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Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Detailed Answer

In Connecticut, filing a personal injury claim after a bus accident requires careful planning and strict adherence to state rules. Below are the key steps to ensure you protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

1. Identify the Responsible Party

Determine who owns or operates the bus. This may be a private carrier, a municipal transit authority, or the State of Connecticut (e.g., CT Transit). Claims against state-operated buses require special notice procedures.

2. Understand Statute of Limitations

Under general negligence law, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584. If you sue the State of Connecticut or one of its agencies, you must also comply with the State Claims Act. The action must be commenced within two years under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-160.

3. Serve a Notice of Claim (State Vehicles Only)

If the bus is state-operated, file a written notice of claim with the Attorney General’s office and the relevant state agency within two years of the accident. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-147. You must wait at least 120 days for a response. If the claim is denied or no response arrives, you have one year from denial to file suit.

4. Gather and Preserve Evidence

• Obtain a police report and bus driver’s incident report.
• Collect witness names and contact information.
• Save photographs of injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene.
• Keep all medical records, bills, and treatment notes.

5. Calculate Damages

Connecticut law allows you to recover economic losses (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain and suffering). Detailed documentation is critical to justify your claim.

6. Draft and File a Complaint

Prepare a civil complaint outlining the facts, legal basis, and damages sought. File it in the Connecticut Superior Court in the county where the accident occurred. Pay the court filing fee and obtain a case number.

7. Serve the Defendant

Properly serve the complaint and a summons on the bus operator (or the state). Follow the Connecticut Practice Book rules on service of process to avoid dismissal.

8. Negotiate or Litigate

Often, parties exchange settlement demands and defenses before trial. If negotiations fail, proceed through discovery, motions, and, if necessary, a jury trial.

9. Consult an Attorney

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you meet deadlines, build a strong case, and negotiate a fair settlement. Many operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning no upfront cost.