Detailed Answer: How to pursue a personal injury claim after a driver ran a stop sign and hit your car (Connecticut)

This guide explains, in plain language, the practical and legal steps to take after a Connecticut crash where another driver ran a stop sign and struck your vehicle. It covers immediate actions, evidence, insurance claims, the civil claim timeline, and how Connecticut law affects your recovery. This is educational information only and not legal advice.

1. Immediate steps at the scene

• Call 911 if anyone is injured. Get medical care right away. Your health and medical records will be crucial evidence.
• Report the crash to police. A police report documenting that the other driver ran a stop sign is critical proof of fault.
• Do not admit fault aloud or in writing. Simple statements such as “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued.
• Collect information: other driver’s name, license plate, vehicle make/model, insurance company and policy number, contact info for witnesses, and the responding officer’s name and report number.
• Take photos and video: the intersection, skid marks, vehicle damage, traffic controls (stop sign placement), visible injuries, and nearby surveillance cameras or businesses that might have footage.

2. Preserve and document evidence

Preserve your phone photos, videos, and any messages related to the crash. Keep copies of medical bills, hospital records, diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRIs), prescriptions, wage-loss documentation, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. Write down your memory of the crash as soon as possible while details are fresh.

3. Notify your insurance company

Follow your policy’s claims notice requirements and report the crash promptly. Give only factual information. Do not sign medical release forms or accept settlement offers without understanding your rights. Your insurer will open a claim and may protect your interests. They also handle property damage and, if applicable, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims.

4. How fault and Connecticut law influence your claim

Connecticut allows injured people to seek payment for damages caused by another driver’s negligence. When a driver runs a stop sign, that conduct establishes a strong basis to prove negligence. Still, insurers and courts will evaluate all evidence, including whether you bore any share of fault.

Connecticut applies comparative-fault principles. That means a court or jury will assign a percentage of fault to each party and reduce recoverable damages by your percentage of fault. If you were more at fault than the other driver, the law may bar your recovery. Because percentage allocations matter, strong evidence that the other driver ran the stop sign (police report, witness statements, photos, video) strengthens your position.

5. Time limits: statute of limitations

You must file any lawsuit within the time allowed by Connecticut law. For most personal injury actions stemming from a car crash, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, a court will likely dismiss your case even if you have strong proof.

Connecticut statute (statute of limitations for personal injury): Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.

6. Insurance negotiation and demand

Most motor-vehicle injury claims resolve by settlement. Typical steps:

• Keep treating and document medical care until your condition stabilizes.
• Obtain a settlement demand package that includes medical records, medical bills, lost-wage proof, repair estimates, photos, police report, and a written demand for compensation.
• Insurers may respond with a counteroffer. Do not accept any final settlement until you understand the full extent of current and likely future medical needs and costs.

7. Filing a lawsuit

If negotiations fail, you may need to file a civil lawsuit. Your attorney will prepare a complaint, file it in the appropriate Connecticut court, and serve the defendant. The litigation process includes discovery (exchanging documents and testimony), depositions, motions, and possibly a trial. Many cases settle before trial.

8. Types of damages you may recover

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future lost earnings and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering (non-economic losses)
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal property
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash

9. When to consult an attorney

Talk to a Connecticut personal injury attorney promptly if:

• You suffered significant injuries, hospitalization, or lost time from work.
• Liability is disputed or the other driver denies running the stop sign.
• The at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• Insurers make low settlement offers or request releases without explanation.
• You face questions about long-term care or future wage loss.

An attorney can evaluate the evidence, advise about Connecticut-specific law and deadlines, prepare persuasive demand letters, and file suit if necessary.

10. Practical example (hypothetical)

Fact pattern: You stop at a marked intersection, then a vehicle running a stop sign strikes the passenger side of your car. Police respond and note that witnesses reported the other driver failed to stop. You have a neck strain requiring therapy and $6,000 in medical bills, plus $1,200 in lost wages.

Steps you would take: (1) get immediate medical care and keep records; (2) obtain the police report and eyewitness contact info; (3) photograph the scene and damage; (4) notify your insurer and the at-fault driver’s insurer; (5) demand compensation with supporting records; (6) consult an attorney if the at-fault insurer denies responsibility or offers an inadequate sum; and (7) file suit before the statute of limitations runs.

Helpful Hints

• Seek medical attention immediately—even if symptoms seem mild. Some injuries appear later.
• Get the police report number and request a copy. It often contains useful statements and officer observations about the stop sign violation.
• Take many clear photos from multiple angles before cars are moved.
• Collect witness names and phone numbers while memories are fresh.
• Do not sign a release or accept a lump-sum settlement until you know the full extent of medical needs and consult counsel if you have serious injuries.
• Keep a written log of medical appointments, medications, and how the injury affects daily life—this supports non-economic damages.
• Preserve clothing and any debris if it helps show impact or injuries.
• File any required crash reports with the Connecticut DMV if directed. For state DMV information, visit the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles: portal.ct.gov/DMV.
• Act promptly. The standard Connecticut statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Connecticut legal principles and common practical steps after a motor vehicle crash. It is educational only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed Connecticut attorney as soon as possible.