When it comes to car accident cases, Connecticut is an "at-fault" state. That means there is a burden of proof that exists. Your attorney must prove that the negligence of another driver led to your injuries and other crash-related losses. One key piece of evidence your attorney will need to support your claim is the car accident report that's generated by police.
When a crash occurs, the police usually arrive at the scene to launch an initial investigation. They will document the details indicating how the crash occurred, interview all parties involved, and interview witnesses. You can obtain a copy of your Connecticut car accident report online at the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection website. Your attorney can also obtain a copy on your behalf.
It's critical that you review your crash report and ensure that all the details are accurate. If any information is inaccurate, your attorney can dispute it for you. The insurance company that represents the at-fault driver will also obtain a copy of the crash report. If there are any inconsistencies or errors in your report, the insurance company can use these to dispute your claim and deny you compensation.
What is in my Connecticut car accident report?
Your car accident report consists of up to 12 pages of details pertaining to your crash. The pages you will need to focus on the most include:
Page 1: The first page of your crash report will consist of the basic details. That includes:
- Date, time, and location
- Crash severity
- Conditions/factors that contributed or led to your crash
- If your crash occurred in a work zone
Page 2: The second page of your crash report will provide a narrative on how the investigating officer believes the crash occurred. This will include:
- A visual diagram of the crash — This includes the direction both cars were traveling; if the crash happened at an intersection; damage to both cars; and tire marks left in the road.
- A written narrative of the crash — The officer will provide a written narrative on how he or she believed the crash occurred and who was at fault.
Page 5: The fifth page of your report will include other important details pertaining to your crash, such as:
- Driver and license information
- Negligent or reckless driver actions that led to the crash (such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving)
- Documented injuries and medical responses
- Warnings, citations, and arrests issued by police
Contact a Fairfield County attorney for help with your claim
If you were injured in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, it's critical that you take your claim seriously from the start. Be sure to get prompt medical attention, even if you don't feel like you sustained an injury. Some injuries can take several days to start showing symptoms.
You should also report your crash to your insurance company while sticking only to the basic facts. Avoid speaking to the other driver's insurance company, even if they try to contact you by phone. Anything you tell them will be recorded and can later be used to downplay or deny your claim.
Let an experienced Fairfield car accident attorney at Vishno Law Firm handle your case for you. Attorney Jeremy Vishno has more than 25 years of experience helping injured motorists get the compensation they deserve. He can gather the facts needed to support your claim and fight for a fair financial settlement or court verdict. To get started, contact Vishno Law Firm online and schedule your free and confidential legal consultation.