Brignole, Bush and Lewis, Attorneys at Law FindLaw IM Template 2026-07-14T13:28:40Z https://www.brignole.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1301794/2020/04/cropped-Favicon-32x32.png On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[Steps for multivehicle hit-and-run victims in Connecticut]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48616 2026-07-14T13:28:40Z 2026-07-14T13:26:51Z Immediate actions to take at the scene after a multivehicle hit-and-run In a hit-and-run car accident, there is a high chance that the at-fault driver may escape if the proper steps are not taken. In Connecticut, a multivehicle hit-and-run is legally termed “evading responsibility," and drivers who flee the scene can face serious penalties. To help protect yourself and support any legal process, consider the following:
  • Seek medical help and call 911: Even if you are feeling okay at the moment, do not hesitate in seeking medical help to prevent future health complications. If you are able to, call 911 and report the accident. The police report can be viable evidence if you decide to press charges.
  • Take photos of the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to your car. These photos can be concrete evidence in court.
  • Try to recall details of the suspect’s vehicle: Try to remember and gather every detail about the suspect’s vehicle. Also, check if there are nearby cameras that could have possibly captured the incident.
These essential steps can help you gather concrete evidence against the accused, which can help support your case.

Taking the right steps moving forward

Your injury after a hit-and-run does not have to define your future. Documenting evidence, going to the doctor and reporting the accident can help hold the negligent driver accountable for their actions. Taking these steps carefully and thoroughly can help protect your legal rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[How can AI intersect with wrongful death claims?]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48614 2026-06-30T11:08:15Z 2026-06-30T11:08:15Z People share a lot of things with AI chatbots. Without even knowing, they might share their most private information. This was strictly a privacy concern until suicides and violent crimes allegedly linked to AI began to emerge in Connecticut.

The case of Suzanne Eberson Adams

Suzanne Eberson Adams was an 83-year-old Connecticut woman. She was murdered by her own son, Stein-Erik Soelberg, who was suffering from deep paranoia and believed the world was conspiring against him. A few months later, the estate of Suzanne filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT and Microsoft, alleging that their chatbot played a role in Suzanne’s death.  According to that lawsuit, Soelberg regularly conversed with his customized ChatGPT bot, which he called “Bobby,” before the fateful incident. It alleges that “Bobby“ supported Soelberg’s paranoia that eventually led him to murder his mother and commit suicide. This landmark case is still pending in the courts. 

What do Connecticut AI regulations say about wrongful death?

In the wake of such incidents, the Connecticut governor recently signed legislation that focuses on protecting Connecticut citizens from the harms of the digital age. A primary subject covered in the bill addresses how AI companions (customised chatbots) should interact with users. Under this law, AI operators must take reasonable steps to detect any user expressions indicating a risk of suicide, self-harm or imminent violence. If the AI companion detects such language, it must immediately refer the user to mental health and treatment resources, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Furthermore, the law requires the AI to clearly disclose to users that they are interacting with a bot and not a human.

Beyond chatbots: AI risks in other industries

Beyond conversational chatbots, AI is widespread in other industries too. Industries using them may face wrongful death claims, including:
  • Autonomous Vehicles: Software glitches or algorithmic failures in self-driving cars that cause fatal accidents or fail to detect pedestrians.
  • Healthcare AI: Algorithmic bias or diagnostic software failures that miss life-threatening conditions, leading to fatal medical neglect.
  • Industrial Automation: AI-driven warehouse robots or heavy machinery malfunctioning and bypassing safety protocols, resulting in fatal workplace accidents.
As AI integrates further into daily life, courts increasingly treat these software failures under strict product liability and negligence doctrines.

Evolving AI and laws

This legislation will take effect in stages starting in October 2026. The specific provisions governing chatbot regulation will become active after January 1, 2027. AI is evolving every day and so are the laws that govern it. One should wait and watch how these guardrails impact future liability and wrongful death claims.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[Can an insurance company rush you to accept a settlement after a car accident?]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48613 2026-06-18T13:41:04Z 2026-06-18T13:41:04Z After a serious car accident, you have to err on the side of caution if the at-fault driver or their insurance company is rushing for a settlement. While a fast payout might seem like the right choice when medical bills are piling up, acting too quickly usually serves against your interests. Here is what you should know.

