red lights can cause devastating T-bone collisions where other drivers have little warning and suffer serious harm after being struck.

Drowsy driving can have effects that are similar to alcohol intoxication. People who drive while fatigued may experience reduced attention, slower reaction times, and impaired decision-making abilities. Some drowsy drivers may fall asleep at the wheel entirely, resulting in crashes where they make no attempt to brake or steer away from hazards. Long-distance drivers, shift workers, and people who take medications that can cause drowsiness may be at risk for fatigue-related accidents.

Vehicle maintenance neglect can lead to accidents when drivers fail to address known problems with their cars. Worn brakes, bald tires, malfunctioning lights, and other mechanical issues can affect a vehicle's safety. Drivers have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles correctly, and the failure to do so may be considered negligence when mechanical problems contribute to crashes.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

The forces involved in motor vehicle collisions can cause a wide range of injuries affecting virtually every part of the body. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries may affect the neck, back, and shoulders when the sudden impact of a collision causes the head and body to move violently. These injuries can damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and headaches. Soft tissue injuries may not have immediate symptoms, and people may not realize that they have been hurt until hours or days after accidents occur.

Traumatic brain injuries can occur when a person's head strikes interior vehicle surfaces or when the brain moves violently within the skull during the impact of a collision. Concussions are among the mildest forms of traumatic brain injury, but even these seemingly minor injuries can cause cognitive problems, memory difficulties, mood changes, and sensitivity to light and noise. More severe traumatic brain injuries can result in permanent cognitive impairments, personality changes, and physical disabilities.

Spinal cord injuries represent some of the most catastrophic harm that can occur in car accidents. People who sustain spinal cord injuries may experience paralysis, and they may require extensive hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and lifelong medical care. The financial and personal costs of these injuries can be enormous.

Broken bones are common in car accidents due to the force of impact and the numerous hard surfaces within vehicles. Arms and legs may break when they strike dashboards, doors, or steering wheels. Ribs can fracture from seatbelt pressure or airbag deployment. Facial bones may be damaged from collisions with steering wheels or windshields. While some fractures may heal relatively quickly, others may require surgery, hardware implantation, and lengthy rehabilitation. Complications such as infections, improper healing, or permanent loss of function can occur.

Lacerations and burns can occur when broken glass cuts skin, when deployed airbags cause abrasions, or when vehicles catch fire. Deep cuts may require stitches, and they can leave permanent scars. Burns from fires or hot vehicle parts can be extremely painful, and skin grafts and other forms of specialized treatment may be required.

Psychological trauma may affect car accident victims in addition to physical injuries. People who have experienced serious crashes may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety about driving or riding in vehicles, depression, and sleep disorders. These psychological effects can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, and professional counseling or therapy may be needed.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After Car Accidents

A person who is injured in a car accident will typically be able to receive coverage under the insurance policy of the at-fault driver. However, dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be difficult, and there are numerous challenges that may prevent victims from receiving fair compensation.

Insurance adjusters work for companies whose goal is to minimize claim payouts. These adjusters may contact accident victims shortly after crashes but before they fully understand the extent of their injuries. Early settlement offers will often fall far short of the actual value of the damages a person has suffered. If a victim accepts a settlement, they will be prevented from seeking additional compensation later when the full impact of their injuries becomes known.

Insurance companies may attempt to minimize injuries by suggesting that victims are exaggerating their symptoms, claiming that injuries were pre-existing rather than accident-related, or arguing that medical treatment is excessive or unnecessary. They may also dispute liability by claiming that an accident victim shares fault for a crash or by denying that a policyholder was at fault.

The insurance claim process involves numerous steps, including reporting an accident to insurance companies, authorizing the release of medical records, submitting documentation of expenses and damages, and negotiating settlements. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we can handle all of these steps on behalf of our clients, and we will work to negotiate settlements that will fully meet their needs. If necessary, we can take cases to court to ensure that the proper compensation will be paid.

Contact Our Stratford, CT Car Accident Lawyers

The lawyers at Tremont Sheldon P.C. work to help car accident victims navigate the complex insurance claim and litigation process. We strive to ensure that our clients will obtain the financial resources they need to address their injuries and losses. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis in car accident cases, and our clients pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for them. Contact our Stratford motor vehicle accident attorneys at 203-335-5145 to set up a free consultation.