Our Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Get the Compensation and Justice You Deserve
When you've been in a serious car accident, do you know how to choose an experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer? Some law firms simply do not have the experience and resources to handle serious car accident cases. Their goal may be to settle a case quickly; however, speed can undervalue your case and result in future difficulties.
A quality law firm will dedicate the time and attention its clients deserve. This is the best way to understand the extent of their injuries and how exactly and completely their lives have been impacted.
Call today for free consultation (877)-987-9LAW
- Our Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Get the Compensation and Justice You Deserve
- Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer from Our Firm?
- Connecticut Accident Case Results
- How Do I Report a Car Accident in Connecticut?
- Common Car Accident Injuries
- Car Accident Compensation
- Types of Car Accident Compensation
- What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
- Common Questions About Auto Accidents
- Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident
- How Do I Hire the Right Attorney?
- Should I Keep Notes of My Case?
- Questions to ask when hiring an attorney after an accident
- Accident Attorneys Fighting for Your Interests
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer from Our Firm?
Car accidents can be devastating, life-changing experiences. Your family deserves a successful recovery, and part of that means receiving fair and just compensation. Unfortunately, many insurance companies are not out to protect your best interests and will only offer you a minimal amount of financial help for your injuries.
At the Flood Law Firm, LLC, our experienced Connecticut auto accident lawyers have successfully handled hundreds of complex car accident claims. We have the skills and knowledge to handle your case effectively and maximize your financial recovery.
A Few of Our Successful Car Accident Verdicts
The graph above shows a few of our case results. Hiring an attorney to handle your car accident case can make an enormous difference in the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries. Compare the blue bars (what we have won for our clients) with the red bars (what the insurance company last offered for the client’s damage).
The above graph is a small example of how the right auto accident law firm can help you receive what you are owed after a crash. If you are undecided on a lawyer to represent you, we hope you will consider our firm. Please schedule a time to meet with us for a free consultation and we will be happy to answer all your questions without obligation. Set up an appointment by calling (877)-987-9LAW.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
On top of the mounting expenses that come after a car accident injury, many people conclude they won’t be able to afford an attorney. However, at The Flood Law Firm, there are no upfront fees for filing a personal injury claim. In fact, you only pay a fee if we are successful in winning a recovery on your behalf. If you’ve heard law firms say, “we don’t get paid unless we win,” this means the legal fees are on a contingency basis. The thousands spent on investigations, court appearances, filing fees, expert witnesses and anything else related to your case are at no cost to you unless compensation is secured for your case.
Most car accident law firms do not openly discuss their fees. However, we understand this is an important matter when considering hiring an attorney. At The Flood Law Firm, our fee is generally 33% of the recovery amount up to $300,000. For amounts beyond $300,000, our fees reduce on a sliding scale and continue to decrease as the verdict or settlement amount increases.
Do you have questions about how the recovery and payment process works? We welcome your inquiries! Please call us anytime.
We are available to answer your questions at no cost or obligation at (860) 346-2695.
Connecticut Accident Case Results
Hartford Woman Receives $544K After Insurance Offered $0
After being offered $0 for her injuries, a Superior Court jury returned a $543,889 verdict in favor of our client, who sued the city of Hartford after injuring her arm, shoulder, and face from falling on an uneven city sidewalk.
The 73-year-old Hartford resident fell on a sidewalk near 2113 Main St. that was cracked, separated, and uneven in a way that created a raised hump in the pavement. The city argued that she was at fault and hoped to prove to the six-person jury that she deserved no damages.
The city was not proactively inspecting its sidewalks and admitted they did not allocate enough resources to properly inspect them. As a result, our client was left with a horrific injury. She was left with severe mobility restrictions and can't lift her left arm over her head and has no strength in her left arm.
Brian Flood Wins Glastonbury Client 8x More for Back Injuries
A Middletown Superior Court jury awarded $287,351 to our client after she suffered serious back injuries when the Volvo T6 she was driving was struck by another motorist in Glastonbury in September 2014.
Before trial, the insurance company offered her $35,000, which Brian Flood turned down. He said he had offered arbitration with a high award of $250,000, but the defense rejected that proposal.
The six-person jury deliberated before rendering its verdict in favor of the Middletown resident, awarding her 800% more than what the insurance company offered. The plaintiff's doctor testified that our client's severe back pain was due solely to the crash, in which a driver made an improper left turn and struck the front corner of her car. The defense denied any allegations or inferences of negligence.
