Fairfield Car Accident Laws 2026: What’s Changed in Connecticut Personal Injury?

While road safety and awareness can help prevent car accidents, sometimes they just can’t be avoided. After an accident, you’re likely to be distressed, confused, and maybe even hurt. Figuring out what to do next can be a challenge. Knowing the Fairfield car accident laws in advance can help you be more prepared in the unfortunate event of a crash or other accident.

At Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law, we know how important it is to be aware of car accident and personal injury laws. We are dedicated to helping our clients understand these laws so that you don’t have to worry as much after an accident.

Fault and Insurance Claims in Connecticut

Connecticut used to be a no-fault state for car accident insurance claims, meaning that each driver was compensated by their own insurance regardless of fault. That changed decades ago, and it’s now required to prove fault in an accident before an insurance company will make any payments.

In most cases, the driver found to be at fault is responsible for paying for the damages and other costs incurred in an accident. If the driver has insurance, which Connecticut drivers are required to have, their insurance will likely be the one making those payments.

However, Connecticut also operates under a modified comparative negligence system. In order to receive compensation in an accident, you must be found to be less than 51% at fault. However, if you’re still partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that amount. For example, you could be found 25% at fault for an accident, and you will receive only three-quarters of the compensation you could otherwise get.

While traffic fatalities in the Constitution State decreased by 12% in 2025, that’s still 274 fatalities throughout the year. Remaining aware of Fairfield car accident laws can help you respond faster if you’re faced with an accident involving a fatality.

Lastly, in order to get compensation and avoid further penalties, most accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage need to be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles as quickly as possible. This creates a paper trail that can support later claims and helps keep your bases covered.

Connecticut’s Statute of Limitations

Connecticut experiences a lot of car accidents, with 83,750 crashes reported in 2025. These involved more than 200,000 people. With so many accidents to respond to, the state upholds the same requirements for all cases.

One of these is the statute of limitations. For personal injury claims resulting from an auto accident, the claim must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. After that, you likely won’t be able to file a claim or receive compensation.

In rare cases, there can be exceptions, such as receiving injuries that aren’t able to be detected right away. Then, the two-year timer starts after the discovery of the injury, or the time when the injury reasonably could have been discovered. Getting help sooner rather than later helps you make sure you stay within the statute of limitations.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Even though you have two years to file a claim, responding to an accident faster can help you reach a resolution more quickly. If you need compensation for medical expenses, lost work, or other damages from an accident, waiting months and months to receive it can add more strain.

Proving fault can be challenging, and there are many types of evidence you have to consider: police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, vehicle data, medical bills, repair costs, and more. Working with a car accident lawyer can reduce your stress and let you rest easy knowing you have experienced support.

If you don’t know what to do next after an accident, come to Sorrentino Legal. We can help you prepare a case, explain your options, and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements in Connecticut?

The value of a car accident settlement in Connecticut varies heavily from case to case. These settlements are typically based on damages, including damage to your vehicle, injuries sustained, and pain and suffering. As such, each case is unique. To find out how much your case might be worth, speak to an attorney.

How Much Is Compensation for Anxiety After a Car Accident?

Compensation for anxiety resulting from a car accident is included in pain and suffering. The value of pain and suffering compensation depends on the diagnosis, how heavily it affects you, and other damages. A passionate car accident lawyer from Sorrentino Legal can help you determine what your case might be worth.

How Do You Determine Fault in a Car Accident?

Fault in car accidents is determined from a collection of many pieces of evidence. Police reports, vehicle data, witness statements, traffic cameras, and more can be used to determine fault. Proving fault can be tricky, and many people find it easier to hire a car accident lawyer who can help gather the right evidence for their case.

Can You File Wrongful Death Claims for a Car Accident?

Yes, if a loved one was killed in a car accident, you can file a wrongful death claim. This is true even if there hasn’t been a criminal investigation, or one is ongoing. Wrongful death is a separate civil process and can help you get compensation for the financial losses caused by a loved one’s death. It can’t replace them, but it can help ease the burden of their passing.

Your Fairfield Car Accident Attorney

We understand that car accident cases are incredibly challenging. After you’ve been injured, the last thing you want to be thinking about is a prolonged legal battle. But we also know how important it is for you to be compensated for your injuries and other damages.

With offices at 185 Plains Road in Milford and 135 Elm Street in Bridgeport, Sorrentino Legal brings dedication to each of our clients, learning the unique details of their case so we can figure out a plan that supports their needs and wants. You don’t need to tackle your car accident claim alone. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances and learn how Fairfield car accident laws may impact your case.