The Malowitz Law Firm, LLCStamford Personal Injury Attorney | Car & Motorcycle Accidents2026-05-21T20:26:36Zhttps://www.malowitzlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1201468/2021/03/cropped-favicon-wesley512-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[We’re entering a dangerous driving period]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500362026-05-21T20:26:36Z2026-05-21T20:26:36ZAs the days speed by, the mercury climbs. Soon, it will be summer vacation for students of all ages here in Stamford, including the newly licensed teenagers.There is a general uptick in traffic patterns during the summer months because more people are on the roads and highways. Below is some information about the upcoming 100 deadliest days of summer.
Summer driving statistics for teens
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that due to their inexperience, teen drivers get into collisions at three times the rate of their older counterparts (based on driven miles). Distracted driving by teens causes or contributes to at least 60% of collisions. Distracted driving examples include:
Driving with more than one passenger
Drowsy driving
Interacting with cellphones
Eating or drinking behind the wheel
Driving too fast
Drinking or using drugs and driving
These are not the only causes of teen distractions, but they are some of the most common.
How you can better protect your family
Make sure all teens know to never ride with an intoxicated or drugged driver. Assure them you will always pick them up when they call. Adults and families traveling on vacation should allow extra time to navigate the route to their destinations.
Were you injured in an auto accident?
If you get hurt in a car accident that was caused by a teen driver or anyone else, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, losses and other damages. Your first priority after a wreck is to seek medical treatment.Later, you can file a claim for damages to initiate the civil personal injury process and hold the other driver liable for the damage they caused.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[What happens after a hit-and-run accident in Connecticut?]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500352026-05-08T11:08:30Z2026-05-08T11:08:30ZWhat to do in the first hour
Your first priority is safety. Move to a secure spot if you can, then call 911 to report injuries and request police response. Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle, including color, make, partial plate and direction of travel. Photos of the damage, the scene and any debris left behind can help investigators later.
Connecticut requires drivers to report any crash involving injury, death or property damage that appears to exceed $1,000 to law enforcement. The investigating officer files a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and you should request a copy once it's available. Insurers typically expect notice within days, not weeks.
How Connecticut treats the driver who fled
Leaving the scene is a separate criminal offense from causing the crash itself. Connecticut’s evading responsibility statute sets penalties for fleeing drivers based on the harm caused, ranging from a misdemeanor for property-damage-only crashes to a felony with up to 20 years in prison when someone dies or suffers serious injuries.
Prosecutors must show the driver knew an accident occurred, which is why even minor contact can trigger charges if the other driver kept going. That said, criminal penalties punish the offender, but they do not pay your medical bills or repair your car.
Getting compensated when the driver isn't found
This is where many hit-and-run victims feel stuck, but Connecticut builds a safety net into every auto policy. State law treats hit-and-run drivers as uninsured for insurance purposes, which means your own coverage for at-fault driver gaps typically steps in.
Under Connecticut's uninsured motorist coverage statute, every auto policy issued in the state must include uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection at limits equal to the policy’s liability coverage, unless the policyholder elects lower limits in writing. Conditions still apply: you must report the crash promptly, though Connecticut law does not always require physical contact between vehicles to pursue a “phantom driver” claim. Collision coverage, if carried, can address vehicle damage subject to the deductible.
Connecticut also applies a two-year statute of limitations to personal injury claims from car accidents, so the window to act is shorter than it feels.
What to keep on file while your claim moves forward
Save everything: medical records, repair estimates, lost wages and any communication with police or insurers. You may choose to consult with a lawyer before providing recorded statements to your insurance company before understanding what the policy covers. If the at-fault driver is later identified, a direct claim against them can run alongside the UM/UIM claim.
A hit-and-run leaves you with two parallel tracks: a criminal investigation you don't control and a civil claim you do. Knowing the difference is what turns a frustrating situation into a recoverable one. If a fleeing driver injured you in Fairfield County, review your policy and the police report with an attorney who handles these claims, and do it well before the two-year clock runs out.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[State lawmakers consider expanding workers’ comp PTSD benefits]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500342026-05-07T06:26:08Z2026-05-07T06:26:08ZIncreasingly, workers’ compensation authorities throughout the country are recognizing that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common work-related condition in first responders and other frontline workers and are making benefits less challenging to obtain.
Just two years ago, Connecticut expanded workers’ comp coverage of what is referred to under the law as post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) to include those in certain jobs who witness a death or an injury that eventually is fatal or who have physical contact with them. The law also covers those who see someone suffer a traumatic physical injury “that results in the loss of a vital body part or a vital body function that results in permanent disfigurement of the victim.” The law applies to anyone who is a “police officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, Department of Correction employee, telecommunicator or health care provider….” The term “witness” can apply to 911 dispatchers and anyone else who “hears by telephone or radio while directly responding to an emergency call that constitutes a qualifying event….”
