Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. Connecticut is one State where you can experience the beauty of the season.

While driving in the fall can be a breathtaking experience, the season also comes with changing patterns in nature that can be hazardous for drivers. These hazards could result in a serious accident if you are not careful. Be aware of the following dangerous driving conditions which can be found this time of year:

Reduced Visibility

Autumn weather can produce fog, which can significantly reduce visibility and alter our perceptions of other objects on or near the roadway. To give yourself enough time to react when driving through fog, slow down and maintain a wide distance from the car in front of you.

Fall is also the start of shorter days and longer nights. Remember to turn on your headlights as day shifts into night to improve your visibility and your chances of being seen. Pay extra attention to pedestrians and cyclists, and give them a wider-than-usual berth whenever possible.

Sun Glare

The intense glare of the sun during sunrise and sunset can blind drivers this time of year. When driving in a direction where the sun is in your eyes, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. To help block some of the reflected light, lower the visors on your car and put on some high-quality sunglasses with polarized lenses. If possible, plan your route ahead of time to help you avoid any distractions from the sun's glare or dwindling daylight.

Rain

A clear, sunny afternoon in the fall can quickly turn rainy and chilly. On dry pavement, the first few minutes of rain are particularly dangerous. When combined with moisture, the accumulation of oil, dust, dirt and other debris on the roadway can make them as slick as ice. Slow down and increase your following distance.

Heavy rain often produces pools of water. Driving through such pools can compromise one's driving control. Avoid any standing water or large puddles.

Frost and Ice

Temperatures in the fall tend to dip towards freezing overnight, and the resulting morning frost can leave icy patches on roads, bridges and overpasses. Approach these areas cautiously and avoid using cruise control when ice is present on the road.

Leaves

Patches of fallen leaves on the road can hold a significant amount of water and make it difficult to brake, steer, and stop. On roads with fallen leaves on them, drive slowly and steer clear of sudden turns, and avoid hard acceleration and braking.

Although autumn features an array of lovely hues, the red and yellow of traffic signs stand out less against the same-colored leaves. To make sure your view stays sharp, always keep the inside and outside of your windshield clean.

Children love to play and hide in collected piles of leaves. If possible, always avoid driving through leaf piles especially in and around playgrounds.

Regardless of the season, avoiding car accidents is everyone’s most important driving goal. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Hirsch Andrade, LLP. Call us at (203) 331-8888 or visit our website.

Many of us have bad driving habits that that we engage in and never think seriously about the risks that they pose. When driving a vehicle, any mistake can turn deadly in a matter of seconds. Stay safe on the road by avoiding these dangerous driving mistakes:

1. Speeding

This is common knowledge: speed increases the danger of collisions by increasing their impact and, therefore, the increasing the possibility of injury or death. Indeed, speed is a contributing factor in 26% of all fatal crashes. It may be tempting to travel more quickly, particularly if you are running behind schedule. However, it is not worth the chance (or inconvenience) of getting a ticket, and it certainly is not worth putting your life or anyone else's at risk. Drive at a speed appropriate for the traffic. By maintaining a slower speed, you will be much safer.

2. DUI

Almost 30 Americans are killed by drunk drivers every day—that is more than one every hour. Drunk drivers are involved in nearly one third of all fatal traffic-related accidents.

Drunk driving is dangerous and often fatal. A DUI or conviction for a drunk driving death could cost you thousands of dollars and land you in jail for an extended period of time. The best course of action is to never drive while intoxicated. Pick a designated driver, ask a friend to drive you home, or use public transportation.

3. Aggressive Driving and Road Rage

56% of fatal crashes involve aggressive driving. This includes driving recklessly, improper following, erratic lane changing or failure to observe the traffic laws.

Antagonistic driving can develop into road rage, making the situation even more dangerous as drivers race, purposefully crash into each other or taunt one another, which can lead to violence on the road. You are more likely to avoid confrontation if you focus on being a predictable and safe driver.

