When you’re hurt as a passenger in an auto collision in Connecticut, you have several legal avenues to pursue compensation. Your options will depend in part on who was driving, such as a friend or family member or a commercial rideshare or taxi driver, and the seriousness of injuries you suffer.

Connecticut follows a fault-based system. That means a driver who is found to be at fault is responsible for covering the damages through their insurance. However, your driver may carry personal injury protection (PIP). Also known as basic reparation benefits coverage, it applies regardless of fault. You would be covered as an “occupying passenger” under PIP, which pays for:

• Medical expenses up to prescribed dollar limits

• Up to two‐thirds of lost wages for injuries that prevent you from working

• Other reasonable and necessary expenses related to your injury

If your driver lacks PIP coverage, you may be eligible for these benefits under your own auto policy.

PIP benefits do not include pain and suffering or other noneconomic losses. If you have been seriously injured, you can seek such damages in a legal claim against the driver, alleging they were at fault. This implicates the driver’s liability insurance coverage. 

In the case of a friend or family member, their auto policy must include bodily injury liability coverage (minimum $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident). Taxis carry higher liability limits, often $100,000/$300,000. Connecticut law requires rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft to carry $1 million in commercial liability coverage that applies when they are transporting passengers.

If any at‐fault driver has inadequate liability insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can reimburse you for your medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering up to policy limits. Connecticut requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage, but you must opt in.

You also can bring a third-party claim against the other driver(s) involved in the collision. Their own insurance coverages will apply. The damages you can recover will be apportioned between your driver and the others based on their respective percentages of fault.

You generally have two years from the date of a car crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you might forfeit your right to sue. An experienced Connecticut auto accident attorney can evaluate your case, help you identify all responsible parties and take all necessary actions to pursue fair compensation.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in Hamden and East Haven advocates in behalf of Connecticut clients injured in car crashes. To discuss your case, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.