Blog

Distracted driving is a growing epidemic, causing thousands of accidents annually. In 2021 alone, 3,522 people lost their lives in distracted driving crashes nationwide. In Connecticut, it remains a leading cause of serious injuries, prompting strict laws that ban handheld cellphone use, texting, and any phone use by drivers under 18. Repeat offenders can face fines of up to $500. Common distractions include texting, using GPS, and eating while driving. If you've been in an accident caused by a distracted driver, evidence such as cellphone records, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage can help prove liability. Staying alert on the road is crucial, but if you're injured by a distracted driver, legal representation can help you secure fair compensation. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP specializes in distracted driving cases in Connecticut. Contact them for a free consultation at 203-438-7450 or visit www.hcwlaw.com.

Being involved in an automobile accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps is crucial to protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests. First, ensure safety by moving to a secure location, checking for injuries, and calling 911. Exchange information with all involved drivers, document the scene with photos, and gather witness contacts. In Connecticut, report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 to the police. Seek medical attention promptly, even for minor injuries, and notify your insurance company to start the claims process.Avoid admitting fault and keep detailed records of all documents, including medical reports and repair estimates. For legal assistance, contact Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP for a free consultation. Their experienced attorneys will protect your rights and help secure the compensation you deserve. Call 203-438-7450 or visit www.hcwlaw.com.

Conversion coverage is an optional addition to auto insurance that prevents your UM/UIM benefits from being reduced by the at-fault driver’s insurance payment. Without it, your insurer might subtract the at-fault driver's payout from your UM/UIM limit, reducing total compensation. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and the at-fault driver’s insurer pays $50,000, conversion coverage ensures you receive the full $100,000 from your UM/UIM policy in addition to the $50,000, totaling $150,000. Review your policy and consult your insurance agent to determine if conversion coverage is right for you. For legal guidance, contact Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP at 203-438-7450 or visit www.hcwlaw.com for a free consultation.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects Connecticut drivers when at-fault parties lack sufficient insurance. With 12.6% of U.S. drivers uninsured and Connecticut’s minimum liability limits often falling short, UM/UIM coverage is essential. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and damages when standard policies can’t.

Expert witnesses play a crucial role in personal injury cases by providing specialized knowledge that helps clarify complex issues and strengthen claims. Their testimony can validate injuries, explain technical concepts, and counter defense arguments. Common expert witnesses include medical professionals who establish injury severity and causation, accident reconstruction specialists who analyze crash scenes, financial experts who assess economic losses, and engineers who evaluate defective products or unsafe conditions. Their credibility and expertise can significantly influence a case's outcome.

Losing a loved one due to someone else's negligence is devastating. In Connecticut, wrongful death lawsuits allow families to seek justice and compensation for their loss. These claims arise from incidents such as car accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, and workplace injuries. Only the executor or administrator of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death lawsuit, but the compensation benefits heirs like spouses, children, or parents. Damages can include funeral expenses, lost earnings, medical bills, and non-economic losses like emotional suffering and loss of companionship. In 2021, Connecticut juries awarded an average of $1.4 million in wrongful death cases, highlighting their significant impact. Connecticut law requires wrongful death claims to be filed within two years of death, with a maximum of five years from the negligent act. These cases are legally and emotionally complex, requiring skilled legal representation to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and advocate in court.

Deciding whether to settle or go to trial in a personal injury case is a critical choice. In Connecticut, most cases settle, but not all offers are in the victim’s best interest. Key factors to consider include the strength of the evidence, the insurance company’s approach, the time required for trial versus settlement, and the level of risk tolerance. Settlements provide faster resolution, lower costs, and reduced stress, with 95% of Connecticut personal injury cases resolving out of court. However, going to trial may lead to higher compensation, especially in cases of severe injuries or disputed liability. Lawsuits also hold negligent parties publicly accountable. Victims should consider suing when settlement offers fail to cover damages or when strong evidence supports their claim.