4. Failure to Yield Right of Way

There are many instances in which a driver must yield the right of way, whether to another vehicle, a cyclist, or a pedestrian. Failure to yield occurs when a driver disregards right-of-way laws and drives without heed for the safety of other drivers on the road. Failure to yield the right of way accounts for almost 7% of fatal accidents involving drivers and motorcycle riders. Defensive driving can keep you and others safe while on the road. Staying focused and alert can help you be a better driver.

5. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving accidents result in thousands of fatalities and nearly half a million injuries each year. Texting while driving is one example of distracted driving, but many other risky behaviors can be involved, such as eating, applying makeup, daydreaming, or having intense conversations while driving. Even tending to a child's needs while driving can be hazardous. Commit to paying attention to the roadway. Pull over if any distractions arise which requires immediate attention.

Knowing the risks of dangerous driving behaviors can help you be a more responsible motorist. Use the above tips and practice them when you’re on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Hirsch Andrade, LLP. Call us at (203) 331-8888 or visit our website for a free consultation today.

Did you know that thousands of car accidents each year are caused by wet driving conditions?

Wet roads, low visibility, and the possibility that the puddle ahead may be deeper than you think all contribute to dangerous driving conditions. This is why both you and your car should be prepared for wet roads. So, what can you do to stay safe?

Avoid Puddles

Puddles can easily cause your car to hydroplane, or skim over the surface of the water, which causes you to lose control. Losing control of your vehicle puts you at risk of colliding with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. In situations where you need to drive through or partially through a puddle, slow down.

Keep Your Distance

It is important to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you, but it’s especially important in bad weather. When you keep your distance, you will have more time to react to any potential hazards that may come up.

Try to maintain a clear space on at least one side of your vehicle whenever you are on a highway or a road with multiple lanes. By doing so, you will be able to quickly veer left or right if something unexpected happens in front of you and you do not have time to brake.

Pro-tip: Drive in the middle lane during rainy weather because water tends to accumulate in the outside lanes.

Do Not Use Cruise Control

Avoid using cruise control when it is raining or if the road is wet. The vehicle’s computer(s) are unable to recognize that pavement covered in water may cause your car to hydroplane. The car will maintain speed and throttle no matter the conditions. Although the traction and stability control will respond when something goes wrong, it is best to avoid placing yourself in that situation in the first place.

Keep Your Windows From Fogging Up

Because of the temperature differences inside and outside the car, windows tend to fog up when it rains which can reduce visibility. To keep yourself and others safe and prevent accidents, simply defrost your car windows. For a quick fix, use the Defrost mode. This will automatically engage air conditioning and a high fan speed, directing warm, dry air to the windshield and often the front side windows. This can heat the glass to aid in clearing snow and ice while removing condensation from the inside. If the problem persists, you might want to buy a windshield defogger and cleaner.

Turn On Your Headlights, But Not Your High Beams

Turning on your vehicle's headlights can help other drivers see you not just at night but also during bad weather. While many modern vehicles have automatic running lights, you should activate your headlights when using the wipers so that the taillights will also turn on. All four corners of the vehicle can be seen when both the headlights and the backlights are lit.

You do not need to turn on your bright lights, though, as the brighter light will merely bounce back into your eyes from wet surfaces and annoy other drivers.

Beware of Hydroplaning

When your car hydroplanes, it drives over the water without making contact with the ground. This can be a risky situation because the driver has little to no control over the vehicle and little to no grip on the road. If you ever find yourself in this type of situation, keep your cool, let off the brakes and do not move the steering wheel. Instead, wait for your car to slow down and the tires to reattach to the road surface.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Hirsch Andrade, LLP. Call us at (203) 331-8888 or visit our website for a free consultat

In autumn, deer become more active as they prepare for mating season. During this time, we are more likely to see deer on the road which can result in a higher risk of deer-related vehicle accidents. To reduce the risk of hitting a deer, always stay alert while driving and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Here are a few driving safety pointers to keep in mind.

