If you’re hurt in a car accident in Connecticut, understanding the state’s traffic and injury laws can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation. Whether the crash happened on I-95 in New Haven or a quiet back road in Litchfield County, Connecticut law outlines specific rules for determining fault, handling insurance claims, and seeking damages. Here’s what you need to know.
Connecticut Is an At-Fault State
Connecticut uses a fault-based car insurance system. This means the driver who causes the accident is legally and financially responsible for any resulting injuries or damage. After an accident, you may:
- File a claim with your own insurance provider
- File a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party
Fault must be clearly established to receive compensation from another driver’s insurer.
Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your level of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
For example, if your damages total $20,000 but you are found 25% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $15,000.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Connecticut law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with at least the following minimums:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Connecticut also requires uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in the same minimum amounts. This helps protect you in case you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or property damage lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. If you wait longer than that, the court may dismiss your case. Starting early allows time to gather evidence and build a strong claim.
Reporting a Car Accident in Connecticut
You are required to report a car accident to the police if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- There is apparent damage over $1,000
- A driver leaves the scene (hit-and-run)
If the police do not respond to the scene, you must file a written accident report with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within five days.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or flees the scene, your UM/UIM coverage can help cover your losses. This is especially useful in hit-and-run accidents or when the other driver carries only the minimum liability coverage. Without UM/UIM protection, your options for recovery may be limited to a civil lawsuit.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
After a car accident in Connecticut, you may be able to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Lost wages and reduced future earnings
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver’s behavior was reckless or malicious, such as in drunk driving accidents.
Can Passengers File Claims Too?
Yes. If you were a passenger injured in a Connecticut car accident, you can file a claim against any driver who was at fault—even the driver of the vehicle you were riding in. Passengers are typically not held liable, so they often have strong claims for medical costs, lost income, and more.
Should You Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
If your injuries are serious, fault is being disputed, or you’re getting pushback from the insurance company, it’s wise to consult a car accident lawyer. A qualified attorney can evaluate your case, negotiate on your behalf, and file a lawsuit if needed. Most offer free consultations and charge no fees unless they recover money for you.