Connecticut Law Firm Reviews
Leslie Gold McPadden, Car Accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Brian Flood represented me in a highly contested case against an Allstate insured. He and his staff are 100% accessible. The result he obtained was close to 7 times more than Allstate's last offer and even in the final phase, Brian himself fought on my behalf for every cent possible. Brian is a tremendously gifted advocate. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a personal injury attorney.
William Yelenak, Car Accident in Bridgeport, Connecticut
This firm is the real deal. Top firm for personal injury litigation. The most important question to ask when hiring a lawyer is what is his or her trial experience, even if you believe your case will settle. The Flood Law Firm has developed a solid reputation for trying jury cases against insurance companies, rather than just taking what’s offered. Just look at the list of cases on their website. Since the insurance companies know that The Flood Law Firm will see the case to the end, there is a greater likelihood that the case will settle for what the case is worth. Highly recommend this firm.
We Represent Injured Connecticut Residents
Both Brian Flood and Christopher Flood have represented only the injured throughout their entire legal careers. Neither has ever represented an insurance company. The Flood brothers are committed to holding insurance companies accountable for paying clients the compensation they need and deserve.
How Do I Report a Car Accident in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, all car accidents should be reported to the police even if only minor property damage occurs. Call 911 and exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties. You can also download this free accident report checklist to ensure you don't miss any important details.
Common Car Accident Injuries
There are various types of injuries that can occur in car accidents, ranging from mild to severe and potentially life-threatening. Some common types of injuries include:
- Whiplash: Neck injuries caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision.
- Head injuries: Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result from the head striking objects or from sudden deceleration.
- Chest injuries: Bruises, fractured ribs, and internal organ damage can occur due to impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat belt.
- Abdominal injuries: Damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys can result from forceful impact.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Fractures: Broken bones in the arms, legs, hips, or other parts of the body can result from the force of the collision.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are common in car accidents.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, metal, or other sharp objects can cause cuts and deep wounds.
- Burns: If a fire or explosion occurs during the accident, occupants may suffer burns of varying degrees.
- Psychological trauma: Car accidents can also lead to emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
The severity of injuries depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, the use of safety features like seat belts and airbags, and the overall health and age of the occupants. If you suffered any type of auto accident injury, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case at no cost.
Car Accident Compensation
How much to expect from car accident settlement?
While a monetary settlement won’t undo the pain and suffering endured after an auto wreck, it is important to understand how car accident compensation can be beneficial to you and your family’s needs.
If you are ready to speak to a professional, contact the attorneys at The Flood Law Firm today by calling (860) 346-2695 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We know from personal experience how difficult this time can be, and we want to help you move forward with your life. Let us be your advocates throughout the process to help you resolve the situation and put the matter behind you.
Types of Car Accident Compensation
Depending on the details of your specific case, there are different types of car accident compensation categories to pursue, such as:
Property Damage
Property damage may be recoverable, but only if your property was damaged as a direct result of the accident. Your property can include several items such as your vehicle, personal belongings, or anything else damaged because of the wreck.
Medical Expenses
If the accident is severe enough, you may need to be taken to the emergency room, where injuries could be discovered that you sustained during the crash. Injuries can be minor, such as cuts, scratches, or bruises. However, in some circumstances, your injuries may be more serious and expensive. If you spend time in the hospital or require surgery, medical expenses can add up quickly. You may be due compensation for any medical needs connected to the crash.
Pain and Suffering
If you endure injuries from the accident, you may also be entitled to compensation for any mental or physical pain and suffering acquired from the wreck. You may also be able to pursue compensation for both past and future pain and suffering associated with the accident, such as recurring headaches, anxiety, or nightmares.
Lost Wages
Depending on the injury sustained from the car accident and your line of work, your injuries or recovery may keep you from being able to properly do your job. If this happens, you could be eligible for compensation to accommodate for missed or lost wages.
Loss of Earning Capacity
If the injury is severe enough – and permanent – you may no longer be able to effectively do your job. If this happens, you may be awarded for loss of earning capacity, as you will no longer be able to earn the amount of income you are used to, thus potentially affecting your quality of life.
