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Last Modified on Mar 26, 2026
Every Connecticut driver is required by state law to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance can pay for the resulting damages, but what happens if the at-fault party doesn’t have car insurance in Connecticut? It’s crucial to know your legal options if you are injured by an uninsured driver.
What Happens If the At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Car Insurance in Connecticut?
Resolving the aftermath of any car accident can be challenging, especially if you or a family member has suffered serious injuries. In Connecticut, all accidents involving multiple drivers are resolved on a fault basis, so whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. You should hire an experienced car accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can help you prove liability for the accident and build your case against the at-fault driver.
The Connecticut Crash Data Repository recorded 89,170 crashes statewide in 2025 involving 166,808 vehicles and 212,915 people. Every year, vehicle accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries and accidental deaths in Connecticut, and the auto insurance requirement intends to create an efficient channel of recovery for injured victims. Unfortunately, not all drivers meet the insurance requirement, and this can complicate some accident cases.
While state law requires every driver to have auto insurance, the Insurance Information Institute estimated that in 2023, about 11.8% of Connecticut drivers were uninsured. Drivers are required to have bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage, and while not strictly required, uninsured motorist coverage is strongly recommended. If you have this coverage, you can claim against your own policy if an uninsured driver causes an accident.
A Connecticut car accident attorney can help you prove liability for your recent accident and then determine your most viable path to recovery. If the at-fault driver is uninsured but you have uninsured motorist coverage, your attorney can help you file a claim to your own insurance carrier and verify that you receive a fair settlement offer. If you do not have this coverage, you will likely need to file a personal injury claim directly against the at-fault driver.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim Against an Uninsured Driver
If you have lost a family member in a fatal crash caused by an uninsured driver, filing a wrongful death claim is likely to be your family’s primary option for seeking accountability and claiming compensation for your loss. Even if they had uninsured motorist coverage, this may only provide minimal compensation. Bartlett & Grippe has extensive experience handling these difficult cases for clients throughout Connecticut and will help you make sense of your legal options.
Ultimately, resolving a case against an uninsured driver can seem challenging at first, but you may have more options than you initially realize. When you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, they can help you pursue accountability and will know the optimal ways for you to recover your losses. Reach out to Bartlett & Grippe as soon as possible after an accident so we can start building your case.
FAQs
How Do You Prove Liability for an Uninsured Driver Accident?
Proving liability for an uninsured driver accident usually requires evidence like photos of the scene of the crash, police reports, and traffic camera footage, if available. Some of the evidence you need may not be obtainable for very long after the accident, and some will be difficult for you to obtain on your own. Hire a car accident lawyer right away so they can begin gathering the evidence you need to prove liability.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for an Uninsured Driver Accident?
The amount of compensation you can claim for an uninsured driver accident depends on the severity of your damages. Once you prove fault, you can seek compensation for all economic losses you suffered, such as vehicle repairs, medical bills, and lost wages, and you can also claim compensation for your pain and suffering in a personal injury case. Hire a car accident lawyer who can determine your most viable options for recovering compensation.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Claim to My Own Auto Insurance Policy?
You should hire a lawyer to file a claim against any auto insurance policy, including your own, if you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage and were injured by an uninsured driver. Most insurance companies will attempt to settle claims for as little as possible, sometimes taking advantage of unwary injured claimants. When an insurance company sees that you have legal counsel, they are more likely to offer a reasonable settlement.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Connecticut?
The penalties for driving without insurance in Connecticut can include a fine, and the uninsured driver’s license will be suspended for one month or longer. In some cases, driving without insurance can result in up to three months in jail, and the defendant will need to show proof of insurance to have their license reinstated. They will also be personally liable for any damages they cause in an accident while uninsured.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After an Uninsured Driver Accident?
You should hire a car accident lawyer after an accident caused by an uninsured driver because recovering your losses is likely to be more challenging than you expect. You could encounter various complications you will not be able to resolve by yourself, and you may need help filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance carrier if you have purchased applicable coverage. You’ll also need an attorney’s help to file a personal injury case.
Ultimately, the aftermath of any accident with an uninsured driver can be frustrating and challenging, but if you hire a car accident lawyer, you have a better chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your recovery efforts. The team at Bartlett & Grippe is ready to help you recover, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.