1. Be Cautious While Driving At Dusk Or Dawn

While deer can be seen throughout the day and night, they are mostly crepuscular animals, meaning they tend to appear most commonly at dawn and dusk. During these times, visibility is lower so slow down and use high-beam headlights to see better—but be sure to tone them down when oncoming traffic approaches in order not to obscure other drivers' vision. Bright lights can reflect off the eyes of deer and make it easier to spot them in the dark. While your regular headlights will reflect off a deer’s eyes from nearby, your high beams will cast light further and will help you spot deer from a greater distance. By looking out for that reflection, you should have more time to slow down and pass the deer safely.

2. Pay Attention To Deer Crossing Signs

Deer crossing signs indicate that deer are frequently in the area and at least five deer-car related accidents have occurred in that spot within a twelve-month period. Be alert and observe your surroundings for any signs of wildlife while on the road.

3. Stay Alert If You Spot A Deer

Use caution if you spot a deer near the roadway and be ready to apply your brakes as soon as possible if you see one approaching. Reduce your speed even if a deer crosses the road far in advance of your car. Deer are herd animals, so wherever one is found, there will probably be more nearby.

4. Take Precautions When Driving At Night

Driving at night can strain our eyes, so stay safe by driving at a moderate speed. Turn on your high beams if there is no oncoming traffic so that you can see more clearly and increase your chances of spotting a deer from a distance.

5. Do Not Swerve To Avoid Hitting A Deer

If a deer comes into your lane, stay calm and brake firmly. Deer are unpredictable, and you could inadvertently swerve directly into their path in your attempt to avoid them. Swerving could also cause you to lose control of your vehicle and run off the road, or worse yet, it may put you at risk of a collision with another vehicle or object.

What To Do If You Hit A Deer

● As soon as it is safe to do so, move to the side of the road.

● Turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle until it is safe to exit.

● If there are any injuries, dial 911. If there is property damage, contact the local nonemergency number.

● Keep your distance from the deer. If it is still alive, it could be confused and hurt, and become dangerous if approached.

● If the deer is on a part of the road where other drivers may come into contact with it, inform the authorities so that they can remove it.

The best way to avoid a collision with a deer is to drive defensively. Keep your eyes peeled for those bucks and does. If you or a loved one has been has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Hirsch Andrade, LLP. Call us at (203) 331-8888 or visit our website for a free consultation today.

Nighttime driving presents unique difficulties that daytime drivers do not have to deal with. You are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal traffic accident at night. The main reason—not surprisingly—is that many people cannot see well in the dark.

Fortunately, there are some safety precautions you can follow to avoid the inherent hazards of nighttime driving:

Drive Sober

Driving under the influence is dangerous and ruins lives. The number of drunk driving fatalities quadruples at night. If you do not have a designated driver, take a cab or public transportation. There is never a good excuse to drive impaired.

Avoid 2-Lane Highways

When it’s dark out, two-lane highways pose a unique risk to drivers due to the nighttime glare from oncoming cars' headlights. If you can, take a safer route at night. If you are unable to avoid a two-lane highway, make sure you know what to do when approaching another vehicle at night:

• When approaching from the front, dim your headlights. Using high beams can disorient the oncoming driver and increase the risk of an accident.
• When approaching from behind, follow at a distance of approximately three to six seconds, in order to allow for ample response time. Also, make sure to dim your headlights.

Don’t Tailgate: Slow Down and Increase Distance

We are all in a hurry to get home, but it is much more likely that you will arrive safely if you slow down and do not tailgate. Using your headlights will help you gauge your distance and stop time. If you cannot stop inside the lit area, you are too close to the car in front of you.

The 3-second rule is another way to estimate your distance from the vehicle in front of you—when driving, pick a non-moving object along the road, like a tree or a telephone pole, and when the vehicle in front of you passes that object, start counting in your head. During the daytime, there should be at least a 3-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. If driving at night, you should double this to a 6-second gap.