Wrongful Death
If a car accident killed a close family member, you may qualify to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim with the help of an attorney. The damages you obtain can help with final medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.
Other forms of compensation may be available to you as well. An experienced automobile accident attorney from our firm can assess your claim to determine the types and amounts of damages you incurred. You can trust us to fight hard to help you get every penny you need to pay for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses stemming from the accident and your injuries.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Compensation
If you suffered injuries in a car accident someone else caused, you may be eligible for car accident compensation. However, there are specific factors that could affect your settlement.
- Fault or liability: The degree of fault assigned to each party involved in the accident can significantly impact compensation. In some cases, comparative negligence laws may reduce the compensation if the injured party is found partially at fault.
- Severity of injuries: The nature and extent of injuries suffered by the victim play a crucial role in determining compensation. More severe injuries, such as permanent disabilities or disfigurement, typically result in higher compensation amounts.
- Medical costs: The cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation, is a significant factor in calculating compensation.
- Lost wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, compensation may include the amount of income lost during the recovery period and potential future loss of earning capacity.
- Property damage: The extent of damage to the victim's vehicle and other personal property is considered when determining compensation.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, can be included in compensation, although these damages are more subjective and harder to quantify.
- Insurance coverage: The amount of insurance coverage available from the at-fault party's policy can limit the compensation awarded, particularly if the damages exceed the policy limits.
- Mitigating factors: The victim's actions following the accident, such as seeking prompt medical attention and following the prescribed treatment plan, can influence the compensation amount.
- Legal representation: Having experienced legal counsel can help victims navigate the complex process of seeking compensation and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the claims process.
It's important to note that each car accident case is unique, and the specific factors that affect compensation can vary depending on the circumstances of the incident.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
Visit a Doctor For A Checkup
First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately following the wreck. Some injuries may take a day or two to surface, meaning you could be hurt without realizing it. Of course, you should go to the emergency room if you suffered serious injuries or life-threatening injuries. Even if your injuries are not severe, you should make an appointment with your family physician promptly for a medical evalutaion.
Not only does this ensure your health and well-being, but you'll need documentation that you sustained an injury and received treatment to file a personal injury claim. If you don't get prompt medical treatment, the insurance company could use that as evidence your injury is not severe and reduce your compensation or deny your injury claim altogether.
Tips To Help Your Case
Once you have verified your safety after the accident, keep these tips in mind:
- DO take photos of the accident (including the vehicles involved, the road, injuries, and entire scene).
- DO exchange information with the driver of the other vehicle (i.e. name, phone number, license plate, insurance details).
- DO call the police and make an official report.
- DO keep track of your hospital/doctor visits, as well as any work you have missed due to the injury.
- DO speak with a car accident attorney.
- DON’T admit fault at the scene of the wreck.
- DON’T discuss details of the accident with anyone other than the police, your insurance company, and your attorney.
- DON’T agree to sign anything until the document has been reviewed (preferably by an experienced attorney).
- DON’T get rid of any items that could be construed as evidence (i.e. car parts, broken belongings, or damaged clothing).
- DON’T agree to any type of settlement without first speaking to a car accident attorney.
File Your Claim On Time
When it comes to filing a claim, timing is important. Connecticut State law affirms you have a limited time of two years to file a claim after an accident. That means you have two exact years from the date the accident occurred to file a claim, after which you will not be able to pursue legal action for the crash. If your time limit is approaching, you must act fast as filing a claim does take some time.
Filing a claim for car accident compensation can often be confusing, which is why it is recommended that you speak with an attorney to learn what your best options are.
The attorneys at The Flood Law Firm have decades of combined experience as well as the skills, knowledge, and experience to fight for your rights. To view some of our previously successful cases, visit our case results page.
Common Questions About Auto Accidents
If you’ve recently been in a car crash, you probably need answers. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about auto accidents. This can help you get started immediately, so your legal rights are protected.
- Do I Have a Case?
- What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?
- Will My Case Go to Court?
- Can I Afford to Hire an Attorney?
- Was Your Loved One or Friend Injured in a Car Accident?
- How Do You Prove My Car Accident Case?
- The Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance Coverage. What Are My Options?
- Are There Laws Against Texting While Driving in Connecticut
- Should I File a Lawsuit or Let the Insurance Company Handle Things?
- Can I Be Found Liable If I Was in a Rear-End Collision?
