How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take In Connecticut?

No two car accident cases in Connecticut are alike, just as no two accidents are the same. The length of a car accident claim for damages varies depending on the circumstances of the case, including the availability of evidence and the extent of the damages.

Most car accident cases end with a settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance within six months to a year from the accident date; however, some cases take significantly longer—especially if the case requires litigation in court through a lawsuit. A car accident case can be a lengthy process, making it important to have an expert New Haven car accident lawyer.

If you call (203) 888-8888, you can schedule a consultation free of charge.

What Is the Timeline for a Car Accident Claim In Connecticut?

Once the involved drivers notify their insurance companies of the accident, the companies assign insurance adjusters to the case. The adjusters investigate the accident by examining the police report, viewing photos or videos, and reading eyewitness statements. Under Connecticut’s fault-based car accident laws, the insurance adjuster assigns a percentage of fault to each driver.

In some cases, one driver is clearly 100% at fault, but in other cases, the adjuster may assign both drivers fault for the accident. A car accident victim may only recover compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance if they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Many car accident victims hire a personal injury attorney in New Haven to protect their best interests through a separate investigation. Then, the process moves ahead as follows:

• Both sides document evidence in the case
• The claimant’s attorney sends a demand package with evidence and a carefully calculated list of damages like medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering
• The attorney and insurance adjuster may have a series of negotiation meetings in an attempt to agree on a settlement
• In some cases, both parties attend mediation to achieve a settlement agreement rather than going to court
• The insurance company and injury victim agree on a mutually acceptable settlement amount, or
• The case goes to court if the insurance company fails to offer an adequate settlement for the victim’s damages

Most Connecticut car accident cases end in a settlement, but if an accident claim requires a lawsuit in court, the process takes longer.

Car Accident Cases Must Go to Court Before the Statute of Limitations Expires

Only about five percent of car accident claims require litigation in a courtroom. If the case goes to court, the injury victim (plaintiff) must file the lawsuit petition against the defendant within two years from the accident date. Court cases take longer than accepting a settlement, but often juries are sympathetic to injury victims and award a substantial amount for damages.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer In Connecticut Help My Case?

Under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence insurance system, insurance companies can protect their profits at your expense by assigning you a percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if your damages add up to $100,000 the insurance company can reduce the payout on your claim to $70,000 by assigning you 30% of fault for the accident.

Hiring an attorney provides protection against this and other common tactics insurance companies use against car accident survivors.

Call the Connecticut car accident attorneys at Weber & Rubano at (203) 888-8888 for experienced representation throughout the process of your claim.