Never Drive Drowsy

Drowsy driving is the dangerous combination of driving while fatigued, which statistically happens more at night. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving contributes to 100,000 crashes each year as reported by police.

Driving when tired impairs one’s driving, similar to the effects of drugs and alcohol. Drowsy drivers have slower reaction time and become less aware. If you feel tired, stop at a rest area or gas station to take a break, stretch your legs, or get some food.

Maintain Your Windshield and Wipers

Windshields that are dirty or broken can scatter light and increase the effects of glare. Remove bugs, road salt, and dirt from the exterior windshield, and use a microfiber towel to wipe down the cloudy residue buildup on the interior windshield. Make sure to have any cracks or scratches fixed as soon as possible.

To prevent wiper blades from becoming brittle, cracked, or torn, they should be replaced every six months or as soon as you notice a downgrade in driving visibility.

Use High Beams Whenever Possible

When driving at night on open or rural roads, use your high beams. As opposed to standard lights, which have a range of 250 feet, high beams will allow you to see a distance of 500 feet.

If you see an oncoming vehicle, dim your lights until you have passed each other because high beams can be blinding and create severe glare for on-coming drivers. When you are following another vehicle, do not use high beams as the glare in their rearview mirror can be distracting or impede their vision.

Exercise Caution When Driving At Night

Use all of your defensive driving skills when driving at night. Staying alert and following the above precautions can help keep you and those around you safe.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Hirsch Andrade, LLP. Call us at (203) 331-8888 or visit our website for a free consultation today.

When the sun is shining, it can be hard to focus on anything other than getting in the car and heading out. Regardless of how much or little you expect to be driving in hot weather, it is a good idea to give your vehicle a good once-over to ensure it is ready before every road trip. Prevention and planning may take a little time up front but can spare you from dealing with the consequences of a breakdown—or worse yet, an accident.

To be prepared for Connecticut’s hot summer and late autumn heat waves, be sure to monitor and maintain your car using the following checklist:

Tire Blowout Prevention

To prevent tire blowouts during hot weather, have your tires inspected monthly, especially before long trips. You should also rotate your tires regularly. Tire rotations prevent uneven tire wear and help ensure that all tires have the same amount of tread. Tires become more likely to fail as they get worn down.

Monitor Your Tire Pressure

Tires expand when exposed to heat, so it is important to maintain the correct pressure to prevent trouble with your vehicle. Overinflated and underinflated tires can lead to early treadwear and the possibility of tire explosion.

It is a good idea to check your tire pressure regularly when you visit a gas station (or at home if you own a tire pressure gauge).

Check Your Fluids

Monitoring your vehicle’s fluids can save you a lot of hassle during hot weather months. We all need water to stay active and prevent dehydration, and your vehicle isn’t any different. You should check the following fluids on a regular basis:

● Brake fluid

● Motor oil

● Coolant

● Windshield wiper fluid

● Power-steering fluid

● Transmission fluid

Replace Your Old Battery

Heat is one of the worst enemies to your car battery as it can lead to internal breakdowns. In addition, extreme heat can evaporate your battery fluid which leads to corrosion on connections and terminals.

The typical car battery lasts for five years. However, a battery can last shorter or longer depending on the way you drive and the weather. It's recommended that you have your battery inspected twice a year.

Get Your Car Belts and Hoses Inspected

Your belts and hoses may need to be replaced if they crack, blister, or suffer other damage due to intense heat. Hoses and belts are essential to keeping your car cool; when they break down from the heat, they can cause your radiator to overheat, which can permanently render your vehicle out of service.

Make Sure Your Car's Interior Stays Cool

To get the most out of your cooling system, get the cabin air filter in your car inspected (and replaced, if necessary).

