Connecticut Car Accident FAQ: Answers to the Most Common Questions

A car accident can turn your day upside down, medical care, vehicle repairs, missed work, and insurance calls all hit at once. Below are the questions we hear most often from Connecticut drivers after a crash, with clear, practical answers.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different.

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1) What should I do immediately after a car accident in Connecticut?

Focus on safety, medical care, and documentation:

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the scene is unsafe
• Get checked by a doctor (some injuries appear later)
• Exchange driver and insurance information
• Take photos/video (vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, injuries)
• Collect witness names and contact info
• Avoid admitting fault, stick to the facts

2) Do I have to report the accident to the police?

If there are injuries, a dangerous situation, or significant vehicle damage, it’s usually best to call police so the crash is documented properly. If police do not respond, reporting requirements may still apply depending on the facts.

3) How do I get a copy of the police report?

You can typically request it from the responding police department. If you hire counsel, your attorney can obtain the report and review it for missing or incorrect details.

4) Connecticut is an “at fault” state, what does that mean?

In Connecticut, the driver who caused the crash (and their insurer) is typically responsible for paying damages. Fault is determined using evidence like the crash report, witness statements, photos, and medical records.

5) What if I was partly at fault?

Connecticut uses a modified comparative fault approach. If you are found partially responsible, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found more responsible than the other driver, recovery may be limited or barred depending on the allocation.

6) How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit in Connecticut?

Deadlines depend on the situation. In many injury cases, there is a legal time limit to file a lawsuit. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it’s smart to speak with a lawyer early, especially if your injuries are still developing.

7) What compensation can I recover after a Connecticut car accident?

Depending on the facts, you may be able to recover:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent impairment/disability
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
• Property damage (repair or total loss)

8) Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?

Be careful. Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement, broad medical authorizations, or push for a quick settlement before you know your full diagnosis. It’s often best to get legal guidance before giving recorded statements or signing documents.

9) What if the other driver has no insurance, or not enough?

That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can matter.

• UM may apply if the at fault driver has no insurance
• UIM may apply if the at fault driver’s limits are too low for your losses

Learn more here:
https://shehulaw.com/blog/understanding-uninsured-underinsured-motorist-coverage-connecticut-um-uim/

10) What if I didn’t go to the hospital the same day?

You can still have a valid claim, but delays can make insurers argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash or weren’t serious. If symptoms show up later, get evaluated promptly and document when symptoms began.

11) What if the crash happened in a parking lot or on private property?

Liability still applies. These cases often depend heavily on photos, witness statements, and any available video footage because road markings and right-of-way can be disputed.

12) What if the other driver fled the scene (hit and run)?

Call police immediately. If possible, document:

• Plate number (even partial)
• Vehicle make/model/color
• Direction of travel
• Nearby cameras (stores, traffic cams, doorbell cameras)

UM coverage may also help in certain hit-and-run situations.

13) Do I need a lawyer for a car accident claim?

Some minor property damage claims can be handled directly with insurance. But legal help is often valuable when:

• You have injuries or ongoing treatment
• Fault is disputed or you’re being blamed
• There’s a hit-and-run
• Coverage is unclear (UM/UIM, multiple vehicles, commercial vehicles)
• A settlement is offered before you’re medically stable

14) How much is my case worth?

Case value depends on medical diagnosis, treatment length, long term impact, lost income, evidence of fault, and available insurance coverage. Two crashes with similar vehicle damage can produce very different injury claims.

15) What does a “free consultation” mean?

It typically means you can explain what happened, ask questions, learn your options, and understand how fees work, before you decide what to do next.

Talk to a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t guess what applies in your situation—especially before giving a recorded statement or signing paperwork.
Call: (860) 999-7777
Contact: https://www.shehulaw.com/contact/
Car Accidents: https://www.shehulaw.com/services/car-accidents/