Imagine you’re driving to work and running late. In a bid to make up the time, you end up speeding, slightly exceeding the speed limit. As you approach the intersection, another driver from the opposite direction suddenly decides to make a left turn without waiting for a safe gap in traffic, leading to a collision.
In such an instance, are you still entitled to compensation for the losses and harm you suffered from the crash? The short answer is yes. Your contribution to an accident in Connecticut does not automatically bar you from recovering damages. Here is more on what you should know.
How much blame you carry affects the outcome
Fault for a crash is usually assigned to each party in percentages by insurance adjusters after reviewing the circumstances of the crash. Your percentage of fault will determine whether you can recover compensation with a car accident claim against the other party.
Under Connecticut negligence laws, you may still be entitled to damages for a crash you contributed to as long as you were not 51% or more to blame. Additionally, your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault. For instance, if you were 40% to blame, you would only recover 60% of your damages, and so forth.
Do not settle for less than you deserve
If you share responsibility for an accident, it helps to understand what goes into assessing each party’s level of fault and your options if you think the insurer’s determination of fault was inaccurate. Otherwise, you may carry excess blame, which will impact your settlement.
Learning more about your rights and seeking qualified legal guidance can help protect your interests and increase the odds of a favorable settlement despite your responsibility for the accident.
