If you suspect the driver who hit you in a New Haven auto accident was distracted by their phone, proving it can be the critical difference between a denied claim and a successful one. Distracted driving is a form of negligence that shows a blatant disregard for safety. Here is the hierarchy of evidence used to prove the other driver was texting or using their phone: 1. Direct Witness Testimony The strongest evidence is a witness who saw the driver looking down at their lap or talking on the phone immediately before or during the crash. 2. Police Report Findings A police officer’s findings are often given great credence. 3. Cell Phone Records (The Gold Standard) In a lawsuit, your attorney can subpoena the other driver’s cell phone records. This is often the definitive proof. 4. Physical Evidence and Crash Dynamics

Being injured by a driver who is uninsured or who flees the scene (a hit-and-run) is terrifying and frustrating. You are hurt, and there seems to be no one to hold accountable for the New Haven auto accident you have just gotten into. However, depending on your own insurance policy, you likely still have options for compensation. 1. Utilize Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage This is the most critical and common source of compensation in these scenarios. UM/UIM coverage is an optional (or sometimes mandatory) part of your own auto insurance policy. 2. Look at Health Insurance If your auto insurance coverage limits are insufficient, your private health insurance will cover your medical treatment. However, your health insurance company may assert a subrogation lien—meaning they have a right to be paid back if you recover money from a future lawsuit or UM settlement. 3. The Long Shot: Finding the At-Fault Read the full article…

Whiplash is one of the most common and frustrating New Haven auto accident injuries. It results from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the neck—a trauma that can occur even in a slow-speed, low-impact crash. The frustrating part? Insurance adjusters often dismiss it as minor or exaggerated because there’s no visible cut or break. Here’s how you can legally and medically substantiate your whiplash claim. The Medical Foundation: Documenting the Pain Whiplash (a non-medical term for soft tissue injury, usually a sprain or strain of the neck) must be medically confirmed. The Legal Evidence: Connecting the Crash to the Injury Proving a soft tissue injury like whiplash requires showing a direct link between the forces of the low-impact collision and your symptoms.

Getting into a New Haven auto accident is jarring. Your adrenaline is high, and it’s hard to think straight. However, what you do in the moments immediately following a crash is critical, both for your safety and for any potential legal claim. Follow these five essential steps to protect yourself. 1. Stop, Secure the Scene, and Check for Injuries Legally, you must stop immediately, no matter how minor the crash seems. 2. Call 911 (Police and Medical) If anyone is injured call the police. A police report is vital for your insurance claim and future legal case. 3. Exchange Information (But Don’t Overshare) You need to exchange key details with the other driver(s), but limit the conversation strictly to facts. 4. Document the Scene with Photos and Notes Your personal documentation can often be more helpful than the official report. Use your phone to take extensive photos and videos. 5. Read the full article…