Common Types of Car Accidents in Bridgeport

There are many different ways to get into an accident on the road, as well as many different reasons for the crash. Damages can range from a minor fender-bender to a catastrophic collision that leads to life-altering injuries or even death. It is important to know the common types of car accidents in Bridgeport so you can be prepared. If you require the services of a legal professional, contact Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr., a trustworthy car accident attorney.

Common Types of Accidents That Can Cause Injury

There are a wide range of car accidents that can occur on Bridgeport, Connecticut roads and highways. Some of the most common are:

Not every car accident will be the result of the same type of behavior. Some common causes of car accidents in Bridgeport include:

If the at-fault driver was intoxicated, you could recover punitive damages for their bad behavior, or possibly double or treble the compensatory damages.

How is a Hit-and-Run Accident Defined?

A hit-and-run accident is commonly referred to as evading responsibilities. This refers to when somebody is involved in an accident with a pedestrian, another car, or even an inanimate object like a tree or a telephone pole, and flees the scene before providing information to the other person or property owner. It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident. If this happened to you, you should immediately call the police and describe the vehicle to them, including the license plate number if possible.

Rear-End Collisions in Bridgeport

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common kinds of auto accidents in Bridgeport. They occur when one vehicle strikes another vehicle from behind. Rear-end collisions generally happen as a result of a driver not paying attention and failing to realize that there is a vehicle either slowed down or stopped ahead of them. Rear-end collisions can also be caused by tailgating, traveling too fast or being unable to stop on slippery roads.

The rear car is usually held liable but there are instances when the operator of the front vehicle can be held partially at fault. The front driver could be held partially responsible for the accident if they stopped suddenly without warning, their brake lights were not working or they were on their cell phone.

Lawyers can use photographs, witness statements, police reports and accident reconstructionists to help establish liability, among others. It is important to contact a lawyer after a crash to determine if the other person has insurance. If a vehicle must be repaired, Attorney Ganim can help you get a rental car during the period of time your vehicle is being repaired.

What is a Failure to Yield Accident?

When you have the right of way to drive down a road or through an intersection, vehicles coming from opposite directions must let you pass first. If they do not wait for you to pass, and a crash results, then they have committed a failure to yield accident. At an intersection without traffic lights, the person who arrived first has the right of way. If two people arrive at the same time, then the person on the right has the right to pass first. Cars may also have to yield to traffic when merging onto a highway or a roundabout. A driver may also be held responsible for failing to yield to a pedestrian.

Failing to yield is a commonly-seen type of auto accident in the Bridgeport area. At-fault drivers often claim that they were waved ahead by the other driver. While this can be difficult to prove, it still does not exonerate that person from liability. Common reasons why a driver might fail to yield is they are in a hurry, not paying attention, did not see the yield sign or misjudged who reached the intersection first.

Learn About the Common Types of Car Accidents in Bridgeport from an Attorney

Connecticut Law governing the rules of the road exist to protect drivers from poor behavior. However, not everyone obeys these rules and laws. The type of car accident that you suffer in Bridgeport can determine what kinds of injuries and losses you sustain. If you require a legal advocate to help you fight for damages, call Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. for a free consultation.