After a car accident in New Haven: what to do next
After a crash in New Haven
A crash in New Haven can happen on a city street, in a parking lot, or on a major route that runs through the area, including I-95, I-91, Route 34, and U.S. Route 1. The first job is safety, not paperwork. If anyone may be hurt, or if vehicles are blocking traffic, call 911. Move out of the travel lane only if you can do so safely. If the vehicles cannot be moved, stay in a safe place and wait for police and emergency responders.
New Haven Police Department generally investigates crashes inside the city. Some limited-access highway incidents are investigated by the Connecticut State Police. Ask the officer at the scene which agency is writing the report, and write down the report or case number before you leave.
Information to gather at the scene
If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, license plates, street signs, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance company and policy number. Note nearby witnesses and their phone numbers. Keep conversations brief. You do not need to discuss fault at the scene.
Even if you feel relatively unhurt, consider getting a medical evaluation. Some injuries are not obvious right away. Following through with recommended care also creates a record of what happened and when you sought treatment.
How to get the official crash report
The official crash report usually comes from the investigating department, not from a public DMV crash-report website.
If New Haven Police investigated, start with the department’s published records-request page: https://www.newhavenct.gov/government/departments-divisions/new-haven-police-department/nhpd-reports-request. Follow the current instructions and fee information posted there.
If the Connecticut State Police investigated, use DESPP’s published process. Official instructions are at 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 law requires the investigating officer, in crashes with injury or death, or with more than $1,000 in property damage to any one person, to complete a uniform accident report (Connecticut General Statutes § 14-108a; official text in Chapter 246: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/PUB/chap_246.htm). Availability, redactions, and fees still depend on the investigating agency’s rules.
After you leave the scene
Notify your own insurer as your policy requires, and stick to basic facts. Be cautious about recorded statements to another driver’s insurer until you have decided whether to speak with an independent attorney. Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and a simple log of missed work and symptoms.
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 button below.