If you have been involved in an accident in Connecticut and are partly at fault, you may think that you are not entitled to compensation. However, this is not entirely true. Connecticut is one of a handful of states that follow the comparative negligence doctrine, which means you can still file a personal injury claim even if you were partly at fault. In this article, we’ll be discussing what comparative negligence is, how it impacts personal injury claims, and what steps you should take if you were partly at fault for an accident.
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Understanding Comparative Negligence in Connecticut
Comparative negligence is a legal principle that means more than one person can be at fault for an accident. Under this doctrine, the court assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in the accident. Depending on the percentage of fault assigned, the amount of compensation awarded to the plaintiff can be reduced.
Connecticut follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. However, if you were found to be less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were found to be 30% at fault for the accident and awarded a $100,000 settlement, you will receive $70,000 in compensation.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim If You Were Partly at Fault
If you were involved in an accident and were partly at fault, you can still file a personal injury claim. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Here are the steps you should take if you want to file a personal injury claim:
1. Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel alright. Sometimes, injuries might not be apparent until hours or even days after the accident. Seeking immediate medical attention will ensure that your injuries are documented, and you receive the necessary care.
2. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were partly at fault in an accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. They can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the legal process. A lawyer will also review the details of the accident and help build a strong case to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
3. Gather Evidence and Document Everything
To build a strong case, you need to gather evidence and document everything related to the accident. Take pictures of the scene, document the weather conditions, and gather witness statements. This will help your lawyer to prove the other party’s negligence and support your claim for compensation.
4. File a Personal Injury Claim
Once you’ve gathered enough evidence and received medical attention, your personal injury lawyer will file a claim on your behalf. They will investigate the accident and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Conclusion
Connecticut’s comparative negligence rule means that if you were partly at fault in an accident, you can still file a personal injury claim and receive compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. To ensure that you receive fair compensation, seek immediate medical attention, contact an experienced lawyer, gather evidence, and file a personal injury claim.