The costs of medical care, car repairs, and time away from work after an accident can add up quickly. The question is: Who covers these costs? Is it your own insurance company or the insurance company of the at-fault driver? It depends on the state where the accident happened. If you live in Connecticut and are involved in an auto accident, you may question whether Connecticut is a no-fault state or not?
Well, most states in the U.S. follow either a fault-based or a no-fault system. CT used to be a no-fault state, but its car insurance laws have changed, and it is no longer a no-fault state, but rather an at-fault state for car accidents. What does this mean? We will explain in the following blog post.
When involved in a car accident, it's important to understand the state's laws regarding fault and who is liable in the accident. If you are injured, this is even more important. Consult with an experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer to discuss your case and determine who is at fault, who is liable and what compensation you can expect.
Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law has years of experience in personal injury cases of all types, including car accidents. Call one of our CT offices today for help if you have been in an accident and need legal help.
Connecticut Is An At-Fault State
Connecticut was once a no-fault state, but has since changed its insurance laws and now follows an at-fault system, or is now a "tort" state. This change occurred in 1994. In an at-fault state such as CT, the driver who is at fault for a car accident is liable for injuries and property damage the accident caused. Accident victims in Connecticut can sue for even the most basic of medical bills following an accident, unlike in no-fault states.
Regardless of who was at fault in an accident, drivers in "no-fault" states are usually required to carry PIP (personal injury protection) insurance to cover their own medical costs. In Connecticut, drivers are not mandated to carry PIP insurance.
Under at-fault laws in Connecticut, the burden of proof lies on the party seeking compensation. The driver who is more than 51% at fault in an accident is liable for the other party's damages, which will be covered by their insurance company. Their own assets can be used to pay for damages that exceed their insurance limits.
Drivers who are assigned less than 51% fault can still seek compensation in Connecticut under its modified comparative negligence rules. In this system, compensation awarded to a part will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. For example, a driver who is 30% at fault in a car car accident will only get 70% of the damages awarded.
Car Insurance Requirements in Connecticut
Although PIP insurance cover is not mandatory in Connecticut, drivers are required to carry insurance coverage. The minimum amounts required are:
- Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000
- Property damage liability per accident: $15,000
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) per person: $25,000
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) per accident: $50,000
Although the minimum amounts are what is required, many Connecticut drivers opt to increase their coverage limits to protect themselves in case of a serious accident.
Involved in an Accident? Call Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law For Legal Help
Car accidents in Connecticut happen on a regular basis like any other state. The difference is, you can hold the at fault party liable. This makes it challenging at times since fault must be proven to ensure adequate compensation for your losses.
It's important to have sound legal help. The CT car accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law are here to assist you. We specialize in personal injury cases of all types, including car accidents.
Call our CT office today to schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers.