How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take in Connecticut?

If you or a family member has been hurt in a car accident caused by another driver, it is natural to wonder, “How long does a car accident lawsuit take in Connecticut?” The answer varies from case to case. You may be able to recover compensation through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, but a personal injury case may be necessary under certain conditions.

How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take in Connecticut?

There were more than 103,000 vehicle accidents reported throughout Connecticut in 2024, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in the US each year, and the National Safety Council recorded more than five million medically consulted injuries from accidents throughout the US in 2023.

Each state has different rules for resolving car accident cases, and Connecticut uses a fault-based system. This means that you must prove fault for an accident before you can recover any compensation for your losses. Most accidents in Connecticut happen because of driver negligence, but it’s possible for illegal misconduct like intoxicated driving to cause accidents.

It’s important to hire a car accident lawyer at your first opportunity after your accident. You have limited time to claim compensation for your damages through insurance and/or a personal injury case, and some of the evidence you will need to prove fault may not be available for very long. When you hire legal counsel, they can build your case on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

When it comes to the time it takes to resolve a car accident lawsuit in Connecticut, several factors can influence the timeline for your case: 

• If you are able to fully recover your losses through auto insurance, this may only take a few weeks if you hire a skilled car accident lawyer to help you file your claim. They can resolve any disputes you encounter with the insurance carrier. Generally, insurance companies try to settle claims for as little as possible, but your attorney can ensure you are treated fairly.
• If you suffered any type of catastrophic injury resulting in permanent harm, it may take longer than you expect to accurately calculate the full scope of your claimable damages. Some car accidents result in brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other injuries that cause long-term or permanent disabilities, and you need an attorney to assess the full impact of the injury to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• Liability for your accident could be contested. Connecticut upholds a modified comparative fault rule, so you can still recover compensation if you were partially responsible for the accident, but resolving fault-based disputes can be time-consuming. The sooner you hire a car accident lawyer, the more time and flexibility they have to build your case.
• Hiring a car accident lawyer is one of the most effective ways to streamline your legal proceedings. The right attorney can help you prove fault and determine your optimal route to recovering compensation.

Ultimately, every case is unique, and every injured driver will face different challenges when it comes to proving fault for their accident and recovering compensation for their losses. When you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, you are not only more likely to succeed with your recovery efforts, but also more likely to obtain as much compensation as state law allows for your damages.

Bartlett & Grippe has years of experience helping car accident victims recover in Connecticut, and we can put this experience to work in your case. We understand that medical bills and lost wages from inability to work have created a difficult financial situation for you and your family, and it’s natural to want to resolve your case as swiftly as possible. Reach out to our team as soon as possible after your accident to learn how we can help.

FAQs

How Do You Prove Fault for a Car Accident?

You can prove fault for a car accident with physical evidence from the scene of the crash, digital evidence your attorney can obtain, and statements from witnesses who saw the accident happen in real time. Connecticut’s fault rule for vehicle accidents requires that you prove fault before you can recover any compensation for your damages.

What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault for My Accident?

If you were partially at fault for your accident, you will be assigned a fault percentage. Under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still claim compensation as long as you were less at fault than the defendant. Your fault percentage is subtracted from the case award. However, if you are found more at fault than the defendant, you are barred from claiming compensation.

How Much Is a Car Accident Case Worth in Connecticut?

The value of a car accident case in Connecticut mostly depends on the victim’s injuries. They have the right to seek full repayment of medical expenses, lost income when they cannot work while they recover, vehicle repair costs, and compensation for pain and suffering. Hire a car accident lawyer who can help you accurately calculate the full scope of the damages you are eligible to claim in your case.

When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

Ideally, you should hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Once you have received medical treatment for your injuries, reach out to an experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer right away so they can begin building your case. This ensures your attorney has as much time as possible to collect time-sensitive evidence on your behalf.

The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe have decades of experience helping car accident victims recover throughout Connecticut, and we know that you are likely to have many questions about your situation. Our goal is to help our client recover maximum compensation for their damages, and it’s important to start building their case right away. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about the legal services we offer.