Invest in an Emergency Kit for Your Car

An emergency vehicle kit is great to have in your car year-round. You should keep your kit somewhere safe and accessible, and it should include the following items:

● A first aid kit

● Water

● Jumper cables

● Road flares

● A flashlight

● Nonperishable food items

An emergency kit is something you hope you’ll never need to use, but you’ll be grateful you have it if the need ever arises!

,Hirsch Andrade, LLP is a dedicated personal injury law firm. If you or a loved one has been injured by a reckless or negligent driver, contact us. ,Visit our website or call us at (203) 331-8888 for a free consultation.

We know you can picture it: the car behind you getting so close to your bumper that you can’t see their headlights while driving down the road. This is commonly referred to as tailgating. Tailgating is one of the leading causes of most vehicle collisions. Other common causes are speeding and road rage, and there are numerous other traffic situations that we face every day that can be just as dangerous. Here are five of the most dangerous traffic situations:

Intersections

Many motor vehicle collisions occur at intersections that have stop signs or traffic lights. This is mostly due to drivers not paying enough attention to the signs or lights, or are in a hurry to get somewhere.

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HDLI) collected data which indicated that nearly half of all urban-area crashes occur at intersections. It is estimated that 1.7 million crashes occur at intersections every year.

To avoid an intersection collision, the simplest solution is to pay attention; not just to yourself but also to others on the roadway. Another solution is to drive defensively, and yield the right-of-way when appropriate. As we all know, though it may be your turn to go at a four-way stop, someone else may not realize that it is not their turn.

Exiting the Vehicle

Whether it’s exiting your vehicle after it has broken down, helping out at an accident scene, it is important to be aware that doing so in a driving lane can be extremely dangerous. Many accidents are caused by distracted drivers hitting people who have stepped out of their vehicle.

Stay in your vehicle if you’ve been in an accident, unless you can maneuver it to a safe spot. If you want to assist another motorist, it is best to call the police or a tow truck company.

Left-Hand Turns

The best thing you can do when making a left turn is to be patient. Take your left turn when you are absolutely sure it is safe to do so. You may think you can beat the oncoming vehicle but, statistically speaking, trying to beat that car is a bad idea.

Also, always use your turn signal to alert other motorists and pedestrians on the roadway of your intention to turn left.

Uphill Drives

Driving up a hill can be scary for numerous reasons, including because you may not be able to see what is at the top of the hill. There may be an accident, or a deer in the road, or a stopped school bus letting children out.

Make sure you’re paying attention to any and all signs on hills to avoid accidents. Most importantly, slow down when you're nearing the top of the hill to make it easier to stop if there is an unforeseen hazard.

A Trucker's Blind Spot

A helpful tip: if you cannot see a tractor-trailer’s side view mirror, chances are the driver cannot see you. Give big trucks lots of room to maneuver, and try not to place yourself directly beside them.

,Contact Hirsch Andrade, LLP for a free consultation about your legal right to compensation if you have been injured. ,Visit our website or call us at (203) 331-8888.

At Hirsch Andrade, LLP, we keep our clients informed about their case throughout the claim process. During client discussions, we are frequently asked to explain some of the legal terms we use, which some may find confusing.

We compiled the following list of frequently-used legal terms that you may come across during your personal injury case.

Admissible

This describes evidence that can be considered by a jury or a judge.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) means resolving disputes outside of court. Unlike litigation, which will have a binary outcome (win or lose), parties can use ADR to tailor the desired outcome.

ADR includes negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. The ADR process allows parties to combine these methods and tailor the rules to fit their needs.

Appeal

When an injured person (plaintiff) files a personal injury claim against another party (defendant), the dispute can sometimes result in a civil trial. If the plaintiff is unhappy with the result of the trial, he/she has the option to appeal the court’s decision.

Bench Trial

Trial without a jury. The judge serves as the fact-finder. This would mean that the judge reviews the evidence and listens to the arguments of counsel before rendering a decision.