Car accidents are frequent in Connecticut, with over 100,000 reported annually. Knowing what to do after a crash is crucial for protecting your health, rights, and potential compensation. First, ensure safety by checking for injuries and calling 911, especially if there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. In 2022, 52,000 accidents in Connecticut resulted in injuries, making police reports essential for evidence. Next, document the scene by exchanging information, taking photos of the accident, and gathering witness statements. Even if injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention is vital, as symptoms like whiplash or internal injuries may appear later. Report the accident to your insurance company, providing factual information without admitting fault. Since Connecticut follows an at-fault system, the responsible driver's insurance typically covers damages. Before speaking with adjusters, consult an attorney to ensure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Selecting the right attorney is crucial to the success of your personal injury case. It’s essential to choose a lawyer with extensive experience in personal injury law, including car accidents, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation. A strong track record in these areas ensures familiarity with Connecticut’s laws and strategies to maximize compensation. Check client reviews and testimonials for insights into their professionalism, communication, and success rates. During consultations, inquire about trial experience, settlement history, and their approach to handling cases. An ideal attorney should be accessible, responsive, and transparent about the legal process. Ensure their fee structure is contingency-based, meaning they only get paid if you win.

Interstate 84 is one of Connecticut's busiest and most hazardous highways, connecting cities like Danbury, Waterbury, and Hartford. Its sharp curves, heavy traffic, and limited visibility contribute to frequent accidents, with over 1,500 crashes reported in 2022, 20% involving delivery trucks. Peak risk times include early morning, evening rush hours, and holiday delivery surges. After an accident, prioritize safety by moving out of traffic and calling emergency services. Document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and avoid signing settlements without consulting an attorney. Connecticut’s comparative negligence rules allow recovery of damages if fault is below 51%, making legal guidance crucial.

Negligence in delivery truck accidents occurs when a driver or company fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm. Common examples include driver error, such as speeding or distracted driving, poor vehicle maintenance like brake failure or worn tires, and employer negligence, such as pressuring drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits or neglecting proper training. Notable cases in Connecticut include a 2021 multi-car pileup on I-84 caused by a fatigued Amazon driver and a 2022 accident near Waterbury involving improperly loaded cargo from a FedEx truck. After a delivery truck accident, contacting a personal injury attorney is critical to preserving evidence and navigating Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rules, which allow victims to recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault. An experienced lawyer will examine federal regulations, secure expert testimony, and calculate both economic and non-economic damages.

Delivery truck accidents are distinct due to their higher stakes, complex liability, and specialized regulations. These trucks are typically insured by high-value policies, prompting insurers to aggressively contest claims. Liability often involves multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders. Additionally, delivery trucks must comply with FMCSA regulations, adding layers of complexity to these cases. Challenges in pursuing a claim include defensive tactics from insurers, who may dispute fault or downplay injuries, and the potential loss of critical evidence like driver logs and GPS data without timely legal intervention. A Connecticut personal injury attorney provides essential support, offering in-depth knowledge of state laws, trial experience to counter aggressive defense strategies, and access to resources like accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts.

The surge in e-commerce has significantly increased delivery truck traffic on Connecticut highways, especially along I-84, a key route connecting western Connecticut to Hartford. FedEx, UPS, and Amazon trucks frequently share these roads with commuters, often operating under tight delivery schedules. National data from the FMCSA shows a 12% rise in truck-related accidents between 2019 and 2022, and a 2023 CTDOT report revealed that 18% of commercial vehicle crashes on I-84 involved delivery trucks.

Understanding Your Legal Rights After Serious Injury or Wrongful Death. Accidents involving commercial trucks, especially FedEx vehicles, can have devastating consequences, often leading to life-altering injuries or even wrongful death. In Connecticut, I-84 in Danbury is a major thoroughfare prone to heavy traffic, tight merge points, and speeding drivers. With its mix of passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks, this stretch of highway has seen its fair share of catastrophic collisions.

Slips, trips, and falls cause over 1 million emergency room visits annually in the U.S., often due to unsafe property conditions. Connecticut’s premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for maintaining safe environments for visitors. Liability depends on the visitor's status and whether the owner knew or should have known about hazardous conditions. Common causes of these accidents include wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and uncleared snow or ice. To prove negligence, victims must show a dangerous condition existed, the owner failed to address it, and it directly caused the injury. Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule may reduce compensation if the victim is partly at fault, but recovery is barred if they are more than 50% responsible. Victims should report the incident, document the scene, seek medical attention, and consult an attorney. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers free consultations and legal support for premises liability cases, with no fees unless compensation is recovered.

