Detailed Answer: Proving Motorist Negligence in Connecticut
In Connecticut, to hold another motorist liable for a collision at a traffic signal or exit, you must establish the four elements of negligence: duty, breach, causation and damages. You gather evidence to show the other driver violated a legal duty, caused your injuries or property damage, and that you suffered losses as a result.
1. Elements of Negligence
- Duty of Care: Every driver must obey traffic-control devices. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-299 requires compliance with traffic signals. Failure to yield at an exit or merge point violates Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-244. See § 14-299 and § 14-244.
- Breach of Duty: You must show the other driver disobeyed a red light, failed to stop at a change in signal phase, or did not yield when required.
- Causation: You must link the breach directly to your collision. Connecticut courts require both actual cause (“but-for”) and proximate cause (foreseeability).
- Damages: You must prove you suffered physical injuries, property damage or other losses because of the collision.
2. Key Types of Evidence
- Accident Report: Obtain the official crash report from the Connecticut State Police or local police department. It often notes traffic violations and witness statements.
- Photos & Video: Capture damage, skid marks, signal lights, and road signage at the scene. Dashcams, traffic-camera or surveillance footage can confirm signal phase and vehicle movements.
- Witness Statements: Record contact information and written or recorded accounts from eyewitnesses who saw the other driver run the light or fail to yield.
- Expert Analysis: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage and signal timing to show how the crash occurred.
- Signal-Timing Data: Request traffic-signal timing logs from the municipality or state traffic authority. These records show how long each light phase lasted.
- Vehicle Data: “Black box” data from a modern vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) can show speed, braking and steering inputs just before impact.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your situation.
Helpful Hints
- Secure the scene: Take photos quickly before debris is moved or weather changes.
- Document injuries: Seek medical care and keep detailed records of all treatment.
- Preserve evidence: Ask witnesses for written statements and hold onto any physical evidence (e.g., broken parts).
- Request records early: Government agencies may purge signal-timing logs after a short period.
- Consult an attorney: Early legal guidance can help you gather critical evidence before it disappears.