Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
1. Understand Which Expenses You Can Recover
In Connecticut personal injury cases, out‐of‐pocket costs for travel to medical appointments qualify as “special damages.” These are actual expenses directly caused by the injury. Courts regularly allow reimbursement for:
- Mileage to and from medical providers
- Parking fees and tolls
- Lodging or meals, if treatment is far from home
2. Keep Detailed Records and Receipts
Accurate documentation is essential. For each trip, you should collect and preserve:
- Date of travel
- Purpose and location of the appointment
- Odometer readings or map mileage for each trip segment
- Receipts for parking, tolls, lodging, and meals
3. Calculate Mileage Reimbursement
While Connecticut has no fixed statutory rate for private‐vehicle travel in PI cases, many attorneys reference the federal mileage rate. For 2024, the IRS rate is 65.5¢ per mile. You can cite this rate when presenting your damages to the insurer or court. For more details, see the IRS standard mileage rates: irs.gov.
4. Include Travel Costs in Your Bill of Particulars or Demand Package
Under Connecticut Practice Book § 13-3, a plaintiff may file a bill of particulars to support special damages claims. Include an itemized list of all travel expenses, supported by your documentation. If you are negotiating directly with the insurer, your demand package should mirror this level of detail.
5. Present Evidence at Deposition or Hearing
Be prepared to testify about your travel. Bring your logbook, receipts, and any corroborating evidence (e.g., appointment letters). If there is a dispute, the court will weigh your credibility and documentation.
6. Monitor Connecticut’s Statute of Limitations
Connecticut’s general limitation for personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584: cga.ct.gov/sec_52-584. Be sure to file any lawsuit before this deadline, or you risk losing your right to recover travel expenses altogether.
Helpful Hints
- Use a dedicated travel logbook or smartphone app to record mileage immediately.
- Keep scanned copies of receipts in a secure folder.
- Review your insurer’s guidelines for submitting expense claims to ensure timely payment.
- Ask your healthcare provider for appointment confirmations to corroborate dates.
- Consult an attorney early to integrate travel expenses into your overall damages strategy.