How would the law change?
Now, Connecticut state lawmakers are considering a modification to the law that would add more scenarios to the list of qualifying events. Specifically, the bill that’s being considered would add witnessing “a serious physical injury to a person that does not result in (I) the death of such person, or (II) the loss of a vital body part or a vital body function that results in a permanent disfigurement of such person.”In other words, if they witness the type of injury that could cause death or significant, permanent physical damage, the victim wouldn’t need to have suffered those fates for a first responder or health care provider to receive workers’ comp benefits.One Bridgeport police officer who testified before lawmakers on behalf of the proposed change said, “This bill fixes a serious flaw in our current PTSD workers’ compensation law.” Frontline workers witness catastrophic injuries that can cause trauma regardless of the outcome of the injury. The fact that they may have survived doesn’t make what they saw any less difficult.Getting workers’ comp benefits for work-related mental health conditions involving post-traumatic stress can still be more challenging than it is to get compensation for physical injuries that are generally more easily documented and linked to a person’s job. Getting experienced legal guidance can help improve the chances of a favorable outcome.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[3 types of photos to take after a crash]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500332026-04-23T02:21:14Z2026-04-23T02:21:14Zthree areas to focus on.
Pictures of the scene
Begin by taking photographs or videos of the entire accident scene. This includes all vehicles that were involved, nearby traffic signals or road designs, and the position of those vehicles after the crash. These pictures can be useful when determining who made a negligent mistake and caused the accident.
Pictures of damage to your vehicle
Next, take pictures of any damage that happened in the accident. For one thing, you want to demonstrate that the damage came from that specific accident and should be included. Additionally, it can help demonstrate how the accident occurred. Damage to the front of your car tells a very different story than damage to the rear quarter panel.
Pictures of your injuries
Similarly, if you have suffered injuries, taking photographs can help show how you were hurt in the accident. Along with your medical bills, this documentation can be used to show that you deserve compensation for direct medical costs, long-term care needs, pain and suffering and much more. Getting immediate medical attention and documentation by medical professionals can be critical in tying your injuries to the crash.
Your legal options after a car accident
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, then it is important to know what legal steps you can take to seek compensation. Taking photos is just one of the first steps, and an experienced attorney can guide you moving forward.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[How does Connecticut compare faults in watercraft injuries?]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500312026-03-30T14:37:36Z2026-03-30T14:09:31ZA day on the water is a big part of life in Connecticut, yet an accident can quickly raise tough questions about who is responsible. In many situations, the amount of money you might recover depends on how your actions compare to those of others involved. With that in mind, learning how these rules work may help you handle the aftermath of a watercraft accident with clearer expectations.
Understanding the role of comparative negligence
Connecticut follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. In simple terms, if you share some blame for an accident, your share of fault may reduce your recovery. For example, if you are 20% responsible for a crash and your losses total $100,000, you might recover $80,000.State law also sets a limit often called the 50% bar. In general, if your share of fault is more than the other parties combined, you may not recover damages. Because of this, even small details can influence how others assign fault.
Reviewing differences on open waters
Not every boating accident follows the same rules. When an accident happens on navigable waters, such as Long Island Sound or large parts of the Connecticut River, federal maritime law may apply instead of state law.Unlike the 50% rule used in many land based cases, maritime law often follows a pure comparative negligence system. Under this approach, you might still recover some damages even if you carry more of the blame. As a result, where the accident happens can play a major role in how a claim turns out.
Identifying common scenarios of shared responsibility
Responsibility on the water often involves more than one person. Investigators and insurance companies usually look at several common situations when they decide how to divide fault:
Speed and awareness: One operator drives too fast for conditions while another fails to keep a proper lookout.
Safety and distractions: One passenger ignores safety rules while another creates a distraction that affects operation.
Judgment and visibility: Two operators misjudge distance while navigating in low visibility, such as fog or low light.
These examples show how shared fault can come from a mix of actions rather than a single mistake.
Prioritizing documentation and evidence collection
Because your recovery may depend on your share of fault, the details you gather after a motor vehicle accident can matter. You might consider taking clear photos, getting contact details from others involved and speaking with witnesses if you can. In many cases, these steps can help paint a clearer picture of what happened and support a fair review of responsibility.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[What serious injuries do truck crashes usually cause?]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500302026-03-13T15:26:49Z2026-03-18T14:54:59ZSpinal cord damage
The massive weight of a semi-truck can easily crush a car and sever a victim's spinal cord. This trauma can result in partial or total paralysis. A spinal cord injury frequently requires permanent home modifications and long-term medical assistance.
Traumatic brain injury
The sudden jolt of a truck impact may cause the brain and skull to collide with extreme force. This can lead to permanent cognitive impairment or memory loss. A catastrophic brain injury may require a lifetime of expensive care and specialized therapy.
