Bridgeport Car Accident Lawyer

In July 2023, an out-of-control car struck a house and several parked cars in Bridgeport, CT, leaving four people with significant injuries. The homeowner mentioned to ABC News that action should be taken to reduce speeding on Chopsey Hill Road. This was the third time a car had crashed into her property.

Bridgeport, CT, is the most populous city in the state, with over 148,000 citizens. Car accidents are common. The “Connecticut Insider” reported that 2022 was among the deadliest for CT drivers and pedestrians in decades. As of December 12, 2022, a total of 357 crash-related fatalities had been recorded.

The most dangerous roads in Bridgeport in 2019, according to the Connecticut Post, included U.S. Route 1, Park Avenue, and Route 127.

If you’re fortunate, a car accident will leave you with some property damage to deal with but uninjured. Many times, however, it can cause serious injuries that significantly change your life.

You have insurance to cover your expenses, but most policies have limits. They may not go far enough to help you manage today’s and tomorrow’s medical expenses. Where do you go then to put your life back together?

At Chaffin Luhana, our mission is to help restore car accident victims to wholeness in the Bridgeport, Connecticut area. When we take on your case, we put our decades of national experience to work fighting for you to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Car Accidents in Connecticut

The NHTSA estimates that close to 48,000 individuals lost their lives in car crashes in the US in 2022. In Connecticut alone, 298 people died on the roadways in 2021, the last year for which final figures are available. Some of these were pedestrians and bicyclists.

That same year, 1,521 people were seriously injured in car accidents in CT, which was an increase over the 1,304 that were injured the year before. According to the Office of Legislative Research, Connecticut General Assembly, there were 501,320 crash records reported between June 17, 2016, and June 17, 2021. Of those, there were 5,141 that were suspected of causing serious injury, and 1,120 that caused fatal injuries.

When to Hire a Bridgeport, Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer

After an accident, if you suffered no injuries and you have only minor property damage, you can probably handle your insurance claim on your own. If you were seriously injured, it’s important to hire a car accident attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Connecticut used to be a no-fault state, meaning that your insurance would cover your damages (up to your policy limits) no matter who was at fault in the accident.

But in 1994, Connecticut moved to an at-fault model for car insurance. That means fault must be established before any compensation is awarded. Drivers who are 50% or more responsible for the accident must cover the damages of the other parties through their insurance. If damages exceed the insurance company coverage amounts, the at-fault drivers may be personally sued for the rest of the damages.

Connecticut also follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means that drivers who are less than 51 percent at fault can still collect compensation. That compensation will be reduced according to their percentage of responsibility.

For these reasons and more, car accident cases can be complicated. Victims hire Bridgeport, Connecticut, car accident attorneys to help them get the compensation they deserve while they focus on recovering from their injuries.

You may hire legal representation at any point throughout the process of making an insurance claim. It’s always best, however, to talk to an attorney as early as you can, so that you can build a strong case in the beginning.

Reasons to Hire a Bridgeport, CT Car Accident Lawyer

If you’re still not sure whether you should hire a car accident attorney, ask yourself if any of the following are true:

• You suffered from serious injuries and will need extensive and/or ongoing medical treatment
• Your injuries left you unable to work for at least a short time and perhaps permanently
• Your damages are adding up, and include property damage, disability, inability to work, and emotional distress
• The insurance company offered you less than you require in a settlement
• Your insurance claim is denied
• Because of your injuries, you can no longer do the job you were trained to do and have to look for another type of job
• The daily tasks of life are proving much more difficult because of your injuries
• The insurance company or other party is trying to say the accident was mostly your fault when it wasn’t
• You’re struggling with your injuries and need assistance with the complex legal process

If any of these sound familiar to you, don’t hesitate—contact a Bridgeport, CT car accident attorney today.

Choosing the Right Bridgeport, Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer

There are a lot of car accident attorneys out there. If you googled the term “car accident attorney,” you probably noticed a lot of results. How do you go about choosing one?

Try following these steps to make the process easier.

Use the Right Research Terms

You can narrow your online search by using the right terms for your type of case. Start with “Bridgeport, CT car accident attorney.” It’s usually best to choose a local Bridgeport, Connecticut car accident attorney who is familiar with the area and the laws in your state.

Then you want someone who specializes in representing victims. Law firms representing insurance companies or corporations may not prioritize victims’ rights or your recovery needs. You can add “plaintiffs only” to your search to narrow it down further.

Look for Experience

As the results come up, check each firm’s website. Look for the appropriate credentials in education and licenses, then see how much experience the lawyers have. How long have they been doing this?

