After a car accident in Cheshire or Meriden: what to do next
After a crash in the Cheshire–Meriden area
Cheshire and Meriden are neighboring communities along I-91, I-691, Route 15, and Route 10. A crash may be investigated by Cheshire Police, Meriden Police, or, on some highway segments, the Connecticut State Police. The first steps are the same: check for injuries, call 911 if anyone may be hurt or if vehicles are blocking traffic, and move the cars only if you can do so safely.
Before you leave, ask which department is writing the report and write down the report or case number. That is the agency you will contact later. AutoLawyerCT is a marketing service, not a law firm and not a public walk-in office for crash reports or legal advice.
What to document
If you are able, photograph the vehicles, plates, nearby signs or signals, road and weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange names, contact details, license and plate numbers, and insurance information. Collect witness names and phone numbers when you can. You do not need to argue about fault at the scene.
Consider medical care even if you feel only shaken. Some injuries are delayed. Keep every record you receive.
How to get the official crash report
Get the official report from the investigating department. The official crash report usually comes from the investigating department, not from a public DMV crash-report website.
- If Cheshire Police investigated, start with the town’s official records-request page: https://www.cheshirect.gov/217/Records-Request-Permit-Applications. Follow the current request method and any posted fees.
- If Meriden Police investigated, the Records Division’s official page is https://www.meridenct.gov/city-services/police/records-division/. That page states that accident reports are available 10 days after the accident, that report requests must be in writing, and that current copy fees are posted there. Use the contact method and fee schedule on the official page, because those details can change.
- If the Connecticut State Police investigated, follow DESPP’s instructions: https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-emergency-service-and-public-protection/reports-and-records/reports-and-records. A free Accident Information Summary, which DESPP describes as preliminary and not the official report, may be available for a limited time at https://accidents.despp.ct.gov.
Connecticut General Statutes § 14-108a requires the investigating officer, in crashes with injury or death or more than $1,000 in property damage to any one person, to complete a uniform accident report (official Chapter 246: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/PUB/chap_246.htm).
After you leave the scene
Notify your own insurer as required and keep the description factual. Be cautious about recorded statements to another driver’s insurance company until you have decided whether to speak with an independent Connecticut attorney. Store medical bills, repair estimates, and a simple timeline of symptoms and 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
- Cheshire records request / permit applications: https://www.cheshirect.gov/217/Records-Request-Permit-Applications
- Meriden Police Records Division: https://www.meridenct.gov/city-services/police/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