Workplace injuries can have significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts. Connecticut’s workers’ compensation system provides essential benefits for employees injured on the job, covering medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Most employees are eligible, except for certain groups like independent contractors and federal employees, who are covered under different programs. Common workplace injuries include overexertion, slips and falls, and struck-by accidents. To file a claim, injured workers must report the injury promptly, seek medical treatment from approved providers, and complete Form 30C with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. If a claim is denied due to delays, disputes, or challenges, employees can appeal with legal representation. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers guidance to ensure injured workers receive the benefits and compensation they deserve, with no fees unless compensation is recovered.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit requires careful navigation to avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your case. Acting within the two-year statute of limitations in Connecticut is crucial, as missing this deadline eliminates your right to sue. Preserving evidence, such as medical records, photos, and witness statements, is essential to proving negligence, while failure to document properly weakens the case. Speaking to insurance companies without legal representation can result in statements being used to minimize payouts, and accepting the first settlement offer often means settling for far less than what the case is worth. Finally, hiring an experienced personal injury attorney with a proven track record ensures the best chance of securing fair compensation and achieving a favorable outcome.

Suffering a personal injury can be overwhelming, but Connecticut law allows victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. With settlements averaging between $10,000 and $100,000, timely action is critical due to the two-year statute of limitations for most cases. Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule may reduce compensation based on the victim’s fault, barring recovery if fault exceeds 50%. Hiring an experienced attorney improves outcomes, as victims with representation recover significantly more than those without. Key steps after an injury include seeking medical attention, reporting the incident, preserving evidence, and consulting an attorney. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers free consultations to help victims protect their rights and secure fair compensation, with no fees unless they win your case.

Defective products can cause serious injuries, leading to medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Connecticut’s product liability laws hold manufacturers, distributors, and retailers strictly liable for defective products, including design, manufacturing, and marketing defects. Victims do not need to prove negligence, only that the product was defective and caused harm. Key steps for victims include preserving the product, documenting the incident, seeking medical attention, and consulting an attorney. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

The statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing lawsuits, and missing these deadlines can forfeit your right to seek compensation. In Connecticut, the time limits vary depending on the type of claim. For personal injury cases, you have 2 years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Medical malpractice claims must be filed within 2 years from the date of the injury or its discovery, with an absolute maximum of 3 years from the negligent act. Property damage claims have a 3-year filing deadline from the date the damage occurred. For wrongful death cases, you must file within 2 years from the date of death, but no later than 5 years from the negligent act. Exceptions to these deadlines may apply in certain circumstances, such as when the injured party is a minor, when the discovery rule applies (as in medical malpractice cases), or when fraud or concealment has occurred. Acting promptly is crucial to avoid case dismissal.

Nursing home negligence affects many families, with 1 in 10 elders experiencing abuse or neglect. Common signs include physical injuries like bedsores, emotional changes such as withdrawal, and unsanitary conditions. To prove negligence in Connecticut, it must be shown that the nursing home breached its duty of care, causing harm to the resident.

Winter in Connecticut increases the risk of slip and fall accidents due to icy sidewalks, snowy walkways, and inadequate snow removal. These accidents often result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, and spinal damage, with elderly individuals being particularly vulnerable. Under Connecticut's premises liability laws, property owners must maintain safe conditions by clearing snow and ice promptly. Victims can pursue claims by proving negligence, causation, and damages. Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP offers legal support for slip and fall cases, helping victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact them for a free consultation; no fees are charged unless compensation is recovered.

Cycling in Connecticut is popular but risky, with cyclists vulnerable to severe injuries. Bicycle accidents often result from driver negligence, road hazards, or dooring incidents. Despite Connecticut's 3-foot passing law, violations are common. Injured cyclists can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering under state law.

Dealing with insurance companies after an injury can be challenging as insurers prioritize minimizing payouts. This guide offers tips for protecting your rights, including avoiding recorded statements without legal advice, documenting everything, rejecting low initial offers, understanding your policy, and seeking legal representation. It highlights the value of experienced attorneys in negotiating fair compensation and ensuring a smoother claims process.

Bicycle accidents in Connecticut pose serious risks due to driver negligence, road hazards, and dooring incidents, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. This guide outlines common causes, legal protections for cyclists, and the importance of seeking compensation for damages. It emphasizes the role of experienced attorneys in securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.