We Only Get Paid If You Do
A car accident can change everything in a single moment. One second, you’re driving along I‑84 or Chase Parkway, and the next, you’re facing medical bills, missed work, and pain that disrupts your entire routine. It happens more often than most people think. In 2024, there were more than 103,000 car accidents in Connecticut, injuring over 24,000 people. In Waterbury alone, there were more than 4,500 car accidents, with 1,231 accidents causing injuries or fatalities. These numbers are a stark reminder that crashes are not rare anomalies. Car accidents are sadly common, and the ripple effects can last for months or years.
When you’re trying to put things back together, you deserve someone who stands with you: someone who can advocate for your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for compensation that isn’t just a number but a meaningful part of your recovery. Our Waterbury car accident lawyers at DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. bring local insight, courtroom experience, and a results‑driven approach to every case we handle.
From the first call, you get straightforward guidance and steady follow-through. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact us today at (203) 756-7408 to schedule a free consultation. Our Connecticut personal injury attorneys can work diligently to turn your story into a strong Connecticut claim that puts your recovery first.
Milly keeps me informed about my case and is consistently effective. She answers all my calls and responds to my inquires in a timely manner. I feel confident that I made the appropriate choice with this firm…
Dan Petroskey and I have known each other professionally for many years, Dan truly cares about his clients best interests. I would highly recommend DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. Its refreshing to know they will work hard and diligent to achieve favorable…
I highly recommend Daniel Petroskey as an outstanding lawyer. He picked up an old case of mine and worked tirelessly to get me the best possible results. His expertise, dedication, and attention to detail…
At DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C., we blend Connecticut law with local relationships and courtroom experience, giving your case the attention and strategy it deserves. From Downtown Waterbury to Naugatuck, Watertown, and the surrounding towns in the valley, our firm represents individuals and families right here in your community. This local familiarity gives us a working knowledge of where accidents happen and how insurance companies tend to respond.
You deserve clear direction. We work with the key legal standards that affect every Connecticut car accident claim. We also know when to push for policy limit settlements, when to coordinate benefits to protect your net recovery, and how to time your medical record collection for maximum impact. Your case isn’t cookie-cutter, and our approach isn’t either. We adjust our strategy based on your injuries, your goals, and how the insurance company is handling your claim.
We start with a free consultation so you can get straightforward answers right away. If we take your case, you don’t pay us up front—we work on a contingency fee, so our fee comes from what we recover for you; if there’s no recovery, you owe no legal fee. Our team will work with you so you get the support you need, no matter the situation. If you need after-hours appointments or can’t leave your home or the hospital, we’ll meet you there or arrange a virtual visit, take down your story, and move quickly to protect your rights.
When you’re ready to move forward, contact DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. at (203) 756-7408 and let’s put a local, results-driven plan to work for you.
You’ll never be left in the dark. We keep clients informed every step of the way.
Excellent service and care! They have done right by me before and I will continue to use them as my law office of choice if further incidents were to arise. Dan Petroskey is/was especially kind and thorough with his process. Their level of …
Eugene Defronzo And Dan Petroskey Really represent their Clients to the fullest, very professional, and educated lawyers with lots experience and passion for their trade. Ivelisse and Milly were also great to speak with and Make you feel …
FYI to anyone looking for a great firm and attorneys that understand , believe and fight for their clients best interest. My apologies for the long review but it’s necessary to articulate the facts and blessings of finding this firm and the great attorneys and staff…
When you call, you speak directly with your attorney, not just a voicemail or assistant.
Dan Petroskey provides skilled and compassionate representation to clients injured in motor vehicle accidents in Waterbury and throughout Connecticut.
Since his admission to the bar in 2004, Dan has exclusively dedicated his practice to representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases, successfully advocating for thousands of clients injured due to the negligence of others, with extensive experience in car accidents and other such claims. Dan, along with the team at DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C., has built upon a legacy that has recovered millions of dollars for clients, approaching every new case with renewed dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Dan believes clients deserve an attorney who genuinely cares and treats them as real people whose lives have been significantly impacted and not just as case numbers. His approach combines thorough legal preparation with genuine empathy, ensuring each client feels heard, valued, and appreciated throughout the legal process. Beyond his practice, Dan is a seasoned member of the Connecticut legal community, recognized as a Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rated attorney, and is deeply connected to Waterbury through his work as Chairman of the Board for the Rivera Memorial Foundation.
A few clear steps in the first hour can protect your health and your claim. Here’s how to handle the scene after a car crash in Waterbury and throughout Connecticut: fast, calm, and on-point.
When anyone is hurt or there’s significant damage, call 911 so police and EMS come to you. Connecticut law requires drivers to stop, provide information, and render aid; leaving the scene is a crime under C.G.S. §14-224.