Damages

Money that a defendant must pay a plaintiff in a civil case if the plaintiff wins. Damages may be compensatory (for loss or injury) or punitive (to punish and deter further misconduct).

Defendant

An individual who the lawsuit is against.

Discovery

Procedures used to obtain disclosure of evidence before trial.

Due Process

Due process is a requirement that legal matters be resolved according to established rules and principles, and that individuals be treated fairly.

Hearsay

Evidence that has been presented by a witness who did not see or hear the incident in question. Rather, they heard about it from someone else.

Impeachment

The process of calling a witness’s testimony into doubt.

Litigation

Litigation is the act of bringing a case to court to settle a dispute. The term describes the actual legal process where parties argue their case against each other in our court system.

Negligence

Negligence is a key factor in personal injury claims and lawsuits. If an individual or entity has been negligent or guilty of wrongdoing which causes the unnecessary injuries of another, the negligent party(ies) may be held legally responsible.

Prosecution

The conduct of legal proceedings against someone.

Tort

A civil wrong. Negligent or intentional injury against a person or property.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In an accident, the insurance of the at-fault person is supposed to compensate the other injured person. If the at-fault party's policy has a limit below the cost of the damages, the injured party's underinsured motorist coverage would cover the rest, up to the limits of said coverage.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is a component of an auto insurance policy that provides coverage when an injured person is involved in an accident and (1) the at-fault driver does not have insurance; (2) the at-fault vehicle does not have insurance; (3) the at-fault driver flees the scene; (4) the at-fault vehicle was stolen.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to the dedicated personal injury attorneys at Hirsch Andrade, LLP. Call us at (203) 331-8888 for a free consultation today.

The American legal system is chock full of words and phrases that can be difficult for the average person to fully comprehend, often causing confusion between what is fact and fiction.

In this blog, we will debunk a few of the most common misconceptions within personal injury law:

Myth: I can't afford to hire a personal injury attorney to represent me.

Truth: Like many personal injury attorneys, Hirsch Andrade, LLP operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that you owe nothing until we recover a settlement or verdict for you. We advance all of the expenses to professionally prepare your case at our own risk. If the case is lost, our legal team absorbs the costs.

Myth: My injury isn’t that severe, so I’m sure an attorney won’t be able to help me.

Truth: There are many times when an injury may not seem severe immediately after the incident. Thus, it is important to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible following the incident. If you are in pain and are incurring medical bills, this is an indication that you likely have a personal injury case and need professional assistance.

Myth: The insurance company will handle everything. I don’t need a lawyer.

Truth: Insurance companies prioritize profits over people. They are not in the business of ensuring that your financial, physical, emotional, and medical needs are being met. Contact one of the personal injury attorneys at Hirsch Andrade, LLP who will advocate for your needs to get you the full compensation you deserve.

Myth: If I hire an attorney then my case will have to go to court.

Truth: Most personal injury cases are settled out of court, so that injured people rarely see the inside of a courtroom.

Myth: Social media posts can’t be used as proof in a legal case.

Truth: As you may know from TV shows, anything you say can, and will, be used against you in a court of law. Posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be found by insurance companies and their investigators, to be manipulated during litigation and potentially used as evidence against you. You do not necessarily need to be in a formal courtroom setting for such posts to reflect poorly on you.

Myth: Every attorney is the same.

Truth: No two attorneys are the same. Every attorney has their own unique skill set and expertise within their practice areas. At Hirsch Andrade, LLP, every case is handled by our entire team, each an established leader in Connecticut's legal community.

If you are in an accident, even a minor injury can affect your physical health, emotional well-being, and financial security. Small injuries like a broken bone may not seem like a big deal at the time, but could have a profound and lasting impact on your health and ability to work going forward. It’s recommended that you speak with a personal injury attorney after sustaining any injury. Contact Hirsch Andrade, LLP at (203) 331-8888 for a free consultation.

Personal injury claims can go beyond property damage and physical injuries. Emotional distress is another type of damage that may be evaluated within your claim.

