After an accident in Hartford, many victims expect their insurance claim or lawsuit to be a straightforward process. Unfortunately, Connecticut’s laws can make personal injury cases more complex than people realize.
One specific rule—known as the “51% rule”—can make or break a claim, especially when insurance companies work to reduce their own liability.
If you suffered injuries in a collision on I-84, slipped on an icy sidewalk in downtown Hartford, or were struck by a vehicle while crossing Capitol Avenue, understanding this law is essential. If you’re considering filing a claim, find a personal injury lawyer in Hartford who can explain how this rule could impact your compensation.
Understanding Connecticut’s 51% Comparative Fault Law
Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence system. This means each party involved in an accident is assigned a percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages under state law. This is often referred to as the 51% bar rule.
Let’s say your total damages are $100,000 after an accident in the Asylum Hill neighborhood. If you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. However, if a jury or insurer decides you are 51% responsible, you would receive nothing.
This rule can be confusing, especially for people who were clearly injured due to someone else’s actions. It’s why insurance companies often try to shift blame, even when their policyholder was obviously at fault. They only need to push the fault percentage past 50% to avoid paying.
How Insurance Companies Use the Rule to Their Advantage
After an accident, insurance adjusters usually investigate every detail with one goal in mind: reducing the payout. If they can argue you were partially to blame, they may reduce your settlement or deny your claim altogether.
Some of the tactics insurers use include:
- Saying you were distracted or not paying attention
- Blaming you for not wearing a seatbelt or helmet
- Questioning whether you followed traffic signals
- Claiming you ignored warning signs on private property
- Using your own statements to suggest partial fault
These strategies are especially common in pedestrian accidents, bike crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups near areas like Bushnell Park or Albany Avenue. Because fault can be subjective, it’s critical to gather strong evidence and speak carefully when giving statements.
Why Proving Fault Matters in Hartford Injury Cases
Establishing who caused the accident is one of the most important steps in a personal injury claim. This means collecting evidence, witness statements, photos and possibly working with experts to show the other party’s actions led to your injuries.
If your accident occurred near Union Station or on Main Street, surveillance footage from nearby businesses might help prove your version of events. In car crashes, traffic camera data or vehicle black box information can support your claim. In a slip and fall, photos of the hazard and records showing the property owner’s lack of maintenance can make a difference.
Without proper documentation, the insurance company might assign more blame to you than is fair. Once your fault reaches 51%, your case ends without compensation. That’s why experienced legal guidance is so valuable.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
Having someone in your corner who understands the legal system and local courts can help you avoid mistakes and fight unfair accusations. A personal injury lawyer based in Hartford knows how local insurers operate and how to build a case that limits your fault and strengthens your claim.
Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Investigate the accident and gather key evidence
- Interview witnesses and consult with experts
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Fight back against attempts to shift blame unfairly
- Calculate damages so you know what your claim is worth
- Represent you in court if necessary
Many injured residents in Hartford feel overwhelmed after an accident, especially if they’re out of work or facing rising medical bills. A lawyer can focus on the legal side, so you can focus on healing.
Talk to a Hartford Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Claim
If you were injured in an accident in Hartford and are worried about how fault could affect your case, now is the time to act. Don’t let an insurance company reduce your claim or deny you the compensation you need. A skilled attorney can explain how Connecticut’s 51% rule applies to your case and help you build the strongest claim possible. Talk to a Hartford personal injury lawyer today to protect your rights and fight for what you deserve.