Why do they rush?

One of the crucial reasons why an insurance company may resort to this behavior is that they want to cap their liability. In other words, they want to free themselves from the shackles of future financial liability. Furthermore, they may be trying to take advantage of your vulnerable condition. In either case, accepting their settlement without a proper and thorough legal review can free them from paying you what they owe you.

What are the dangers of signing the early settlement offers?

Early settlement after a car accident offers come with hidden dangers that may backfire if you aren’t careful enough. Among the many dangers, the two major ones include:
  • Losing the opportunity to demand more money if your condition worsens or you discover hidden injuries in the future.
  • Underestimating the total damage you have suffered if your medical diagnosis is not complete.
An early settlement offer is rarely favorable to you, even if it appears to be.

Connecticut’s cooling-off period

Making important decisions right after suffering a car accident can be overwhelming. That is why Connecticut law has established a 15-day cooling-off period. Under this rule, any settlement or liability release obtained within 15 days of the accident is voidable at your option.

Why a legal guide may help

Before you engage in any kind of dialogue with the at-fault driver or their insurance company, you should hire a legal representative who is experienced in personal injury cases. They can help you determine when to settle, how much to settle for or if you should settle at all.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[Are you able to file a claim against an unknown driver?]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48612 2026-06-16T06:32:03Z 2026-06-16T06:32:03Z The Connecticut UM coverage mandate State law requires every auto insurance policy to include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This protects you, your household relatives and your passengers when the at-fault driver has no insurance or you cannot find them. Minimum UM limits are at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Your coverage is usually equal to your bodily injury liability limits, though you may purchase up to twice that amount.

The hit-and-run claim process

Connecticut makes use of a fault-based insurance system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurer would normally pay your damages. When you cannot identify another driver, your own UM policy will need to cover your damages. This also applies in "phantom vehicle" scenarios. In these cases, another driver forces you to swerve or take evasive action that leads to a crash, even without direct contact between vehicles. Because this is a first-party claim, you are filing against your own insurer rather than a third party. The company will review the circumstances of the accident, including police reports, medical records and other supporting documents.

The key deadlines for filing

Connecticut law requires insurance companies to allow at least three years from the date of an accident to file suit or demand arbitration on a UM claim. Your insurer cannot shorten this window through the terms of your policy. A separate two-year statute of limitations applies if you file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver instead. It is important to note that pursuing a case under the wrong one could lead to a dismissal. Certain situations can shorten these periods further. If your insurer denies coverage or becomes insolvent, you may have as little as one year from the date of that notice to act. Many policies also require you to report the accident within a set timeframe, and delays can give your insurer grounds to dispute. If law enforcement later identifies the driver, you may have grounds to file a claim against them directly. This opens categories of compensation not available through a UM claim, including the possibility of punitive damages if the driver's conduct was reckless or willful.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[Your next moves after getting hit by an uninsured driver]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48610 2026-06-05T15:17:37Z 2026-06-05T15:17:37Z Relying on your own coverage In Connecticut, every auto insurance policy has to include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This can be a vital safety net if you are hit by a driver who lacks insurance or does not have enough to cover your damages. Your own insurance policy can provide the compensation you would otherwise recover from the at-fault party.

Immediate steps to take

What you do right after the car crash can help preserve the evidence needed to support your claim. If you are able to, calling the police can help you get an official report documenting the uninsured driver and how the accident happened. While waiting, you can take photos of the scene, vehicle damage and your injuries. You can also collect contact details from any witnesses. Afterward, seeking medical treatment can create important records that help link your injuries to the crash.

Going about your insurance claim

Notifying your insurance company promptly is essential as UM/UIM claims often have short reporting deadlines. You may be able to recover the same losses as a personal injury claim, including:
  • Current and future medical bills
  • Lost wages and reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering damages
While you are dealing with your own insurance company, they may still attempt to minimize your payout. A lawyer can help you present the full value of your damages to ensure your insurer treats you fairly.