- If a Car and Bike Collide, Who Is At Fault for the Accident?
- What Do I Do If I Am the Victim of a Hit-And-Run?
- Should I Notify the Other Driver's Insurance of the Accident?
- Will My Insurance Rates Increase After I File a Claim?
- How Soon After the Accident Should I Get a Lawyer?
Do I Have a Case?
Each case is different and must be handled on an individual basis. After contacting The Flood Law Firm, our car accident lawyers will review your information and counsel you on what your best options are to proceed.
What If I Was Partially At Fault for the Accident?
The damages you receive may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. The degree to which they are reduced depends on the extent of your fault in the accident, which can be discussed at your free consultation that is entirely confidential.
Will My Case Go to Court?
Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, where damages are agreed upon by the parties independent of a jury trial. However, The Flood Law Firm has extensive experience trying car accident injury cases and will bring yours to trial if it means the best possible outcome for you.
Can I Afford to Hire an Attorney?
The Flood Law Firm handles car accident cases on a contingency basis. Consultations about your case are free and you don’t pay anything upfront. Our payment is contingent on whether our legal team is able to win a successful settlement or verdict for you against the offending party. Our firm has recovered millions on behalf of our clients.
Was Your Loved One or Friend Injured in a Car Accident?
Injuries to loved ones or friends can be devastating. If someone close to you was hurt in a car accident, we can help answer your legal questions and counsel you on what to do next. Call us at (877) 987-9529 for a free consultation.
How Do You Prove My Car Accident Case?
Our attorneys will take every possible step in building your case and ultimately gaining you full compensation for your accident and injuries. These steps include:
- Investigating the scene of the crash.
- Interviewing witnesses and analyzing pictures and evidence from the scene.
- Hiring experts in multiple fields to verify your claims.
- Documenting your injuries and the effect they have had on your life.
- Reconstructing your accident for analysis.
The Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance Coverage. What Are My Options?
You may still be able to gain compensation through your own insurance company or through a third-party lawsuit.
Are There Laws Against Texting While Driving in Connecticut?
Yes, under CT law it is illegal to drive while using a handheld device to text message.
Should I File a Lawsuit or Let the Insurance Company Handle Things?
Insurance companies often apply a formula to settlement offers that may not reflect the needs of your individual case, especially if injuries are severe or result in wrongful death. Having a lawyer on your side may ensure you receive fair compensation. If you have any concerns about your case, a personal injury attorney can help you understand all your legal options.
Can I Be Found Liable If I Was in a Rear-End Collision?
In a rear-end collision, the damage to the vehicles proves how the accident occurred. If the front end of the other car and the rear end of your car are the only areas damaged, it is obvious you were struck from the rear. It is likely you would not be found liable in this case.
For multiple-car incidents, when a third car strikes your vehicle from behind and forces you to rear-end a car in front of you, the third party would likely be found liable for the accident.
If a Car and a Bike Collide, Who Is At Fault for the Accident?
Bicycles are considered vehicles under Connecticut law, so a cyclist must follow the same laws that apply to motorized vehicles. Fault in these types of accidents is determined by the principles of negligence. For example, you’re parked next to a bike lane and open your door without checking for oncoming cyclists, and you hit the cyclist with the door. In this case, you - the driver of the car - would likely be found negligent and at fault.
What Do I Do If I Am the Victim of a Hit-And-Run?
If the driver leaves the scene, you may still be able to file a personal injury claim. Do your best to obtain any information about the car, such as the make, model, license plate number, and description of the driver who hit you. Pass this information to the police, who may be able to determine the culprit.
Connecticut requires drivers to carry Uninsured Motorist Insurance coverage for these circumstances. This type of policy will cover the cost of your injures and property damage in the event of a hit-and-run.
Should I Notify the Other Driver’s Insurance of the Accident?
To best protect your interest, you should have your lawyer speak directly with the other person’s insurance company. This is done because their agent will most likely record any communications they have with you and use this as evidence for their client’s benefit. A reputable car accident attorney should be well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use.
Will My Insurance Rates Increase After I File a Claim?
Your rates may increase after filing a claim, depending on your insurance carrier. Some companies offer “accident forgiveness” programs for first-time accidents. Unfortunately, the general rule of thumb is that filing a claim increases your risk profile and therefore potentially your insurance premium.
