Connecticut Motor Vehicle Accident Rules & Laws

Insurance Requirements

System type: Connecticut operates under a fault-based system. This means the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages.

Minimum coverage: Connecticut law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with the following minimum limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Connecticut requires drivers to carry UM/UIM coverage to protect themselves, their passengers, and household relatives if injured by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. The mandatory minimum limits are:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident

Underinsured motorist conversion coverage: As an optional add-on, conversion coverage allows you to collect the full amount of your underinsured motorist coverage in addition to the at-fault driver’s insurance payout. Unlike standard UM/UIM coverage, payments from other sources do not reduce this coverage, ensuring broader financial protection in serious accidents.

Penalties for non-compliance: Driving without the required insurance in Connecticut carries strict penalties, including fines starting at $100, suspension of driver’s license and vehicle registration for one month (increased to six months for repeat offenses, and reinstatement fees and restrictions on vehicle registration.

Rideshare drivers: In Connecticut, rideshare drivers must carry additional insurance coverage depending on their activity within the app. Coverage typically includes:

• Logged into the app, no ride accepted:
  • $50,000 bodily injury per person
  • $100,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 property damage per accident
• Ride accepted or passenger on board: Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage for accidents occurring while the driver is actively transporting or en route to pick up a passenger

Drivers should verify that their personal auto insurance policy does not exclude coverage during these periods to avoid potential gaps in protection.

Optional coverages: While not required, additional coverages offer greater financial protection:

• Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision-related damages, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters
• Gap insurance: Helps pay off the remaining balance of a totaled vehicle’s loan
• MedPay (Medical Payments): Covers medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault

Fault Laws

Connecticut operates under a fault-based system, meaning the driver who causes the accident is responsible for the resulting damages. Determining fault involves analyzing evidence such as police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, and other relevant documentation.

Modified comparative negligence in Connecticut

Connecticut follows the 51% modified comparative negligence rule. This means injured parties can recover damages only if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering compensation.

Compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are deemed 20% responsible for an accident with total damages of $100,000, you can recover $80,000.

Multi-vehicle collisions

In accidents involving multiple vehicles, Connecticut law assigns fault to each party based on their degree of negligence. Compensation is then reduced according to the percentage of fault assigned. The state’s modified comparative negligence rule applies to all parties involved.

Special considerations for guest passengers

Passengers injured in an accident can file claims against the at-fault driver. If the passenger’s actions contributed to their injuries (e.g., failing to wear a seatbelt), their compensation may be reduced under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule.

Statute of Limitations

Filing deadlines: In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident is two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline generally forfeits your right to seek compensation.

Discovery rule: If injuries are not immediately apparent, the two-year period may begin when you discover, or reasonably should have discovered, your injury.

Claims involving minors or individuals with disabilities: For minors or individuals with legal incapacities, the statute of limitations is tolled (paused) until the minor turns 18 or the disability is lifted. The filing period then begins.

Government claims: If the accident involves a government entity (e.g., municipal vehicle or road maintenance issues), Connecticut law imposes strict notice requirements. A formal claim must typically be filed within 90 days of the accident, with specific procedures for submitting claims to the appropriate government office.

Accident Reporting Requirements

In Connecticut, reporting a car accident is mandatory under certain conditions outlined by state law. Compliance is essential to avoid penalties, facilitate insurance claims, and ensure all parties receive proper assistance.

When to report an accident

You must report an accident immediately to law enforcement if any of the following apply:

• Injury or death: If anyone involved in the accident is injured or killed
• Property damage: If the accident results in any property damage (regardless of the amount)

In Connecticut, calling 911 will notify the appropriate emergency personnel, including local police, the sheriff’s office, or state troopers.

Special reporting requirement – Hitting a dog:

If a driver hits a dog, state law requires the driver to:

1. Stop immediately and provide assistance where possible
2. Notify the dog’s owner or the nearest police officer
3. Provide their name, address, and driver’s license number to the owner or police

Failure to comply can result in a citation.

Filing accident reports

If a police officer does not file a report at the scene, Connecticut law may require drivers to ensure the accident is documented under specific conditions. Filing an accurate and complete report is crucial for compliance with state law and for supporting insurance claims. 

That said, the following methods are marked as being for Connecticut uniform police officers, and so you may not be able to properly file them yourself as a private citizen. With that in mind, drivers need to have a PR-1 crash report, which can be downloaded from Connecticut’s DOT. The form is available in two formats:

• Static PDF version: A printable version of the form for manual completion
• Fillable dynamic PDF version: A digital version that integrates with e-crash software and allows electronic completion, which can be accessed via UConn Crash Reporting Resources

For accidents involving fatalities, a PR-2 fatal crash supplement is also required. This document gathers additional data for reporting to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). For more on that, you can consult the PR-2 Crash Supplement Guide (PDF).

