Motor Vehicle Accidents

Connecticut Motor Vehicle Accident Representation

A serious collision can create immediate medical, financial and practical problems. Cavanaugh Law represents people injured in car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian accidents throughout Connecticut.

Attorney Robert “Bob” Cavanaugh has handled personal injury matters exclusively since 2002. His prior insurance-side experience helps him anticipate how insurers investigate collisions, evaluate medical evidence and challenge claims. Clients work directly with Bob throughout their cases.

Building a Strong Motor Vehicle Claim

A careful investigation may include police reports, photographs, video, witness accounts, vehicle damage, medical records, insurance policies and evidence of lost income. The goal is to document both how the collision happened and how the injuries have affected the client’s health, work and daily life.

Available compensation depends on the facts and coverage involved. A claim may include medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other legally recoverable losses. When several vehicles, employers or insurance policies are involved, identifying every potential source of coverage can be especially important.

What to Do After a Connecticut Motor Vehicle Accident

Safety and medical care come first. The following general steps can also help preserve important information:

Call for help. Contact emergency services when anyone may be injured and follow the instructions of police and medical personnel.
Exchange and preserve information. Obtain driver, vehicle and insurance information, along with names and contact details for witnesses.
Photograph the scene when it is safe. Document vehicle positions, damage, roadway conditions, traffic controls and visible injuries.
Seek appropriate medical care. Some injuries become more apparent after the initial shock of a collision. Describe symptoms accurately and follow medical recommendations.
Keep records. Preserve reports, photographs, bills, insurance correspondence and information about missed work or activities.
Be cautious with insurance requests. Before giving a recorded statement, signing a broad medical authorization or accepting a settlement, make sure you understand how it may affect your rights.

This information is general; the right steps depend on the circumstances of the collision.

Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries

Motor vehicle crashes can cause fractures, head injuries, spinal and disc injuries, soft-tissue injuries, scarring, psychological trauma and other conditions requiring significant treatment. A complete claim should address not only current bills, but also supported future medical and financial consequences.

Focused, Personal Representation

Cavanaugh Law maintains a focused caseload so that each client receives direct attorney access, clear explanations and careful preparation. Initial consultations are free, and motor vehicle cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis. No attorney’s fee is owed unless compensation is recovered.

Request a free case evaluation or call (203) 259-5400.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions that we’re often asked regarding motor vehicle accidents.

Why should I talk to an attorney after an automobile accident that injures me or my family members? An experienced and dedicated attorney can maximize your compensation and minimize the frustration, delay and confusion that you would experience in making a claim for an injury by yourself
Who do I sue after a motor vehicle accident in Connecticut? The state of Connecticut utilizes a fault-based insurance system. This means that if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver and his/her insurance company.
Are you required to have liability auto insurance in Connecticut? Yes, the state of Connecticut requires you to carry liability insurance. Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage to others that is the result of your negligence or wrongdoing. Connecticut drivers are required to have the following minimum insurance requirements: - Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident - Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident - Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
What are the most likely issues that I will face in making a claim for my injuries from a car accident? The three categories of issues that typically arise in a claim after an automobile accident are liability (who is at fault and to what degree), related damages (for injuries and losses) and insurance coverage. These are called “tort” claims, which are usually based on the concept of carelessness or negligence, although they can also be based on an intentional or reckless act.
How do I handle the property damage to my motor vehicle? If you have collision coverage, you can take your car to any mechanic you want. Call your insurance company and let them know where your car is so that it can inspect the damage. If your car is repairable, your insurance company will pay for those repairs, less any applicable deductible. If you do not have collision coverage, or if you prefer not to submit the claim to your insurance carrier, then you must submit the claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance. Often, submitting the claim to this insurance carrier goes smoothly, but sometimes that insurer will take the position that you were partially at fault and therefore reduce what it will pay for your property damage by an amount representing your percentage of fault for the collision. In such cases, it is often better to submit the claim to your own insurance carrier. If we represent you in your personal injury claim, we will also help resolve your property damage claim. We do not take a fee for any of the property damage portion of the case.
How much time do I have to file my personal injury claim in Connecticut? As outlined by Connecticut General Statutes 52-584, in most instances, your personal injury lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date you suffered the injury. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek financial compensation.
What is the average motor vehicle accident settlement in Connecticut?There is no “average" when it comes to motor vehicle accident settlements. The settlement amount depends on a wide range of factors, such as the strength of evidence to support your claim, the severity of injuries and extent of property damage No two legal cases are ever the same so it’s impossible to know what your case is worth without evaluating the facts around your individual situation. Click here to view our past settlements and verdicts.
My car is totaled. Can I keep driving it? Yes, you can, after several conditions are met. Your car is deemed totaled when the cost of repair is more than its fair market value as determined by the insurance company. For example, if your car costs $1,000.00 to repair and its value is $500.00, the insurer will only pay you the value of $500.00 plus applicable sales tax, and the insurer will keep the car. You can, however, have the car repaired even if it is a total loss according to the insurance company. In this situation, the insurance carrier will pay you the value of the car and the applicable sales tax, less the salvage value. The title to the car will be stamped “salvage”, and you will be required to have the car re-inspected by the DMV before it is allowed back on the road.

Case Studies

Here are just a few of the cases that we have handled recently

Disc herniation following “minor” rear end collision | $1,450,000.00 recovery. A 39 year old man was rear-ended in stop and go traffic on I-95 in Stratford, Connecticut. The liability carrier, Allstate, defended the claim on the ground that the “minor impact” from behind did not cause the client’s disc herniation and subsequent surgery. The case settled just before trial for an amount that paid all of the client’s medical expenses and funded a trust for the client’s future economic needs.
Cervical fusion following a motor vehicle collision | $1,250,000.00 policy-limits recovery. A 29-year-old woman underwent cervical fusion following a collision. The recovery included the primary responsible party’s liability policy limits and uninsured motorist (UM) policy limits for a “phantom vehicle” that also contributed to the collision.
Neurogenic bladder following rear end collision | $450,000.00 recovery. A 34 year old man with a long history of back pain was involved in a relatively minor rear end collision while driving a truck. As a result of this collision, the client developed a neurogenic bladder with episodes of incontinence. Despite the complex medical history and difficult proof of such a private condition, the case resolved for an amount that represented fair compensation for his medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Intersection Collision Resulting In Back Surgery | $300,000.00 settlement. A 45 year old woman required neck surgery following a collision. We recovered $100,000.00 from the negligent driver’s insurance carrier, and $200,000.00 from the negligent driver personally.