How Soon After the Accident Should I Get a Lawyer?
As soon as possible. Connecticut state law has strict time limitations for filing personal injury claims. Waiting too long could weaken your claim or cause you to lose your right to file altogether. Some accidents are so severe they require extensive recovery time or grief, making self-representation extremely difficult.
An attorney can help you quickly gather the relevant evidence, such as witness testimony and medical treatment records. A lawyer can also handle any extenuating circumstances that compound the difficulties of your claim, such as insurance bad faith practices, or factoring future medical care into the value of your settlement claim.
Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Being the victim of a car accident is never something you plan on. Because of that, when you are involved in a car crash, it can be very difficult to discern how to handle your situation.
Be advised: what you do immediately following an accident and when you get home will play a role in getting your life back on track.
That is why it’s important to understand the best order and procedure for dealing with a car accident before you are ever involved in one.
If you have already been in a car accident, it’s OK, you’ve come to the right place for answers and help with your questions.
How Do I Hire the Right Attorney?
Looking for the right attorney after a car accident is a lot like looking for the right doctor—you have to be able to trust him or her with your case.
As with physicians, referrals go a long way toward finding the right attorney to help with your case. You can get started by asking family, friends, and coworkers about attorneys they have worked with in the past. If one of them has a lawyer they trust, even if he or she does not focus on personal injury, that attorney may be able to point you in the direction of a colleague who can help you.
When choosing an attorney after a car accident, keep in mind that big claims of financial compensation are not always a good sign of a trustworthy attorney. Instead, first try to find out how many years they have been in personal injury practice, and how many cases of personal injury related to car accidents they have handled.
In the end, the attorney you are best suited to hire is one who has demonstrated they are knowledgeable and makes you feel comfortable.
Should I Keep Notes of My Case?
It’s a good idea to make notes about the details of your own case, including details of injuries you suffered, questions or confusion about your insurance policy, and any interactions you may have had with the other party in the accident, law enforcement, or insurance companies prior to the consultation. This will help you focus your consultation and make sure that you get the answers you need to make a good decision about the attorney.
Questions to ask when hiring an attorney after an accident
Here are just a few of the main questions that can help in determining whether or not to hire a car accident lawyer after a collision:
- How many car accident lawsuits do you pursue each year? In how many of them do you settle versus taking the cases to trial?
- Do you have an emphasis on car accident injury cases that are similar to mine? (List any injury symptoms or special circumstances of your case.)
- What are the advantages and disadvantages in my case?
- What is your style in pursuing a car accident case? Will you give me direction or will you expect me to make decisions on my own?
- Can I contact you directly with questions or follow-up?
- Do you anticipate that anyone else will be involved in pursuing my case (such as other attorneys, physicians, vehicle experts, etc.)?
- Do you only charge me a fee if you win the case?
- What is your approach/philosophy in these kinds of cases?
- Do you have past clients of car accident cases that I can contact for a reference?
After asking your questions and speaking with the attorney, take some time to think about how the consultation felt for you. Don’t consider only whether the attorney seemed to think you had a right to financial compensation. Consider whether the attorney seemed professional, courteous, and knowledgeable about your case. If they mentioned a possible amount for financial compensation, make sure that you also know how much of that amount you would keep and how much would go toward their fee (and other possible expenses in the case).
At the moment that they happen, car accidents cause one kind of pain that, in most situations, can be swiftly dealt with. The suffering involved with endless litigation, haggling with insurance companies, waiting on repairs to your vehicle, and the drain to your financial resources can go on long after the accident.
Hiring a car accident lawyer should be an easy process as their job is to help you get your life back on track, easing you of the burden of insurance companies and page after page of paperwork.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident and would like to speak with one of our accident attorneys in Connecticut, you can contact us for a free consultation. There is no obligation to hire the firm unless you feel confident we can recover on your behalf.
Client Testimonial
"Above and beyond customer service. The entire staff is very professional and committed to excellence. I usually do not write reviews, but my experience working with Flood Law Firm exceeded my expectations." - Evelyn B. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Accident Attorneys Fighting for Your Interests
The attorneys at The Flood Law Firm have decades of experience fighting on behalf of vehicle accident victims. If you have been in an accident, let us use our skills and experience to represent your claim and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Connecticut Office
190 Washington Street
Middletown, CT 06457
P: (860) 346-2695