Connecticut Car Accident Laws – All You Need To Know

Every driver needs to know Connecticut car accident laws, what to expect after an accident, and how they can recover when another driver has injured them. There are many misconceptions about the rules you must follow after an accident and the recovery options that may be available to you. Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, aims to help our clients understand these laws, and we provide comprehensive legal representation for all recovery efforts following serious accidents.

Important Connecticut Car Accident Laws

One of the most important Connecticut car accident laws every driver in the state must understand is the fault rule. This rule applies to any accident involving more than one vehicle, and it requires establishing fault before any injured driver can claim compensation for their damages. This means if you believe another driver caused your recent crash, you will need to establish fault before you can recover any compensation for your damages.

According to data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, there were more than 98,000 vehicle accidents reported throughout the state in 2024 alone. These accidents involved more than 235,000 people, many of whom suffered severe injuries. Car accidents are not only a leading cause of personal injuries in Connecticut each year but also a leading cause of fatal injuries.

Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, can help whether you need to seek compensation for your own injuries or if you must pursue a wrongful death case following a family member’s fatal accident. There were more than 200 fatal crashes in Connecticut in 2024, and when a driver has caused fatal harm, they can face liability for the damages suffered by the surviving family of the victim. Proving fault is essential for a personal injury or wrongful death case following a car accident.

Another important law for car accidents in Connecticut pertains to auto insurance. Every driver in the state is required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability. When a driver causes a crash, their auto insurance policy can pay for the resulting damages. Unfortunately, more than 6% of Connecticut drivers are uninsured.

If an at-fault driver does have auto insurance, an experienced attorney can help you file a claim. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging due to the fact that they will almost always look for reasons to justify denying or devaluing accident claims. Working with legal counsel means you will be more likely to receive fair treatment and a reasonable settlement offer.

If insurance will not fully cover your losses, you will need to file a personal injury case. Proving fault will be essential, and you will also need to prove the full extent of the damages the defendant caused. Whether you were hurt in a high-speed accident on I-95 or a rear-end collision in a residential area of Connecticut, proving fault for the accident will be an important first step in your recovery.

The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, have years of experience helping injured drivers recover from their accidents in Connecticut. We know how difficult it can be to assess the various legal issues you must address in order to recover your losses, and our team is ready to help with your recovery. Reach out to us today to learn more about the legal services we provide and how we can assist with your case.

FAQs

Is Connecticut a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

No, Connecticut is a fault state for car accidents. Proving fault is necessary if you believe another party caused your accident and you intend to claim compensation for your damages. An attorney can help you identify the driver or drivers responsible for a recent crash and prove how they caused it to assist with your recovery. The at-fault driver will be liable for the economic and non-economic damages they inflicted.

How Do You Prove Fault for a Car Accident in Connecticut?

You can prove fault for a car accident in Connecticut using various types of digital and physical evidence. The police report from the accident, photos of the crash scene, testimony from eyewitnesses to the accident, cell phone records, and vehicle computer data could all come into play in your case. Your Connecticut car accident lawyer can gather the evidence you will need to prove fault and hold the appropriate party accountable.

What Should You Do First After a Car Accident in Connecticut?

The first thing you should do after a car accident in Connecticut is call 911 to report the accident if it caused significant property damage, injury, or death. If you are not sure whether you are required to report a collision, it is always better to err on the side of caution and report it. If you leave the scene of the accident or fail to report a crash, you can face criminal penalties.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Case in Connecticut?

The statute of limitations for a car accident case in Connecticut is two years, and this time limit starts on the date the accident happened. You must file your case within this timeframe, or you will lose your chance to recover compensation from the at-fault driver. Two years may sound like plenty of time, but it may take longer than you expect to build your case, and if you miss the deadline, you will lose your chance to claim compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim for a Car Accident in Connecticut?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a car accident in Connecticut will depend on the overall severity of your damages. If you can prove another driver caused the accident, they will be liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can help you maximize your recovery by filing an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury suit against the at-fault driver.

Get Help From Our Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer Team

The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC, have extensive experience helping injured clients recover from car accidents throughout Connecticut. It’s important to know Connecticut car accident laws and where you can turn for legal support if you must pursue a case against another driver. If you have questions about your recovery options after a recent accident, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can help.