Officers who respond will create the official Connecticut Uniform Police Crash Report (PR-1). That report becomes a key record for insurers and any legal claim.
If you’re feeling shaky or have a headache, say so. Symptoms like dizziness, neck pain, or confusion can show up after adrenaline fades. Noting them at the scene helps your medical providers connect care to the collision.
Your phone is a powerful evidence tool. Take wide shots first, then move closer. Aim to capture the story of the impact, not just the damage.
This documentation can help show what happened before vehicles are moved or debris is swept away.
Go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care, even if you think you can “tough it out.” Prompt evaluation creates a clear link between the crash and your injuries, which can be critical for Connecticut insurance claims.
Start with the ER or urgent care, then follow up with your primary care doctor or referred specialists. Stick to the plan: imaging, physical therapy, medications, or referrals. Gaps in treatment are often used by insurers to downplay injuries. Keep a simple recovery journal that notes pain levels, missed work, and day-to-day limitations like sleep issues or trouble lifting a child.
Save every document: discharge summaries, prescriptions, physical therapy notes, and billing statements. If you receive letters about health insurance liens or subrogation, put them in the same folder as your medical records, as those will need to be reconciled when your claim is resolved.
If you want steady guidance from the first phone call, our skilled Waterbury Car Accident Lawyers from DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. can step in. We can help secure your PR-1 report, organize your evidence, communicate with insurers, and move your claim forward while you focus on healing.
Call (203) 756-7408 today for a free, local case review and get a plan that fits your situation.
As My first time having a motor vehicle accident and seeking compensation for my loss, I highly recommend the offices of Eugene Defronzo. They were very attentive to my case and never hesitated to answer any questions I had. Staff members are Very…
Ivelisse Cruz, the office manager/legal assistant of the firm, is one of the hardest workers I know! She is focused and determined to help her clients! She goes above and beyond for her clients’ needs. Her love of the law and justice gets …
I usually don’t write reviews, but I had to for the Great experience I received with Law Office of Eugene DeFronzo, they work with you every bit of the way Dan was great. He always called to check up on me and make sure everything was good. …
Every collision has its own story. When you bring us the facts, we match them to Connecticut law, insurance rules, and the roadway realities in and around Waterbury so you can move forward with confidence.
If a driver was texting or holding a phone, that matters in Connecticut. State law bars hand-held device use for most drivers, and a violation can support a finding of fault when matched with the police report, witness accounts, or phone-usage logs obtained through lawful discovery. You don’t have to remember every detail; even a quick note about screen glow, drifting, or late braking helps line up the timeline. Connecticut’s statute on hand-held devices (C.G.S. § 14-296aa) sets the rule your claim relies on.
Sometimes the hazard is the roadway itself: broken pavement, faded markings, missing warnings, or a hazardous shoulder. If the defect sits on a municipal street (for example, on Grand St, Hamilton Ave, Baldwin St, Hillside Ave), claims usually run under the Municipal Highway Defect statute, which has strict notice requirements. If the problem is on a state-maintained route such as the I-84, Route 8, CT-69, or CT-73, claims typically proceed under C.G.S. § 13a-144. Acting quickly to photograph the condition and report it can preserve critical proof before repairs happen.
Operating under the influence is illegal in Connecticut and often central to proving negligent conduct after a crash. The DUI statute, C.G.S. § 14-227a, defines the offense, including elevated blood-alcohol content.
Criminal proceedings are separate from your civil claim, but certified test results or admissions, when available through discovery, can carry significant weight in settlement talks and at trial. If you notice slurred speech, erratic speed, or lane departures from the other driver, say so early so those details can be tracked in the police record.
Reckless driving doesn’t just result in a simple speeding ticket. Under C.G.S. § 14-222, it’s a separate offense that can bolster civil liability when matched with crash-scene evidence and witness testimony. Waterbury corridors with higher speeds or complex merges, such as Chase Parkway approaches, the Route 8 downtown viaduct, and streets feeding the Mixmaster, often produce the kind of fact patterns where a reckless charge may appear in the police file. Recent updates to local ordinances, such as speeding limits, reflect our communities’ commitment to curb problematic driving behavior, and these can support your claim after an accident.
Some crashes point to failing parts instead of pure driver error. Connecticut’s Product Liability Act, can bring manufacturers, distributors, or retailers into the case. That makes early preservation of the vehicle and components essential so an engineer can inspect them. If repair or maintenance work preceded the failure, shop records from corridors like Watertown Ave or East Main can help sort out whether negligent service contributed to the crash.
If you have been involved in an accident, DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. can help tie your facts to the right Connecticut statutes, collect the proof that sticks, and press each responsible party for full compensation.