Turning tragedy into action

Being hit by an uninsured driver does not have to be a detriment to your financial stability. Taking the right steps to leverage your own UM/UIM benefits can help you pursue the compensation needed for a successful recuperation.  ]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[Wrongful death claims: Why fatal truck crashes are more complex]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48609 2026-05-28T15:24:29Z 2026-05-28T15:24:04Z How do truck accidents differ from car crashes? Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Their massive size difference often results in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Truck drivers must follow strict federal regulations regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance and cargo loading. These rules do not apply to regular passenger vehicles. Evidence in truck cases is also different. Commercial trucks have electronic logging devices that record driving hours, speed and braking. This data can prove negligence, but it may disappear if not preserved quickly. Connecticut law requires filing wrongful death claims within two years of the death. However, critical evidence can vanish long before that deadline.

Who can be held liable after a fatal truck crash?

Unlike car accidents involving one or two drivers, truck crashes often have multiple liable parties. This includes:
  • The truck driver who may have violated safety regulations or driven while fatigued
  • The trucking company that may have failed to properly train drivers or maintain vehicles
  • The cargo loaders who may have improperly secured freight, causing instability
  • The vehicle manufacturers who may have produced defective parts that contributed to the crash
  • The maintenance providers who may have performed negligent repairs on the truck
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Generally, you can recover damages if your loved one’s fault was 50% or less.

What damages may be available in a wrongful death claim?

Connecticut requires the executor or administrator of the estate to file wrongful death claims on behalf of the deceased. Compensation then flows directly into the estate and is distributed according to the will or state intestacy laws. Recoverable damages include:
  • Medical expenses incurred before death
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Lost income and benefits
  • Pre-death pain and suffering
  • Loss of life's enjoyments
Each family's situation is unique. The damages usually reflect the specific impact of your loss. In such cases, it may be helpful to have legal counsel to evaluate your case. They can help you understand what compensation you may pursue for your family's future.

Seeking justice for your loss

Families who lose a loved one in a truck accident are often left facing serious financial challenges. A wrongful death claim may help provide relief. This can provide stability and resources as families begin adjusting to life after their loss.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[What to know about spinal cord injury compensation]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48608 2026-05-21T16:50:01Z 2026-05-21T16:50:01Z Seeking compensation after a serious injury In many accident cases, the insurance companies might focus only on the initial medical expenses. In that scenario, legal guidance will help victims to recover compensation for both current and future losses. As serious injuries, such as this, may need ongoing care and treatment, it is important to understand the full extent of the condition before accepting any settlement offer

What are the types of compensation?

Accident victims might not realize that a catastrophic injury claim can include more than emergency medical costs. Depending on the circumstances, the compensation might include:
  • Lost income due to an accident
  • Psychological trauma from the event
  • Long-term personal care
  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Cost of mobility equipment
People suffering from spinal cord injuries might have to live with these factors for years, decades or even the rest of their lives. Medication, equipment and lifestyle changes can create financial pressure long after the injury has occurred.

Life after injury

No amount of compensation can undo the damage a spinal cord injury does to a person, but pursuing a legal claim can help to ease the financial and emotional burden the accident has caused.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[What to do after getting injured by a fatigued truck driver]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48607 2026-05-04T13:34:22Z 2026-05-04T13:34:22Z Why driver fatigue can be dangerous When a truck driver works long hours without enough rest, they can become severely tired. This can slow reaction time and cause brief dozing, which may lead to serious crashes. If you suffer injuries after a crash like this, seeking medical care right away is crucial. Keeping records of your treatment and recovery helps when speaking with insurance companies. Moreover, you protect key evidence that can link your injuries directly to the truck accident.

Proving trucker exhaustion

While medical documentation is necessary in proving how you got your injuries, demonstrating driver fatigue as the cause requires different evidence. You may need to collect circumstantial proof linking the driver’s actions (or inaction) to signs of exhaustion, including:
  • Witness statements: Presents multiple accounts of the driver’s behavior before and after the accident
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) data: Shows that a trucker continued driving for a long time without taking required breaks
  • Dashboard camera footage: Provides video evidence of erratic driving patterns that can indicate fatigue
  • Black box recordings: Reveals the speed and driver’s braking and steering activities before the crash
  • Expert analysis reports: Demonstrates the events of the collision through the perspective of accident reconstruction and sleep specialists
Gathering the necessary information to prove fatigue can be a difficult process. Seeking legal guidance can help you navigate the intricacies of building a strong claim.

