The Reinken Law Firm

Proving Fault in a Connecticut Car Accident Case

Have you been injured in a car accident in Connecticut due to another driver? You have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. Connecticut is an at-fault insurance state so the at-fault driver is financially responsible for the accident. However, proving fault on the part of the other driver is critical but challenging because not all accidents are caused by one party.

The state of Connecticut has implemented a modified comparative fault system of negligence. According to this theory, if a plaintiff contributes to his or her own injuries, he or she will not be barred from recovering damages but the recoverable damages will be reduced according to his or her degree of fault.
Evidence Required to Prove Fault

Strong supporting evidence is important if there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident. It is crucial to hire an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney will be able to immediately investigate the accident, and gather and secure all the evidence relevant to your case. Evidence that can be used to prove your case include:

Photographs of the accident scene
Photographs of the damaged vehicle
The police report
Records of traffic tickets or citations issued relative to the accident
Witnesses’ testimonies
Testimony from an accident recreation expert

Contact Us

If you have been injured in a car accident in Connecticut, the car accident attorneys at The Reinken Law Firm can help. We have over 30 years of experience representing victims of car accidents. We will work hard to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages. Call us at 203-541-0090.

Car Accident Compensation Laws in Connecticut

Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Being injured in an accident can change your life forever. It can be emotionally traumatizing, physically painful and financially stressful. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Connecticut, you will find it helpful to know the compensation laws in Connecticut. Unlike other states, car accident laws in Connecticut do not have limits on injury damages. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries and other damages under these laws. Here are some of the basics laws that can help you in filing a compensation claim or lawsuit. Contacting an experienced car accident attorney can ensure that you are fairly compensated.

Statute of Limitations

Starting from the date of your accident, you have two years to file a lawsuit against the at fault party under the Connecticut accident law. This statute of limitations, however, applies only when you want to file a case in court. It does not apply when filing a claim against an insurance company. But it is wise to file your claim as soon as possible because you will have more leverage against the insurance company while you still have the option to file a lawsuit in court. Your bargaining power will be greatly reduced after two years as the other party will know that you can no longer take your case to court.

Damages in Car Accident Cases

The term ‘damages’ refers to the monetary compensation that is awarded to those injured in personal injury cases, which include car accidents. The amount is decided between the injured party and the insurance company through settlement negotiations. If the case is taken to court, the judge or the jury will decide on the amount of damages to be awarded.

Comparative Fault Rules in Connecticut

Connecticut follows a rule called Modified Comparative Negligence to determine fault in car accident cases. According to this rule, you may be eligible to collect damages only if you are less than 50% at fault in causing the accident. If the court decides that you are more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to collect any compensation.

Common Types of Damages in Car Accident Cases

There are various types of damages in personal injury cases. Some common types of damages awarded in car accident cases include:

Medical Expenses

You may be entitled to receive compensation for the treatment of the injuries you incurred from the accident. This may include future medical expenses such as rehabilitation and therapy.

Property Damages

If your car and other properties or belongings were damaged in the car accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for those properties.

Lost Income

If you are unable to go to work because of the accident, you can be compensated for the amount that you would have earned from the time of the accident until the date of the judgement or settlement.

Mental and Physical Pain and Suffering

Car accidents can cause a lot of mental trauma and physical pain. If you suffered any mental and physical pain and suffering, you may be entitled to recover damages, including future pain and suffering that may occur after the accident.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be assessed against the person responsible for causing the accident. This is not monetary compensation but a form of punishment to deter the person from repeating the same offense in the future.
Contact Us

At The Reinken Law Firm, we offer personalized attention and a free consultation to discuss your car accident case. You owe no fees unless we recover compensation through a verdict or a settlement. We have represented individuals and families in thousands of car accident cases over the past three decades. We can help you recover damages when another driver or party is responsible for causing your injury. Contact us online or call 203-541-0090 to schedule your free consultation today.