Call (203) 756-7408 today and let our top-rated Waterbury car accident lawyers put your case on firm local and legal ground.
| Type of Car Accident Case | Connecticut Statute | Key Legal Point |
|---|---|---|
| Distracted Driving | C.G.S. § 14-296aa | Prohibits use of hand-held devices while driving; violation can support fault. |
| Unsafe Road Conditions | C.G.S. § 13a-144 | State highway defects must be reported in writing within 90 days. |
| Driving Under The Influence | C.G.S. § 14-227a | DUI is illegal and can help establish negligent conduct. |
| Reckless Driving | C.G.S. § 14-222 | Reckless driving is a separate offense that strengthens civil claims. |
| Malfunctioning Equipment | Connecticut Product Liability Act | Equipment failure may shift liability to manufacturers or service providers. |
You don’t owe us a penny unless we win your case.
Attorney Dan Petroskey provided excellent representation for my children. He was professional, compassionate and made my kids laugh. He made us feel comfortable every step of the way and answered all of my kids’ questions…
Don’t go anywhere else but to Them FIRST!!!!! So much to say about this Firm!!! Unbelievable, Outstanding, They are on your side when NO ONE else is (other firms). I have only heard good stories about them. Dan was fabulous to talk to on …
Dan is a really nice guy, he’s very professional and good at his job. A friend recommended me to him and I can see why. Dan is really helpful and answered any and all questions I had and was very good at explaining the whole process to me. I feel confident…
Our clients’ well being always comes first—we handle every detail so they can focus on recovery.
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You don’t need a law degree to protect your rights. A few core Connecticut rules guide fault, timing, and insurance; rules that can raise or reduce what you recover after a Waterbury crash.
Connecticut uses a fault-sharing system. Your compensation is reduced in proportion to any fault assigned to you, and you recover nothing if you’re more at fault than all defendants combined. The practical cutoff is 51% of fault or higher. This framework is set in C.G.S. § 52-572h and applies to negligence cases, including car collisions.
Evidence that shifts even a small percentage of fault away from you can meaningfully increase your take-home recovery under § 52-572h.
Connecticut generally gives you two years to file a negligence lawsuit for bodily injury or damage to real or personal property, with a hard three-year outside limit measured from the act or omission that caused the harm. This timing rule appears in C.G.S. § 52-584 and applies to most motor-vehicle cases.
If a municipal road, bridge, or sidewalk defect is involved, you must follow the Municipal Highway Defect statute, C.G.S. § 13a-149: give written notice within 90 days (to the town or city clerk or other proper official) stating the injury, its cause, and the time and place, and bring suit within two years. Missing the 90-day notice or the two-year suit deadline can be fatal to the claim.
If a state highway or sidewalk is involved, claims proceed under C.G.S. § 13a-144 against the Commissioner of Transportation and have similar timing: written notice within 90 days to the Commissioner with the required details, and suit within two years from the injury.
For other types of claims against the State (outside the highway-defect statutes), Connecticut’s sovereign-immunity system generally requires first presenting the claim to the Office of the Claims Commissioner under strict notice and timing rules, unless a statute provides a direct cause of action.
Connecticut requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/25 in liability coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. State materials and industry summaries consistently reflect these minimums.
Connecticut also mandates Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on personal auto policies, with minimum limits tied to the liability minimums and detailed in the Insurance Department regulations and § 38a-336. UM/UIM fills the gap when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little
Medical Payments (“MedPay”) is an optional add-on. Connecticut regulations describe standard terms and make MedPay primary over other health coverage for policies effective on or after November 1, 2000. MedPay can help pay your reasonable medical expenses regardless of fault.
You deserve clear guidance that fits your situation. Our team can walk you through the potential factors that can affect the amount of your claim and the timeline it can take, all while providing quality legal assistance that allows you to focus on your and your family’s well-being.
Contact us today at (203) 756-7408 for a free consultation.
Defronzo Law Firm is a very helpful and attentive law office! I can personally recommend Attorney Petroskey, he is a great attorney and I am very confident in his representation of my interests. From my working with Atty Petroskey, I can …
I cannot recommend Dan Petroskey enough! After my accident, he was incredibly supportive and handled my case with care, expertise, and professionalism. Dan made the entire process so much easier during a very stressful time, ensuring I understood…
A family member needed legal counsel.DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. and Ivelisse Cruz we’re very helpful, explained the process in terms that were easy to understand ( not a lot of legal terms that are over our heads ) and the case moved along …
You’re juggling calls, appointments, and repair shops. Let’s make the claim process work for you under Connecticut rules, not the other way around.
You can open a first-party claim with your own insurer and a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s carrier for your losses. When you’re dealing with your own insurer, your policy typically includes a duty to cooperate. That’s different from the other driver’s insurer, which does not insure you and owes you no contractual duties. Setting expectations early, who you talk to, what you share, and when. helps you move the claim without giving up leverage.
