What to Do After a Car Accident in Connecticut

what to do after a car accident in Connecticut. Two cars collide in a Hartford CT parking lot, showing front-end and rear damage after a car accident

Let’s be real—no one ever wakes up thinking, “Today feels like a good day to get rear-ended.” But when it happens, it hits hard. The confusion. The adrenaline. The “what do I do now?” panic. I’ve been helping people through car accidents in Connecticut for years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that your first steps after a crash can shape everything that happens next—physically, emotionally, and yes, legally. If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident in Connecticut, here’s exactly how to protect your health, your rights, and your future.

So, let’s walk through it together, step by step. No legal mumbo-jumbo, just real talk.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Connecticut – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check for Injuries After a Car Accident in Connecticut

  • Pause. Take a few seconds to breathe and process what just happened.
  • Check your body. Are you bleeding? Can you move your arms, neck, or back?
  • If you’re seriously hurt, stay still. Don’t try to move. Help is coming.
  • If you can move safely, great. Let’s move on to the next step.

Step 2: Call 911 – Required After Any Connecticut Car Crash

  • Always call 911, even if it seems “minor.”
  • Connecticut law favors having an official record, and the police report will be important later.
  • Tell the dispatcher your exact location and whether there are injuries.
  • Wait safely at the scene until police and medical help arrive.

Step 3: Don’t Admit Fault – Understand Connecticut Law

  • Don’t admit fault or apologize. It’s a natural reaction, but it can be used against you.
  • Connecticut uses modified comparative fault, which means you could still recover damages even if you’re partially at fault—as long as you’re less than 51% responsible.
  • Give honest, basic info to the police: what direction you were going, what you saw, etc.
  • Let the investigation figure out fault.

Step 4: Take Photos to Strengthen Your CT Car Accident Claim

  • Use your phone to snap lots of photos before cars are moved.

    Focus on:

  • Damage to your car and theirs
  • Your injuries (if visible)
  • Road conditions, skid marks, debris
  • Traffic signs or signals nearby
  • Wide shots of the entire scene

    Photos hold up better than memory.

Step 5: Exchange Info With the Other Driver Safely

  • Exchange contact and insurance details, including:
      • Name and phone number
      • Driver’s license number
      • License plate
      • Insurance company and policy number
  • If there are witnesses, ask for their name and number.
  • Don’t argue or overshare. You’re not here to debate or assign blame—just collect facts.

 

Step 6: Get Medical Care After a Connecticut Crash

This one’s big. After a crash, your body is full of adrenaline. You might feel totally fine. But whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or even concussions often show up hours—or even days—later.

If EMTs suggest a ride to the hospital, take it. If you go home instead, follow up with your doctor or urgent care the same day or next morning.

Why? Two reasons:

  • You deserve to feel better.
  • Insurance companies love to use gaps in treatment as an excuse not to pay.

In Connecticut, getting checked out early makes your case stronger down the line.

Step 7: Speak With a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer Early

You don’t have to go it alone. And you definitely don’t have to wait until you’re “really hurt.”

Connecticut personal injury laws have tight deadlines:

  • 2 years to file most claims
  • 90 days if your crash involved a government vehicle

    A lawyer can help you:
    – Protect evidence
    Deal with insurers
    – Coordinate your medical care
    – Get full compensation for pain, lost income, car repairs, and more
    •  

Most of us don’t charge upfront—we only get paid if you win

 

You've Got This — Here's What to Do After a Car Accident in Connecticut

Accidents are overwhelming. One moment you’re running errands, and the next, you’re trying to figure out towing, back pain, and five missed calls from your insurance.

But here’s what I want you to remember:

  • You didn’t ask for this—but you can take control of what happens next.
  • You deserve to focus on healing—not on arguing with adjusters.
  • And if you ever feel lost, confused, or like the system’s stacked against you, know that we’re here to help you! 

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