Who Do I Sue After a Car Accident: Your Options & What to Do
A car accident can leave you dealing with injuries, car repairs, and a mountain of questions. One of the biggest? Who do I sue after a car accident? This guide, brought to you by Carter Mario Injury Lawyers in Hartford, will break down your options and empower you to take informed steps to protect your rights and secure justice.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence — in Hartford or across Connecticut or Massachusetts — and you’re wondering who to sue after a car accident, Carter Mario Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for you.
We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients just like you. You deserve to know how much your case is worth.
Your Options for Seeking Compensation Following a Car Accident
After a car accident, there are several paths to pursue compensation, each with its own set of considerations and requirements. Understanding these options is the first step in determining who to sue after a car accident.
“First-Party” Claims
This involves working with your own insurance company, regardless of who caused the accident. This is common in “no-fault” states like Massachusetts, and helps cover your immediate medical bills and lost wages, providing a crucial financial safety net during the initial aftermath of the accident. Connecticut is an “at-fault” or “tort” state, which means the person who is at fault for a car accident is responsible for injury to others and damage to their property. However, even in an at-fault state like Connecticut, there are still situations where you might make a claim with your own insurance company first. An experienced car accident attorney will guide you.
“Third-Party” Claims
If the other driver was at fault, you’ll likely file a claim with their insurance company. This process can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to ensure you are treated fairly by the other driver’s insurance provider. Many people wonder who do I sue after a car accident in this scenario.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Other Driver
Insurance companies don’t always play fair. If they offer a lowball settlement or deny your claim altogether, it’s time to reassess who to sue after a car accident. Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver may be your best option. As Carter Mario Law Firm knows, insurance companies often respond to such lawsuits with vigorous legal action. Don’t let them intimidate you. Carter Mario Law Firm is ready to fight for you, protecting your rights every step of the way.
Who You Can Sue After a Car Accident
Pinpointing the right party to sue is crucial for maximizing your chances of recovering full and fair compensation. When asking “Who do I sue after a car accident,” consider these possibilities:
The Other or At-Fault Driver
This is the most common scenario. If their negligence caused the crash (speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving – the list goes on), they’re your most likely party to sue after a car accident. Don’t underestimate the impact of even a “minor” accident. Injuries can linger, and medical bills can skyrocket, making it critical to get checked out by a doctor immediately to protect your health and your legal case.
The Owner of the Vehicle
Sometimes, the driver in a car accident isn’t the owner of the vehicle. If the owner negligently let an unsafe person drive their car (think unlicensed or intoxicated drivers), they can also be held responsible, especially in situations involving inexperienced or high-risk drivers.
The Driver’s Employer
If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may be liable, particularly in complex rideshare accidents. Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies. If the rideshare driver is at fault, their personal insurance may not apply; the rideshare company’s insurance likely will (but they vary between companies and states). If another driver is at fault, their insurance is primary; then the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured coverage may apply (also typically up to $1 million). Rideshare drivers are usually independent contractors, limiting direct company liability.
A Car or Car Part Manufacturer
A defective car part can cause or contribute to an accident, and can give clarity when answering: Who do I sue in a car accident? If a faulty brake system or tire blowout was to blame, you might have a case against the manufacturer, holding them accountable for the harm caused by their defective product.
Government Entities
Dangerous roads? Potholes, missing signs, poor design? You might be able to sue the government entity responsible for road maintenance, but these cases have tight deadlines, so act fast to preserve your legal options.
Construction Companies or Contractors
Similarly, construction companies can be held liable for car accidents caused by their negligence in work zones, such as improperly marked lanes or inadequate lighting.
Private Property Owners
Overgrown bushes blocking a driver’s view? A dangerous condition on private property can sometimes be a factor in an accident, making the property owner liable for failing to maintain their property safely.
Who You Can Sue Depends on Various Factors
Determining who you can sue after a car accident in Connecticut depends on a variety of factors, including liability, insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances of the accident.
Liability in the Accident
Proving fault is the cornerstone of any car accident lawsuit. The rules vary by state, so it’s essential to understand how contributory or comparative negligence might affect your case and your ability to recover damages. Our Connecticut car accident lawyers excel at helping clients determine who to sue, and fighting for maximum compensation.
Insured vs. Uninsured Driver
An uninsured driver can complicate things. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage becomes critical in these situations, offering a vital layer of protection when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Insurance Coverage of the Other Driver
Even if the other driver has insurance, their coverage might not be enough to cover all your damages, especially in cases involving serious injuries or extensive property damage. This is where understanding policy limits and exploring all avenues of compensation becomes critical.
How a Car Accident Attorney Helps the Process
Going up alone against insurance companies and navigating the legal system is tough. Carter Mario Injury Lawyers can level the playing field, providing the expertise you need. We will:
- Investigate: We’ll meticulously investigate your accident to uncover all the facts to clearly answer the question: Who do I sue after a car accident? Then we will build a rock-solid case, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.
- Advocate: We’ll aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to get you the maximum settlement you deserve, fighting tirelessly to protect your best interests.
- Litigate: If negotiations fail, we’re ready to take your case to court and fight for you, providing strong and effective representation when you need it most.
- Advise: We’ll guide you through every step of the process, explaining your rights and options clearly, empowering you to make informed decisions about your case.
- Calculate: We’ll meticulously calculate all your damages – medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care – to ensure you’re fully compensated for the losses you have suffered in the car accident.
At Carter Mario Law Firm, we operate on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis. With 35+ years of experience and a team of 120+ lawyers and staff, we’re ready to fight for you. We have seven convenient office locations in Connecticut, as well as a location in Springfield, MA.
We’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients just like you — and you deserve to know how much your case is worth. Discuss who to sue with an experienced car accident attorney.
