Anyone who is injured in a car accident is entitled to compensation for their losses under Connecticut law. The question you may have is: How much money can I expect?

Injured parties are entitled to monetary damages under Connecticut law, awarded to the victim from the negligent driver. But, you must prove this negligence in court to be granted financial compensation. Damages for all injuries and losses will be paid out, which will vary from accident to accident.

We will break down the understanding of how compensation is calculated as you read on, but if you are involved in a car accident in Connecticut and need assistance determining how much money you are owed, you should consult a CT car accident lawyer. We suggest contacting us at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law.

What is Compensation For?

You have a legal right to financial compensation if you were injured due to a driver's negligence. The money awarded to you will help with the costs associated with your injuries and other losses.

Connecticut law was not enacted to punish negligent motorists. Instead, it's a means of making amends for injuries and losses impacting the victim. It is given to cover the costs of things like medical visits and physical rehabilitation. The negligent driver is responsible for these costs. If the injury prevented the victim from returning to work, the money would help ease the financial burden. It attempts to compensate you so you are in the same position had the accident never happened.

Types Of Compensation

In Connecticut, any injuries or damages associated with an auto accident that is not your fault go in two categories: economic and non-economic damages. They are generally determined through the judicial system and a hearing.

As a victim of an accident, it is in your best advantage to contact a lawyer who is acquainted with CT personal injury cases. This is because you will most likely have to appear in court if a settlement cannot be reached out of court. Hiring a lawyer can allow you to develop a solid case that will help get you the compensation you deserve.

Keep in mind that there is really no way to make up for a serious injury or a death. The only way is to seek compensation for the victim or their surviving family. This means, compensation comes in the form of money.

What If You Are Partially At Fault?

You may be wondering if you are still eligible for compensation if you were partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. You may still be eligible to seek compensation, even if your actions contributed to the accident. Some states have laws that prevent you from suing for damages in such a case, while other states do. It's important to be familiar with the laws of your state.

Connecticut follows a "modified comparative negligence" standard, which states:

“In causes of action based on negligence, contributory negligence shall not bar recovery in an action by any person or the person’s legal representative to recover damages resulting from personal injury…if the negligence was not greater than the  combined negligence of the person or persons against whom recovery is sought including settled or released persons under subsection (n) of this section. The economic or noneconomic damages allowed shall be diminished in the proportion of the percentage of negligence attributable to the person recovering which percentage shall be determined pursuant to subsection (f) of this section.” 

Although this is lengthy, the law is actually quite straightforward. This means that if your level of fault exceeds that of the defendant, you cannot file a personal injury claim in Connecticut. You are eligible to receive compensation for your losses if the defendant is considered more negligent than yourself.

When calculating compensation for injuries, your share of fault will reduce the total amount you will receive in damages. In conclusion, under Connecticut law, your level of negligence will be evaluated in relation to that of the other parties.

Consult with a CT Personal Injury Lawyer for Help Figuring Out Damages

Compensation for car crashes in Connecticut is straightforward to calculate. If the victim documents expenses, income lost, and other losses associated with the accident, it is easy. Damages for emotional distress are more difficult to determine.

The Connecticut team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, has been working with clients for years to ensure they get justice in their car accident claims.

Have questions? No problem. Call us today and we can schedule a free consultation to figure out your claim.