Besides checking each firm’s website, you can also use legal search engines such as LawInfo.com, LegalMatch.com, and Enjuris.com.

What Do Clients Think?

Next, look for reviews on the law firm. Check the testimonials on their websites, then look around for reviews on Google and other legal sites. One critical review doesn’t mean the law firm can’t help you, but several may signal that you’d be better served with another option.

Make A Call

Most car accident attorneys will offer a free initial consultation. Talk to an attorney about your case and see what you think about their communication style, professionalism, and willingness to help you.

Ask Questions

During that initial call, ask the attorney about their history with cases like yours, their experience, how they handle fees, and who would work on your case. Find out if they have additional resources to help secure expert witnesses and appropriately investigate your case.

Make Your Decision

Take notes during the call. Is the law firm professional and friendly? Do they communicate well? Do you feel like they’re truly interested in helping you?

Make sure you have confidence in your chosen car accident attorney and law firm, as they can greatly influence the outcome of your case.

Why Choose Our Bridgeport, Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers

At Chaffin Luhana, we focus only on plaintiffs like you who have been injured and need help to get fair compensation. We have the experience and the resources you need and pride ourselves on providing regular and helpful communication.

Our hard-working team includes former federal and state prosecutors, former state and federal judicial law clerks, former large defense firm attorneys, court-appointed leaders in the national Plaintiffs’ bar, and social workers—a team with unique and in-depth experience to guide you through your case.

As national leaders in the plaintiffs’ bar, we have extensive experience that is nationally recognized. To date, partners Eric Chaffin and Roopal Luhana have been involved in recovering over $1 billion for their clients so far. The firm itself has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for individually injured plaintiffs.

Finally, we believe in giving back to our communities. With a mission of “Doing Good by Doing Right™,” we have donated a substantial portion of the firm’s revenues—hundreds of thousands of dollars to date—to charitable causes and issues that impact our clients and local communities. The Chaffin Luhana Foundation has also funded scientific research, donated to dozens of charities, and given away numerous college scholarships.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Chaffin Luhana

Below is a small sampling of the testimonials we have received from our clients:

Over $4 Million Recovery

“I was very pleased with the representation that I received for my case. I had a positive experience with this firm and I would recommend your firm to my family and friends.”

– Judy R., Product Liability Injury Client

Automobile Accident Victim

“I called a couple other firms and they said they wouldn’t take [my case] because of limited tort. Chaffin Luhana did. They’re trying to help you when you’re in pain and I thought that was great. [The firm] called and let [me] know what was going on, like [I was] family.”

– Judy H., Personal Injury Client

Automobile Accident Victim

“They treat you like family. I was even sent a sympathy card when my mother passed, which was totally unexpected.”

– Debra S., Personal Injury Client

Automobile Accident Victim

“[Chaffin Luhana] definitely delivered. The previous firm told me they couldn’t help me. My mom saw the commercial and she said try someone else. I called you and within four months you had it all resolved.”

– Carley H., Personal Injury Client

Find more testimonials here.

Types of Bridgeport, Connecticut Car Accident Cases Handled

On July 9, 2023, multiple people were injured after a vehicle drove the wrong way on Route 8. Police were called about 6:40 p.m. about a vehicle going up the ramp at Exit 3. Five people were involved in the accident, and several were sent to the hospital with injuries.

Earlier that year, a Seymour woman died because of a crash at the intersection of Boston Avenue and Colony Street in Bridgeport. An adult man driving a 2011 Buick Regal CXL struck the back of a silver 2011 Toyota RAV4—which was occupied by two adult women and two children—at a traffic light.

The crash resulted in multiple injuries to children and adults, and five people were transported to area hospitals. One woman, who was only 24 years old, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Each car accident in Bridgeport is different and will be handled differently by the insurance companies, depending on several factors. Did the accident happen on the highway or in the parking lot? Did it involve only one other vehicle or several? Did the collision involve an Uber vehicle or a corporate 18-wheeler?

At Chaffin Luhana, we have handled many different types of car accident cases and have the experience you need to manage the process from investigation to trial, if necessary. No two car accidents are the same, which is why we do the research necessary to uncover all potential sources of liability.

Drunk Driving Accidents

On August 28, 2023, a serious car accident occurred on Central Avenue near Ogden Street Extension in Bridgeport. According to police, a 31-year-old female driver crashed into a parked truck, rolled up onto the sidewalk, and hit another parked car. Six people, including four kids, were hurt. Fortunately, no one was killed.

The driver was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. She was later charged with a DUI, reckless driving, four counts of risk of injury to a child, and more.

Of the nearly 300 people who died in car accidents in Connecticut in 2020, about 40 percent of them were killed, at least partially because of a drunk driver. Connecticut had the third-highest percentage of traffic deaths caused by a drunk driver in the U.S.—less than only Montana (45 percent) and Rhode Island (42 percent).

If you or someone you love was injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, our Bridgeport, Connecticut drunk driving crash attorneys at Chaffin Luhana can help. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, uncovering all the important details needed to help you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Distracted Driving Accidents

On October 18, 2023, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) launched a statewide campaign to crack down on distracted driving. In 2022, there were nearly 5,200 crashes in the state that were attributed to distracted driving.

“Everyone should understand the incredible risk of texting while driving,” said CTDOT Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalittlo. “Remember, no text or call is worth a life. When you’re behind the wheel, stay focused on the road in front of you—not your phone.”

In Connecticut, it is illegal for drivers to text or talk using a handheld cell phone. Hands-free devices are generally allowed as long as the driver is 18 years of age or older.

If you were in an accident where another driver’s distracted driving was involved, contact your Bridgeport, Connecticut car accident attorney. They can make sure that all evidence is uncovered that may prove your case, helping increase the odds that you’ll be compensated fairly.

Head-On Collision Accidents

In April 2023, a police officer and another driver were hospitalized after they were involved in a head-on crash in Bridgeport. The officer said his police cruiser was struck head-on while driving east on Barnum Avenue. The other vehicle was a 2012 Toyota Camry that was headed east on the same road. The driver of that vehicle was trapped inside after the crash, and firefighters had to get him out.

Head-on collision accidents occur when vehicles driving in opposite directions crash front-to-front. If a single car drives straight into a stationary object, such as a telephone pole, that’s also considered a head-on collision. The most common causes of head-on collisions include distracted driving, drunk driving, drowsy driving, failing to yield, and speeding.

These types of accidents are often some of the most serious and can cause lasting injuries. These may include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and burns that lead to disfigurement. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that in 2019, frontal impacts like these accounted for 57 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths.

If you are involved in an accident like this, it’s wise to get legal help right away. Your losses are likely to be substantial because of the severity of the injuries.

Rollover Accidents

In 2021, rollovers caused 7,640 passenger vehicle deaths across the country, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

A rollover crash occurs if the vehicle tips onto its side or roof at any time during the crash. This can be caused by an impact with another vehicle or with a fixed object.

According to a report by the NHTSA, rollover crashes are more deadly than other types of crashes. Unfortunately, the number of fatal SUV and van rollovers increased as the popularity of SUVs increased, with these crashes being “particularly violent in nature,” according to the NHTSA.

Many SUVs have been recalled because of rollover risks. Your car accident attorney can search for evidence of manufacturer negligence and other supporting evidence in case of a rollover accident.

Uber/Lyft Rideshare

Over the past few years, the popularity of ride-sharing apps has greatly increased. That increase has correlated with a slight increase in car crashes.

A recent study found that ride-hailing services led to a three percent increase in motor vehicle deaths and fatal accidents. Some scientists believe this is because ride-sharing increases the number of vehicles on the road.

What happens if you’re in an Uber vehicle, and that vehicle is involved in an accident? These types of cases are more complex than other accident cases.

Typically, you would file a claim against the driver’s insurance carrier, but if the driver was earning income from the company at the time, the insurance company may seek to defer costs to that company. The whole situation can get complicated quickly.

Chaffin Luhana has the experience needed to navigate these types of complicated cases and will work hard to get the compensation you deserve.

Pedestrian Accidents

In November 2023, a person in their 50s was found lying on the ground at the intersection of Stratford and Bishop lanes in Bridgeport. The pedestrian had been hit by a motor vehicle, which then left the scene. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Just a few months earlier, in August 2023, a woman was struck and killed by a Bridgeport driver operating under the influence. A 32-year-old man was driving west on Lordship Boulevard when he struck the pedestrian. His car came to rest over the town line.

According to a study, Connecticut had the highest per capita pedestrian death rate in New England in 2022. CT was among the 22 states where pedestrian accidents increased that year. Whereas 62 pedestrians died in the state, only seven died in Vermont and seven in Rhode Island.

Policymakers in CT have taken several steps over the past few years to help stem the increase in pedestrian deaths. This includes adding more traffic cameras and making crosswalks safer for pedestrians.

If you were injured in a car-pedestrian accident, our car accident attorneys will investigate the location of the accident, examine evidence from the vehicle itself, and gather information about the driver to help support your case.