Can emotional distress be considered a personal injury? In short, yes. The long answer, however, can be a little more complicated. Emotional damages can be caused by the stress from the accident, or mental anguish caused by the changes in a victim’s life from the physical injuries. In this article, we will cover what you need to know about emotional distress, how it impacts personal injury cases, and how you can seek compensation.

What Is Emotional Distress?

Within personal injury law, emotional distress can be defined as any non-physical damage incurred from your accident or injury. Emotional distress is a subjective type of harm and can differ from person to person—it can be specific or general. Some types of emotional distress include depression, anxiety, fear, insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) and other psychological issues.

When Is Emotional Distress Considered a Personal Injury?

With Physical Injury

In most personal injury cases, emotional distress compensation accompanies the legal damages claimed with a physical injury due to the stress and anguish caused by both the accident and the injuries.

Without Physical Injury

Emotional damage alone is typically difficult to claim without a related physical injury. The law does provide for such damages under certain circumstances, such as an injury to a close relative.

Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress

While an intentional infliction of emotional distress claim is not as common as a claim for emotional distress damages, it can be filed as a separate claim during a personal injury lawsuit. This claim will require proof that the defendant was either grossly negligent or intended to cause emotional or mental harm.

How Can You Prove Emotional Distress in Court?

Emotional distress is almost entirely psychological (except for physical harm caused by emotional suffering). This makes it more difficult to prove in court since, unlike physical damages, it cannot be seen. Some ways to prove emotional distress include:

• an evaluation from a mental health professional,
• testimony from loved ones,
• first-hand accounts from the victim (such as from a journal, diary, and other ways to record your life and feelings).

The monetary amount to be claimed for emotional distress damages varies depending on your particular case and circumstances. This makes it all the more important to communicate to your doctor and loved ones about your psychological symptoms, as well as to keep detailed records for evidence.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive for Emotional Distress?

As mentioned before, the compensation for emotional distress varies depending on the situation. Some factors that can affect your compensation are:

• Evidence: The amount of evidence you have to showcase the severity of your emotional distress may influence your compensation amount.
• The severity of injuries: You are more likely to receive a higher emotional damage award if you suffered a long-term or complex physical injury due to the accident.
• Your personal injury lawyer: The caliber and expertise of the attorney representing you can play a huge role in ensuring that you receive fair compensation.

Hiring an attorney who is highly experienced in personal injury litigation will help alleviate your stress and tension by guiding you each step of the way and explaining in detail everything that needs to be done during your personal injury case. At Hirsch Andrade, LLP we know that accidents can be both physically and emotionally devastating. We are here to help. If you or a loved one has been injured in an incident due to someone else’s negligence, contact us at 203-331-8888.

If you have been injured in a motor-vehicle collision, it is only natural to want compensation for your medical bills, the time that you were out of work recovering, and for the pain, the suffering, and the effect on your life’s activities. If you are thinking about pursuing legal action after a motor vehicle collision, discover what kind of evidence is important in a Car Injury Case in Connecticut.

What Evidence Is Important In A Car Injury Case in Connecticut?

Medical Records

If you are pursuing legal action following a motor-vehicle collision that resulted in an injury, it is absolutely crucial that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to obtain and organize all of your hospital records and medical records. These records are essential because they show not only the severity of your injury and the course of treatment, but also the cost of the medical care you had to undergo due to the actions of another.

Photographs

Photographic evidence will strengthen your case if you have been injured in a motor-vehicle collision. If possible, obtain and preserve photographs of your injuries to further document their severity. Also, if you can, you should photograph the collision scene and the involved vehicles. This may assist in demonstrating how the collision occurred, which can also help establish the nature of the motor vehicle collision and the extent of the property damage.

Video

Video evidence is compelling, whether it be taken after the collision or through devices such as a dashboard camera. This can present an unbiased picture for a jury regarding what occurred. It is even better if you can capture footage of the damage to your vehicle.

