Car accidents are a fact of life. They happen every day in Connecticut. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported that over 2.8 million people suffered injuries as a result of highway vehicle crashes on U.S. highways in 2003 alone. If you’ve been in a car accident and are looking for information about how to assess your rights and responsibilities and where to go for help, you’ve come to the right spot. Our car accident articles cover relevant issues such as fault, insurance, claims, personal injury, property damage, government liability, and structured settlements. You will also find rules, laws and other information specific to the state of Connecticut, and links to Connecticut personal injury attorneys who can assess the value of your claim and provide advice on your best course of action.

Connecticut Car Accident Articles:

How an Auto Accident Insurance Claim Works

What is Your Car Accident Injury Claim Worth?

Who is at Fault?

Car Insurance and Auto Accidents: Are You Covered?

What You Can Expect to Recover for Property Damage in Auto Accident Cases

Auto Accidents: Options if You’re at an Impasse with the Insurance Adjuster

Car Accidents Involving Government-Owned Vehicles and GovernmentWorkers

Structured Settlements

Do I Need to Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident?

Connecticut Car Accident Lawyers:

Find an experienced Connecticut Car Accident Attorney at AttorneyPages.com

Post your case to a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer (it’s free, with no obligations)

Post your auto accident question on the Free Advice Auto Accidents and Vehicle Claims forum

Article: How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Special Rules for Connecticut Car Accidents:

Connecticut Fault: Proportional Comparative Fault at 51%

Connecticut Car Insurance Requirements/Limits—Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability: Minimum coverage limits by law are: $20,000 for bodily injury to one person, $40,000 for bodily injury sustained by two or more persons in a single accident, and $10,000 for property damage that results from one accident.

Connecticut Small Claims Limits: Maximum of $5,000 (as of June 2006)

Connecticut Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: Two years from the date of the injury, or if the injury could not have been discovered right away, from the date you discovered or “in the exercise of reasonable care” should have discovered the injury—to a limit of 3 years from the date of the injury.

Connecticut Auto Accidents Involving Government Vehicles: Notice to File Against Government: If you were injured in a car accident caused by a government employee, you may sue the government agency—the city, town, county, state, public agency or school—that employs that person.

-For claims against the federal government, use Form 95 and follow the instructions on page 2.

- For claims against the state of Connecticut, you must file a claim with the clerk of the Office of the Claims Commissioner. The claim must be in DUPLICATE and contain the name and address of the person suing (if you’re suing on behalf of somebody else—your child, for example—their name and address as well), a concise statement of the claim, including the date, time, place and circumstances of the accident; the damages amount requested; and a request to sue the state. Claims under $5,000 must be accompanied with a check or money order for $25, and if over $5,000, by a check or money order for $50, payable to the Treasurer, State of Connecticut. Claims should be mailed to the Office of Claims Commissioner, 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, CT 06106.

- For claims against a local government employee, contact the city in which you want to file your lawsuit to find their procedures and time limits.

In dealing with accidents involving government entities and workers, be aware that there are special notices that must be filed against the government unit responsible for your injury. These notices must be made within a certain time period (30 days to 180 days) and BEFORE filing a lawsuit. Each government entity (city, county, state) has its own separate time period and may differ from the state’s Statute of Limitations against private parties. The rules can be confusing, so check the form you are filling out to find out the time limit for filing your claim. Accident claims involving the government can be complicated and any mistakes in filing could result in losing your ability to recover for your damages and injuries. Consult with an experienced attorney right away to preserve your rights. See also Auto Accidents Involving the Government.

Connecticut Personal Injury Venue (Where to File Lawsuit): There are several options in filing a lawsuit. You can file in the small claims or superior court located where the accident occurred; you can file in a court located where the defendant (the person you are suing) lives or does business; or you can file where you live or do business. If you are filing a claim against a government agency and are unsure of which agency is responsible, the most prudent course is to file a separate claim against each agency.