If you already have the police crash report after a motor vehicle collision in Connecticut, you have an important piece of the puzzle. The report can help identify fault, witnesses, vehicles, and the responding officer’s observations. Use it as a springboard to move your personal injury claim forward by following focused, time-sensitive steps below.

1. Read the crash report carefully

Confirm the basics: date, time, location, vehicles involved, driver names, insurance information, and any witness contacts listed. Note the officer’s narrative and any citations or determinations of contributing factors. If you see clear errors (wrong identity, wrong vehicle, incorrect location), contact the issuing police department right away to ask about correction procedures and how to obtain the original incident file.

2. Get prompt medical care and preserve records

Seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Even seemingly minor pain can signal a serious problem. Tell medical providers the crash caused your symptoms, and follow through with recommended tests and treatment. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, imaging, and treatment notes. These records form the backbone of any personal injury claim and of damage calculations.

3. Preserve evidence

Keep photographs of vehicle damage, your injuries, the scene, skid marks, and traffic signs. Save damaged clothing and personal items. Keep copies of car repair estimates and rental car invoices. Preserve digital evidence: text messages, photos, and in-car video if available. If witnesses were listed in the crash report, reach out (politely) and ask if they will provide a statement or contact info.

4. Notify insurers and read your policy

Report the crash to your own auto insurer as required by your policy. Provide factual information but avoid speculative statements about fault. Ask your insurer about available benefits (medical payments, rental car coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage). Keep copies of all communications with insurers, including claim numbers and adjuster names.

5. Organize damages and losses

Start a running list of economic losses (medical bills, lost wages, repair costs, rental fees) and non-economic harms (pain and suffering, reduced quality of life). Use invoices, paystubs, medical billing statements, and repair estimates to support each item. A well-documented damages list makes settlement demands clearer and strengthens your negotiating position.

6. Consider liability and fault evidence

Use the crash report along with photos, witness statements, and other evidence to build a picture of who caused the crash. In Connecticut, fault will affect your claim’s strength and the value of your recovery. If the crash report assigns fault or cites violations, those entries can be persuasive—even if not dispositive.

7. Make a demand or open settlement talks

When you have medical documentation and a reasonable damages total, prepare a written demand to the at-fault party’s insurer or their attorney. A demand typically includes a short summary of the crash, the injuries and treatment, an itemized list of economic damages with proof, a statement about non-economic harms, and a requested settlement amount. Be realistic. Many claims resolve in negotiation without filing suit.

8. Know the filing deadline

If settlement negotiations fail, you must sue within Connecticut’s time limit for most personal injury claims. Connecticut law generally requires that actions to recover damages for injury to the person be commenced within two years from the date the injury is sustained. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577 for details: https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/section/52-577.htm. Filing after the deadline will usually block your ability to recover in court.

9. Consider alternative dispute resolution

Mediation or formal settlement conferences can resolve disputes faster and with lower cost than litigation. Your attorney (or an independent mediator) can help arrange mediation and prepare a settlement position designed to avoid trial.

10. When to consult an attorney

Talk to a Connecticut personal injury attorney if any of the following apply: injuries are moderate to severe, fault is disputed, the insurer offers an inadequate settlement, another driver is uninsured/underinsured, or you face complex liability issues (commercial vehicles, government entities). An attorney will evaluate liability, calculate damages, and advise whether to accept a settlement or file suit. If you decide to hire counsel, provide them with the crash report, all medical records, photos, and communications with insurers.

11. If you file suit

Your attorney will draft a complaint and serve the defendant(s). Pretrial discovery may include depositions, requests for medical authorizations, and expert opinions. Many Connecticut personal injury cases settle during discovery or just before trial; a prepared, documented case increases your chances of a favorable resolution.

Common next steps in a short checklist

• Confirm accuracy of the crash report; seek corrections if needed.
• Obtain and keep all medical records and bills.
• Collect and preserve physical and digital evidence.
• Notify your insurer and get a claim number.
• Prepare an itemized damages list and a written demand.
• Talk to an attorney before the two-year statute of limitations expires: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577.

Disclaimer: This information explains general principles of Connecticut personal injury claims and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case differs. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney to get advice tailored to your situation.

Helpful Hints

• Make a dedicated folder (digital and physical) for all crash-related documents: the crash report, medical records, invoices, photos, and correspondence.
• Take photos at the scene from multiple angles—close-ups of damage and wider shots showing context and road conditions.
• Collect witness names and contact information as soon as possible because memories fade and witnesses move.
• Keep a pain and symptom diary describing daily effects of injuries—dates, activities you could not do, and how pain affected your life.
• Don’t sign medical lien or settlement documents without understanding how they affect your ability to pursue further claims—ask an attorney first.
• Be cautious about recorded statements to the other driver’s insurer; it’s often best to provide facts but avoid detailed statements about injuries or fault without legal advice.
• If offered a quick settlement that seems low, get a medical prognosis first. Early offers may not account for long-term treatment or future impairments.