The challenges that follow an accident are often daunting. First, there's the need for proper medical care and questions about if and how soon you can return to work or normal activity. And then there are financial and legal matters to consider, such as who pays the medical bills and whether a lawyer is needed to help protect your rights?
- First and foremost – seek medical care immediately. If you or a companion are able to take photos of the scene of the accident before seeking that medical care, those photos (if it is a car accident, try to take photos of the license plate numbers of any other vehicles involved in the accident as well) may be very helpful later.
- There are limits to how long you may wait before filing a claim in an accident – particularly in cases involving personal injury. These time limits are called statutes of limitations – and they very expressly limit the time allowed for filing a lawsuit in these cases. The time limits vary depending on the nature of the accident and the nature of the defendant. As an example – claims against Connecticut municipalities or the state itself are governed by stringent time and notice requirements, as are claims against sellers of alcohol.
- If you feel your case warrants the help of an attorney, it's always a good idea to make contact with one as soon as possible after an accident. Your attorney can then properly record the facts of the case while they are fresh.
- Avoid talking about your accident with anyone except the police (if they are involved), your doctors, lawyers, and staff. It's essential to realize that anything you say about your accident to friends, acquaintances, or insurance adjusters might someday be used against you by a defendant or the defendant's insurance company. If you receive letters or forms regarding your injury, do not respond or sign any documents without talking to your lawyer first. Do not talk about your case with them if you receive a call from investigators or insurance company adjusters. Instead, instruct them to call your attorney.
- Almost everyone is on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Did you know that anything and everything you post online can be used against you in your case – and often is? That's right – insurance adjusters and their attorneys constantly scour social media sites seeking information that might limit the value of your claim.
Accidents are, by their very nature, disruptive to our lives. Don't let simple mistakes make it harder for you to recover from your losses.
If you or a loved one are ever injured in an accident in Connecticut, know that the Connecticut personal injury lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been assisting people like you who've been injured in these accidents for over 65 years. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you are ever injured in an accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut injury lawyers, please contact us. There is no obligation.