Severe bone fracture
In addition, a truck collision can result in a complex fracture where the bone breaks through the skin. This injury carries a high risk of infection and sometimes requires amputation. Multiple surgeries are often necessary to stabilize the skeletal system after such a forceful impact.
Internal organ trauma
Meanwhile, blunt force from a violent truck crash can cause deep internal bleeding or organ rupture. This hidden injury can become fatal if a medical team does not detect it immediately. Surgeons often must perform emergency procedures to repair the liver, spleen or lungs.
Aiming to pursue accountability and recovery
Rebuilding a life after the devastation of a truck accident can be daunting and overwhelming. By seeking legal guidance, victims may better navigate the process of fighting for full and fair compensation. Also, having legal counsel may help them advocate for their rights as they aim to pursue accountability and recovery.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Common mistakes to avoid after a car accident]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500272026-03-10T23:01:31Z2026-03-10T23:01:31ZLeaving the scene
Under Connecticut law, leaving the scene of an accident when it involves property damage, injury or death is illegal. While some drivers may panic because of their ‘fight or flight’ response, evading responsibility can lead to a misdemeanor or a felony charge, large fines and possible jail time.
Neglecting medical care
Even if the crash was only minor, drivers must not ignore their symptoms or delay seeking medical care. This is because not all crash injuries are visible (e.g. whiplash, internal bleeding) and can worsen without proper treatment.
Going to the hospital after the incident ensures that drivers have a record of their crash-related injuries and its medical costs, which they can use as evidence in their personal injury claims.
Admitting fault
When drivers are involved in a car collision, they may feel apologetic and unintentionally say the wrong things, such as admitting fault at the scene. This simple statement may imply that they were liable for the crash, which can negatively affect their insurance claims.
Avoiding these mistakes can protect a driver’s legal rights
When drivers learn about which common pitfalls they need to look out for, they can prioritize their safety and make informed decisions about their situations. This practice not only protect their rights but also help them avoid fines and legal consequences.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Tools and heavy equipment can cause vibration injuries]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500252026-03-04T02:57:05Z2026-03-04T02:57:05ZHow are vibrations dangerous?
The human body isn't meant to withstand constant exposure to powerful vibrations. Many construction workers develop conditions that affect their hands and arms because they need to hold power tools for hours every day.
Over time, the vibrational force they experience can affect their grip strength and range of motion. They may find it more difficult to continue using the tools of their trade. More powerful machinery can also cause an assortment of vibration-related medical challenges.
Those who work in construction may struggle to continue using the same tools and maintaining the necessary level of efficiency on the job site when vibration exposure damages their bodies. If they develop conditions caused by power tools and heavy equipment, construction workers may need a change of job responsibilities or medical care.
Workers’ compensation benefits can help those who develop medical issues due to the tools they handle at work. Applying for workers' compensation can help injured construction professionals replace lost wages, augment their reduced earning potential if they require light-duty work and pay for the cost of their medical care.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Who chooses the doctor in a Connecticut workers’ comp claim?]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500242026-02-19T03:38:11Z2026-02-19T03:38:11ZThe worker has the right to choose
Connecticut state law empowers injured employees to make choices regarding who provides their care. Many times, workers may have the option of selecting their primary care physician or another medical worker whom they know and trust.
The options may be subject to limitations in cases where the employer is part of a medical care plan. In such cases, the injured worker should receive a list of physicians participating in the plan, and they can choose their doctor from that list.
Injured employees also have the right to change their physician if there is a disagreement about the worker’s treatment. Employees who understand their rights can seek the best care possible and assert themselves when there are questions about their diagnosis, functional limitations or treatment plans.
Having experienced legal guidance throughout the workers' compensation claims process can help workers understand their rights and pursue the benefits that they deserve. This can also be a great benefit should any issue arise during the claim.]]>On Behalf of The Malowitz Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[3 common examples of negligent security practices]]>https://www.malowitzlaw.com/?p=500232026-02-06T03:40:07Z2026-02-06T03:40:07Z1. Proper lighting
Lighting both inside and outside of a business can help deter crimes. Parking lot lights can reduce criminal activity outside of a business. Proper lighting inside, especially in secluded areas, can also help reduce the risk of violent crimes against visitors.
2. Adequate staff training
There are different security concerns in every business sector, and company leaders should ensure their employees are aware of the most likely risks. From training employees how to handle a robbery at a grocery store to ensuring that bartenders know to watch for people slipping drugs into customers’ drinks, there are many ways to train workers to reduce the likelihood of a crime commonly associated with a certain business.
3. Visible security services
There are many types of security services that can deter criminal activity. The presence of visible security cameras or security professionals patrolling the premises can convince opportunistic criminals to move on to a different location.
If reasonable and appropriate security investments could have prevented a crime, the person injured in the incident may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. Reviewing how security issues may have contributed to a criminal issue with an experienced legal professional can help people evaluate their options after an assault or other preventable crime occurs on business property.]]>