Adjusters often ask for a recorded statement and broad medical authorizations. With your own insurer, cooperation is usually required under the policy; with the other driver’s insurer, you’re not obligated to provide a recorded statement or a blanket release. Keeping disclosures tailored to the crash and its related treatment protects your privacy and prevents fishing expeditions. Connecticut regulates insurer conduct and claims practices. Our team can handle communications with your and the other driver’s insurer and push back on predatory practices such as lowball offers and harassment so you can focus on your recovery.
If your car is declared a total loss, Connecticut law tells insurers how to calculate the settlement, using at least the average of approved industry sources, not a number plucked from the air. You also have access to an Insurance Department arbitration program when liability/coverage is agreed, but the dollar amount is still disputed.
“Diminished value” is different. Even after quality repairs, an accident history can lower the market price. However, third-party diminished value can be pursued with solid proof. Repair invoices, vehicle history reports, and an independent appraisal tying the loss in value to the crash can help substantiate the claim. Your attorney can assist you throughout the process of determining the loss in value and pursuing recovery.
If you want a seasoned advocate on your side, DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. can take point. We can limit intrusive authorizations, manage communications with insurers, and push for a fair vehicle payout or arbitration when needed.
Call (203) 756-7408 today and let’s move your Waterbury claim forward with a plan that fits Connecticut law and your goals.
Clients consistently choose us for our fast responsiveness. We aim to return every call within one business day.
Mr. Petroskey and staff have been very helpful and kind. They have answered any questions I had, explained everything in detail, and kept me in loop on each step along the way. I am happy with the outcome and it would never have happened without the…
Excellent staff, all the attention received from them was excellent, always attentive to my needs, I never had to ask, they always let me know of any news, I am very pleased with the results obtained …
Dan petrowski attorney at law is very nice pleasant professional truthful honest integrity he served me he always return my calls gave me good advice and I would recommend him and from me to the law firm he gets five thumbs up …
We have a proven record of getting clients the results they deserve
If your crash claim can’t be settled simply, the next step is legal action. Filing a lawsuit in the Waterbury Judicial District follows clear Connecticut rules—so knowing each major phase can help you stay prepared and confident in your case.
When you are ready, your attorney can begin the process by filing a Summons (JD-CV-1) and a Complaint in the Superior Court, typically in the district where you or the defendant lives, or where the injury occurred.
Once the lawsuit is in, the case will enter the civil track: pleadings, scheduling, discovery, motion practice, possible mediation, and then trial if it reaches that step. Car accident claims in Connecticut can take one year or longer when court availability and discovery push the timeline.
Once the case is filed, both sides begin the process of gathering information known as “discovery”. You and the other side exchange documents, attend depositions under oath, and generally work toward defining issues for trial following Connecticut’s Rules of Civil Procedure.
An IME may be requested by the opposing side to evaluate your injuries when you claim medical damages. While the term “independent” implies the doctor is not your treating physician, you still have rights in the process—like the right to receive copies of the IME report or challenge its scope.
During discovery, your attorney can ask the other side for admissions, interrogatories, and document production, including things like vehicle maintenance records, phone logs, and 911 transcripts if they relate to fault or damages. Your attorney can help you review and scrutinize the chosen doctor’s scope and findings.
Many cases settle before trial, and that’s often what you hope for. However, if settlement talks stall, the case may be set for trial in the Waterbury Superior Court.
Before trial, the court may order mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution. These sessions offer one more chance to reach an agreement without the time and cost of a trial. If your trial date arrives, you’ll want a well-prepared presentation: think key witnesses, demonstrative evidence, and a clear narrative about how the crash affected your life.
If you’re facing the possibility of litigation after an automobile accident, our team at DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. is ready to lead the charge. Tell us your story, and we’ll chart a strategy focused on your recovery and your rights in Connecticut.
I would highly recommend DeFronzo & Petroskey for your legal needs. I’ve know Dan Petroskey for over 35 years and he’s always professional, well-researched, and knowledge about his craft…
The firm has been amazing to deal with! I got injured and it was hard for me to get to the office. They came to me, the same day! They have been courteous and thorough with me every step of the way! Definitely glad I have them in my corner to help me !!!…
Suffer from severe ptsd and nerve damage from a vicious dog attack. Almost let it go but found Defronzo law on google by random. Now I am actually getting what I deserve and I am so glad I made the choice to call…
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After a car accident, you deserve straight answers and a strategy that fits your life. Our Waterbury car accident lawyers at DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. can listen to your story, investigate and collect evidence, and press for the full value of your losses: medical care, lost income, and the day-to-day impact that doesn’t show up on a receipt. You can focus on healing while we keep your claim moving. You’ll always know what’s happening and receive tailored assistance that puts your priorities in the forefront.
No case is too big or too small for our firm. Schedule a free consultation with one of our seasoned Waterbury car accident lawyers at DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. today at (203) 756-7408 and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.