Truck Accidents

In July 2023, the driver of a Mack truck was towing a trailer with an unsecured load on Interstate 95 in Connecticut. The trailer leaked human waste over the road, making it slick. Multiple vehicles, including two state police vehicles, were involved in a major crash as a result.

In 2020, there were 4,965 people killed in crashes involving large trucks in the U.S., according to the NHTSA. Seventy-one percent of people killed in these crashes were occupants of other vehicles. On average nationwide, 8.9 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes were large trucks. In Connecticut, they made up 6.0 percent.

Large trucks weigh a lot more than passenger cars and trucks. In a crash, they can cause significant and life-changing damage. Chaffin Luhana’s attorneys have aggressively advocated for years on behalf of trucking accident victims to ensure they are appropriately compensated for their injuries.

Bus Accidents

In October 2022, an electric car caught fire after a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Bridgeport. The crash happened in the area of Gurdon Street and Summit Street. One person was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Like truck accidents, bus accidents can be devastating because of their large weight. Just recently, one person died after a car crashed into an occupied CT transit bus in New Britain. The driver was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Chaffin Luhana attorneys know the significance of examining each case to check if the company met bus maintenance standards, driver hiring requirements, and reasonable expectations.

Motorcycle Accidents

In August 2023, a Bridgeport motorcyclist was killed in a crash with an SUV. The accident occurred at the intersection of Fairfield and Colorado Avenues on a Sunday night. The motorcyclist was found under a 2022 Toyota Rav4. First responders got him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The SUV driver was uninjured.

In Connecticut, over 50 motorcyclists lose their lives on the roadways each year, according to the CTDOT. In 2021, there were 68 motorcycle fatalities, the highest number in over 30 years.

Motorcycles leave riders highly vulnerable to injury in an accident with an automobile. They are 28 times more likely to lose their lives in a crash with an automobile than other motorists on the road. They’re also four times as likely to sustain an injury in a collision.

According to a study by the National Transportation Safety Board, 64 percent of crashes involving motorcycles were caused by errors or failures by the other driver. Getting a car accident attorney on your side can help make sure you receive the compensation you need as you work to recover.

Types of Serious Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident

Serious injuries that may result from a car accident include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Concussions
• Paralysis
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Broken Bones
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Knee Injuries
• Foot and Ankle Injuries
• Shoulder Injuries
• Wrist and Hand Injuries
• Crush Injuries
• Internal Injuries and Bleeding
• Disfiguring Facial Injuries and Scars
• Limb Loss and Amputations
• Burn Injuries
• Whiplash
• Bruising/Contusions/Sprains/Strains
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a car accident lawsuit to settle in CT?

There is no standard timeline for settling a car accident case because every case is different. More simple cases may be resolved in a few months. More complex cases involving severe injuries and disputes over liability and damages can take between six months and a year or more.

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Connecticut?

The statute of limitations in Connecticut is two years from the date of the accident. Before you file a lawsuit, however, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company, and they have their own deadlines. Check with your car accident attorney early in the process to be sure you file all the paperwork when you need to.

There are some exceptions to this rule:

• If your loved one was killed in a car accident, you have two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit from the date of the individual’s death rather than the date of the accident.
• If your injuries were caused by a defective product, such as an exploding airbag in a vehicle, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a case.
• If the crash was the result of negligent action or inaction from a government employee or official, you have less time—claims must be submitted within six months of the incident. Property damage claims involving a defective highway must be submitted within 90 days.

It is important to talk with an attorney immediately to confirm what the statute of limitations is for your case. Every case is unique and every day could be the last day you can file a lawsuit related to your case. You should always consult with an attorney and not rely on your own calculation of the statute of limitations.

 

Why should I hire a car accident attorney in CT?

You can hire a car accident attorney at any time after the accident or while filing an insurance claim. Doing so as early as possible will give your lawyer the time needed to thoroughly investigate your case. They can also handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.

What to do after a serious accident?

If you are involved in a car accident, always check yourself and those with you for injuries first. Call 911 if you need to.

Then make sure you are somewhere safe. Pull the car over or move to the side of the road or sidewalk.

Call to police—this is an important step so you have an official record of the accident. Exchange insurance information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault. Anything you say may be used against you when you file a claim.

If you can, document the accident. Snap pictures, record police officers’ info, jot down names and addresses of those involved, and gather contact details from any witnesses.

Finally, call your car accident attorney. They can help guide you in your next steps, such as evidence gathering and communicating with your insurance company.

What not to say after an accident?

What you say after a car accident can be used against you later. For that reason, it’s best to say as little as possible.