Turning tragedy into action

Pursuing fair compensation can be a critical step toward rebuilding your life after a serious truck collision. Beyond recouping your financial losses, your claim also helps hold the negligent driver and trucking company accountable.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[Do you need to prove causation in a wrongful death claim?]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48606 2026-04-24T12:54:22Z 2026-04-27T05:00:47Z A sudden loss can leave a family feeling shaken and searching for clarity. As the initial shock begins to settle, the need to understand what happened often becomes more urgent, especially when questions about responsibility start to surface. If you lost a loved one in an accident, the legal process can feel unfamiliar and difficult to interpret. Understanding how causation works may help you assess what the claim must show, why that element matters and how the evidence can affect the outcome.

How causation connects an act to a fatal outcome

To pursue a wrongful death claim, you must prove causation between the conduct at issue and the death. Careless behavior alone usually does not create a sufficient legal basis. The claim must show that a specific act, omission or failure directly contributed to the fatal outcome. Courts also examine what lawyers call proximate cause, or a reasonably foreseeable result of a negligent act. The outcome should follow in a natural and expected way from the conduct in question. If the chain of events appears too distant or uncertain, the claim often becomes harder to support. In Connecticut, a claim must tie a negligent or wrongful act directly to the death rather than rely on general fault alone. That connection often shapes how courts evaluate the claim and the steps that follow.

What this means as you assess your claim

These standards may feel complex during an already difficult time. Reviewing records, timelines and expert input often helps clarify how events connect. This process can also reveal which facts strengthen or weaken the legal connection. As you review the situation, each piece of evidence can contribute to a clearer and more coherent picture. That perspective can help you evaluate the strength of your claim while key decisions still carry legal consequences. Speaking with an attorney can also help you avoid missteps as you decide how to respond.]]> On Behalf of Brignole, Bush & Lewis <![CDATA[Can I recover damages for emotional distress after a car crash?]]> https://www.brignole.com/?p=48602 2026-04-23T14:05:09Z 2026-04-23T14:05:09Z A serious car accident can leave you with more than broken bones and bruises. For many car crash survivors, even long after their physical injuries heal, they may struggle with fear, anxiety and other scars that don’t show on the surface. Connecticut law is cognizant that emotional distress causes real harm. As such, survivors can seek compensation for traumas that are not visible at first glance. Knowing what you can claim and how to prove it helps you recover the full damages you deserve.

Types of emotional distress you can claim

Car accidents can trigger various mental health conditions that affect your daily life and overall wellbeing. For example:
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder: You might experience flashbacks to the crash, panic attacks when hearing loud noises or intense emotional reactions to reminders of the accident.
  • Anxiety and depression: The accident may leave you feeling constantly worried, sad or hopeless in ways that interfere with work, relationships and normal activities.
  • Fear of driving: You might avoid getting behind the wheel or feel terror as a passenger, which limits your ability to work or maintain independence.
  • Sleep problems: Nightmares about the crash, insomnia or other sleep disturbances can affect your health and ability to function during the day.
Connecticut courts understand that these conditions cause real suffering and financial losses through treatment costs and reduced quality of life.

Evidence needed to support your emotional distress claim

Insurance companies may push back against mental health claims. Strong documentation is essential for recovering fair compensation. These can be:
  • Getting professional diagnoses and treatment records from therapists or psychiatrists
  • Keeping records of all prescribed medications for anxiety, depression or sleep issues
  • Documenting how your symptoms affect your work, hobbies and relationships
  • Providing testimony about specific ways the emotional trauma changed your daily life
Building a thorough record of your mental health treatment and its impact on your life helps demonstrate the real costs of your emotional injuries to insurance adjusters and juries. Connecticut law treats emotional distress as legitimate damages after car accidents. Mental health injuries need the same careful documentation and professional treatment records as physical injuries to support your compenscar aation claim.  ]]>