Party Admissions

While video evidence is incredibly compelling, party admissions can help to establish liability and strengthen your case. An at-fault party may admit fault to the person they injured while apologizing at the scene of the accident. Other times, the at-fault party will admit fault to a law enforcement officer who responded to the scene. Such evidence may be compelling and help make your case.

Witness Testimony

Witness testimony may help you strengthen your case. While the strongest witness testimony will come from someone who has no connection to you, anyone else in your vehicle, or anyone in the other vehicle or vehicles involved in the collision, can be very helpful with establishing the fault of the other driver(s). An experienced personal injury attorney can help you by speaking with witnesses and assessing the value of their potential testimony.

If you’ve been hurt in a car wreck, you are entitled to be compensated for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and more. You should hire a personal injury attorney to help you gather evidence like medical records, photographs, witness testimony, and video evidence to strengthen your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact us today at Hirsch Andrade, LLP for a free consultation.

Wrongful death cases are very emotional and oftentimes can be extremely complicated. As a result, experience matters when handling such cases. Although not every wrongful death case goes to court, it must be prepared as if it will. Here is why you should never go to court without experienced representation in a wrongful death case.

4 Reasons Not to Go to Court Without an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney

Resources

To successfully bring a wrongful death case, your attorney will need to hire multiple types of experts to work (and possibly testify) on your behalf. For example, your loved one’s case may require medical expert witnesses to testify about the injuries suffered by your loved one and why the applicable standard of care was violated. Or the case may require an accident reconstructionist who can explain to a jury what happened and in what sequence. A financial expert may also be necessary to calculate both current and future financial damages your loved one and/or you suffered. Moreover, you will probably need an investigator to locate eyewitnesses and other pieces of evidence to complete the picture of the events that led up to the wrongful death. If the wrongful death arose out of medical malpractice, you are required to hire a medical expert to prove negligence on the part of the medical provider. Experienced wrongful death attorneys have access to the resources necessary to prove the wrongful death case in Court.

Experience

This is an obvious reason why you should retain a wrongful death attorney. You want to make sure to hire an attorney who has experience with every aspect of a wrongful death case, including having successfully taken a case to verdict. An experienced wrongful death attorney will make sure to work with the deceased’s estate throughout the case and to work tirelessly to preserve evidence, secure expert witnesses, and document all aspects of your case. Experienced law firms that take the time to prepare as if each case will go to trial have greater success with achieving better results, as the defendant is more likely to want to resolve the case if the attorney you hired is an experienced and successful wrongful death attorney. An experienced wrongful death attorney will always make sure to work diligently and intelligently on your loved one’s behalf. In addition, it is very beneficial for a judge or jury to see someone confident, competent, and composed presenting your case, and an experienced wrongful death attorney will do just that.

Contingent Payment

Most wrongful death attorneys operate on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay anything unless you receive a settlement or award. This means the attorney will put everything into winning your case, because otherwise, they do not get paid. However, you get all the benefits an attorney has without coming up with expensive fees out of your pocket. This arrangement essentially ensures that the attorney is taking all the risk of litigating your case.

Emotion

The death of a loved one due to a wrongful act by another person is a very traumatic and emotional event. An experienced wrongful death attorney will be compassionate and will care deeply about you and your loved one’s case. An experienced wrongful death attorney will make sure to effectively communicate with your loved one’s estate and to always listen and be mindful of how emotionally fraught losing a loved one can be. Having an experienced wrongful death attorney helps to remove the added stress of a wrongful death case. You should concentrate on healing, so you should make sure to hire an experienced wrongful death attorney to competently advocate on your loved one’s behalf.

We at Hirsch Andrade, LLP have had the honor and privilege of representing individuals and families whose loved ones have suffered a wrongful death and have taken many of those cases to trial. Contact Hirsch Andrade, LLP at (203) 331-8888 to schedule your consultation with our expert attorneys today.