You may feel bad for the others involved in the accident, but avoid saying “I’m sorry” or anything similar that may imply fault. Even if you think the accident was your fault, don’t admit it. Instead, talk to your car accident attorney about it. Remember that in Connecticut, you can still recover damages if you were 50 percent or less at fault.

Do not post on social media after a car accident. The insurance company may watch for anything that would lead them to believe that you are at fault or aren’t as injured as you claim to be. Never post pictures of your injuries or damage to your vehicle.

Finally, when the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster calls, do not agree to record any statements. They could be used to reduce your claim. Let your car accident attorney communicate for you.

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance?

Report an auto accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Failing to do so quickly can result in serious legal consequences. It can also endanger your ability to receive compensation for your injuries and damaged property.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Connecticut is an at-fault state. That means fault must be determined before damages can be paid.

The state recognizes partial fault in accidents with a modified form of comparative negligence. As long as you were 50 percent or less at fault for the accident, you are entitled to compensation. If the other person is determined to be 80 percent at fault and you 20 percent at fault, you could still recover 80 percent of the damages awarded.

If the insurance companies decide you’re over 50% responsible for the accident, you can’t seek damages from the other party. But what if you believe that’s not true?

Never admit blame until you’ve spoken with a skilled Bridgeport, Connecticut car accident attorney from our firm. Liability is often shared across multiple parties, some of which you may not even be aware of.

What types of damages will a car accident settlement cover?

There are three major types of damage:

• Compensatory: These are paid to “compensate” you for losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and property replacement. They are the most common and the most easily identifiable damages. They
• General: These include pain and suffering, a shortened life expectancy, and mental anguish. They cannot be readily tied to a dollar amount.
• Punitive: These are awarded for the sole purpose of punishing the defendant for their conduct.

Settlements comprise economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include:

• Medical expenses: You can expect to be compensated for any medical expenses for which you have proof. If you have to have more surgeries, treatments, therapies, and prescriptions in the future, the insurance company or court may offer compensation for these as well.
• Lost wages: If you missed work because of your injuries, you may be compensated for lost wages. If you can’t return to your job in the future, your future lost wages may also be recoverable.
• Potential earnings: Similar to lost wages, this is a figure representing what you would have earned had not the accident taken place.
• Property damage: These damages would help pay to restore or replace your vehicle. If you had other property in the car that was damaged, such as a computer or cell phone, those costs may also be figured into this award.
• Out-of-pocket expenses relating to the accident: If you have to travel to your medical appointments, you may be able to be reimbursed for mileage, parking fees, rental car fees, and the like. Childcare, cleaning help, personal assistance, and other household services may also be recoverable if you can prove that you could not perform these activities while recovering.

Non-economic damages include:

• Pain and suffering: This refers to any physical pain and discomfort that you suffered during and after the accident. It may include emotional or psychological suffering as well, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of consortium: This is a legal term used to describe the loss of a partner or spouse’s physical companionship, including a sexual relationship. If you or a passenger in your vehicle was injured in such a way that it affects your relationship, you could be eligible for these damages.
• Loss of enjoyment: If you find your injuries make it more difficult to enjoy the activities you once enjoyed, or if you can no longer take part in your day-to-day activities, you may be entitled to compensation for these losses.

How do I know if I have a claim worth pursuing?

During your initial consultation with your car accident attorney, ask them this question. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s best to explore your options. You may have an injury that takes time to develop or one that seriously affects your ability to do your job.

Let’s say you suffer a sprained wrist. It seems minor enough. But maybe it causes problems at work. Perhaps you have to miss several days that you are not paid for. Depending on the type of work you do, this could be a significant injury in your life.

Other injuries take time to create symptoms. As time goes by, a spine or neck injury may cause pain, tingling, numbness, or even weakness in your back, legs, or hands. A concussion is another example of what may seem to be a mild injury at first, but then may get worse with time.

Your car accident attorney can help you determine whether a lawsuit may be wise in your case. They will evaluate the true cost of your injury and then help you make a decision that best benefits you and your family.

What if the accident was all my fault?

If you were over 50 percent at fault for the accident, you could not recover damages in a car accident lawsuit in Bridgeport, CT. But it’s important to be sure about that before you give up.

Sometimes people admit blame but later regret their actions when they find out that other factors were involved. That’s why it’s important to wait until you have all the information, including the police report, and to call your attorney before you take any steps that may harm you in the future.

Your Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Bridgeport, Connecticut

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free initial consultation. We would be happy to evaluate the facts of your case and help you determine what you should do next.

Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we will do everything we can to recover the damages you’re owed so that you can begin to put your life back together.

Call us today at 888-480-1123.