At this time, Connecticut does not have a centralized online crash reporting portal for individuals. Contact your local police department or the Connecticut DOT for guidance on electronic reporting options.

Accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported within five days if law enforcement does not file a report. Failing to file a required accident report may result in fines or administrative penalties, including the suspension of driving privileges.

How to access accident reports

When a police officer files a formal accident report, you can obtain a copy for legal or insurance purposes. Reports are typically available 10 business days after the accident. You can request accident reports through the following methods:

By Mail: Complete a DPS-96-C Request for Copy of Report form and send it with payment to:
Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
Division of State Police – Reports and Records
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457

Online: You can request crash and incident reports from the LexisNexis and Department Of Emergency Services And Public Protection websites, respectively.

In Person: Go to the local police department or state police office that investigated the accident.

Note that accident reports may involve a fee and take additional processing time. Maintaining your own detailed accident documentation can support insurance claims or legal processes in the meantime.

Compensation Limits

Economic damages: There is no cap on economic damages in Connecticut. Victims can recover the full extent of their financial losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other quantifiable costs related to the accident.

Non-Economic damages: Connecticut imposes no limits on non-economic damages, allowing victims to seek full compensation for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and diminished quality of life. These damages are calculated based on the severity of the harm and its impact on the victim’s life.

Punitive damages: Punitive damages in Connecticut are reserved for cases involving reckless indifference or intentional violations of others’ rights. Unlike many other states, punitive damages are generally limited to covering the plaintiff’s attorney fees and litigation costs. In specific statutory circumstances, punitive damages may be explicitly defined or capped, such as treble damages for theft or fraud.

Medical Coverage Considerations

In Connecticut, managing medical expenses after a car accident involves understanding fault-based insurance, optional coverages, and the role of health insurance.

Liability insurance: Connecticut requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This insurance covers damages caused to others by the at-fault driver. As an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident is financially liable for medical expenses, although their insurer may delay payments until fault is determined.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay): MedPay is an optional coverage offered by Connecticut insurers, covering medical expenses regardless of fault. Policyholders can select coverage levels, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. MedPay pays for immediate expenses, including hospital visits, rehabilitation, and surgeries, and does not require meeting deductibles or co-pays. However, once limits are exhausted, other sources like health insurance take precedence.

Health insurance: Health insurance often becomes the primary payer after MedPay is exhausted or if MedPay is not included in the policy. Coverage applies to accident-related medical expenses but may involve deductibles, co-pays, and reimbursement if a settlement is received from the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Connecticut requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, with minimums equal to their bodily injury liability limits. This coverage provides protection if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Policyholders can purchase additional conversion coverage to ensure maximum compensation for medical bills and other damages.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI): MMI marks the point where injuries stabilize, and further recovery is unlikely. Settling claims before reaching MMI can result in inadequate compensation for ongoing medical needs, making this milestone significant in personal injury cases.

Medical liens: If a victim lacks MedPay or health insurance, healthcare providers may place a lien on any settlement or judgment, allowing deferred payments until the claim is resolved. Letters of protection can also be issued by attorneys to guarantee payment and prevent collections while pursuing compensation.

Workers’ compensation: If the accident occurred during work-related activities, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages.

Unique Local Factors

Weather and road conditions: Connecticut experiences a range of seasonal weather challenges, including snow, ice, and heavy rainfall. These conditions contribute to slippery roads and reduced visibility, especially during winter storms and early spring rain. Drivers should remain vigilant and prepare vehicles for seasonal changes, such as installing winter tires or ensuring windshield wipers are functional.

High-traffic corridors: Connecticut’s proximity to major urban centers like New York City and Boston results in significant traffic congestion along Interstate 95 and other key highways. This increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly during rush hours or holiday travel. Local events and festivals can also create temporary spikes in traffic.

Pedestrian and cyclist presence: With numerous urban areas and walkable towns, Connecticut sees a higher prevalence of pedestrian and cyclist activity. Drivers must exercise extra caution in these areas to prevent accidents, particularly at crosswalks and bike lanes.

Local Resources & Contacts

State agencies:

• Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): For accident report requests and general driver information 
  • Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv
  • Phone: (860) 263-5700
• Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT): Provides updates on road conditions and safety initiatives
  • Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dot 
  • Phone: (860) 594-2000

Connecticut State Police: Contact for accident reports and law enforcement assistance

• Website: https://portal.ct.gov/despp/division-of-state-police/home
• Phone: (860) 685-8190

Legal assistance: Seeking advice from a Connecticut personal injury attorney can help clarify your legal options after an accident, navigate liability concerns, and pursue compensation effectively. Many firms offer free consultations to discuss your case.