Connecticut Car Accident Laws
Last reviewed June 2026
Quick answer. Connecticut is an at-fault state. You have 2 years to file a personal injury claim (Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-584), and the state follows modified, 51% bar negligence (Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-572h). Minimum liability coverage is 25/50/25.
Connecticut Car Accident Quick Facts
| System | At-fault (tort) |
|---|---|
| Filing deadline | 2 years (Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-584) |
| Fault rule | Modified, 51% bar (Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-572h) |
| Threshold to sue | None. As an at-fault state, no injury threshold must be met to sue. |
| Minimum liability | 25,000 / 50,000 / 25,000, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage |
| Helmet law | Connecticut requires helmets only for riders under 18. |
Fault and Insurance in Connecticut
Connecticut is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who caused the crash, through their insurer, pays for the resulting harm. There is no no-fault threshold to clear before bringing a bodily injury claim.
Minimum liability coverage is 25,000 / 50,000 / 25,000, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
How Shared Fault Works in Connecticut
Connecticut applies modified comparative negligence with a 51 percent bar, meaning you recover only if you are 50 percent or less at fault, with your award reduced by your share, codified at Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-572h. Insurers know these rules and often try to shift blame to cut what they pay, so understanding how fault is decided matters to the outcome.
The Filing Deadline in Connecticut
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-584, you generally have 2 years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim in Connecticut. Waiting risks both the deadline and the loss of evidence.
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Connecticut requires helmets only for riders under 18. Adult riders are not legally required to wear one.
Local Context
Crashes happen across Connecticut, from Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford to smaller towns and rural routes. Injury claims are typically handled through the Connecticut Superior Court, and driver and crash records run through the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Talk to an Accident Attorney in Connecticut
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Deadline to File a Car Accident Claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut allows 2 years from the date of the crash for most personal injury claims, under Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-584. After that, the claim is usually barred.
Is Connecticut a No-Fault or At-Fault State?
Connecticut is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who caused the crash, through their insurer, pays for the resulting harm. There is no no-fault threshold to clear before bringing a bodily injury claim.
How Does Fault Affect My Recovery in Connecticut?
Connecticut follows modified comparative negligence with a 51 percent bar, meaning you recover only if you are 50 percent or less at fault, with your award reduced by your share (Conn. Gen. Stat. section 52-572h).
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance in Connecticut?
The minimum liability coverage in Connecticut is 25,000 / 50,000 / 25,000, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Related Guides
- No-fault vs at-fault states
- Statute of limitations by state
- Serious injury and verbal thresholds
- Motorcycle accident laws by state
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