After a car accident in Bridgeport: what to do next
After a crash in Bridgeport
Bridgeport’s local streets connect to I-95 and the Route 8/25 corridor. After a collision, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone may be hurt or if traffic cannot get by safely. Move the vehicles only when it is safe and they can be driven. If they cannot be moved, wait for police in the safest place available.
Ask the officer for the investigating agency and the report number, and write both down. The Bridgeport Police Department often handles crashes in the city. Some highway incidents are handled by the Connecticut State Police. You will request the official report from whichever agency investigated.
What to collect at the scene
If you are able, take photos of all vehicles, license plates, nearby signals or signs, road conditions, and visible injuries. Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license and plate numbers, and insurance company and policy numbers. If people stopped to help or saw the crash, ask for their names and phone numbers. Keep the conversation short and avoid debating fault at the scene.
Consider medical care even when you feel you can walk away. Some injuries show up later. Keep copies of any discharge instructions, imaging, and follow-up appointments.
How to get the official crash report
Request the report from the investigating department. The official crash report usually comes from the investigating department, not from a public DMV crash-report website.
- The Bridgeport Police Department Records Division explains how to obtain accident reports in person, by mail, or through its posted online system, and it publishes current copy fees and phone guidance. Official page: https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/police-department/records-division. That page states that accident and incident reports are often available several business days after the crash, and it advises callers to confirm whether a particular report is ready. Follow the department’s current instructions.
- If the Connecticut State Police investigated, use DESPP’s official process: https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-emergency-service-and-public-protection/reports-and-records/reports-and-records. DESPP’s Accident Information Summary site, https://accidents.despp.ct.gov, provides preliminary information that DESPP says is not the official report.
For crashes with injury or death, or more than $1,000 in property damage to any one person, Connecticut law requires the investigating officer to complete a uniform accident report (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-108a; https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/PUB/chap_246.htm).
After the roadside period
Notify your own insurance company as your policy requires. Be cautious about recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer until you decide whether to speak with an independent Connecticut attorney. Keep a folder of medical bills, repair estimates, and notes about missed work.
Legal deadlines vary. Many Connecticut personal injury lawsuits have a two-year deadline, but exceptions and other deadlines may apply. Ask an independent Connecticut attorney promptly about your situation.
If you want to request a connection with an independent Connecticut attorney, use the Contact page: https://www.autolawyerct.com/contact. Completing the form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Any agreement for legal representation is between you and the attorney.
Disclaimer
AutoLawyerCT.com is a marketing service that connects people with independent Connecticut attorneys. It is not a law firm, is not a lawyer referral service, and does not give legal advice. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult an independent Connecticut attorney about your own situation.
Official sources cited
- Bridgeport Police Department Records Division: https://www.bridgeportct.gov/government/departments/police-department/records-division
- DESPP Reports and Records: https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-emergency-service-and-public-protection/reports-and-records/reports-and-records
- DESPP Accident Information Summary: https://accidents.despp.ct.gov
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-108a, Chapter 246: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/PUB/chap_246.htm