In
Connecticut, a driver, motorcyclist or pedestrian who is
not more than 50% at fault can still recover money for
injuries from an accident. The amount recovered is
reduced by the percentage of fault.
Consider these examples:
Christopher is
going over the speed limit on his motorcycle when an
oncoming car makes a left turn into his path. At
the trial, the judge will tell the jury they can
divide the fault between the two drivers. The
jury decides Christopher is 20% at fault. The
jury also decides his case is worth $100,000.
The court will award Christopher $80,000 ($100,000
minus 20%).
Sarah and Jason
each drive through a four-way stop sign and
collide. A jury finds that they are each 50% at
fault for this auto accident, that Sarah's case is
worth $10,000 and that Jason's case is worth
$8,000. Sarah will get $5,000 and Jason will get
$4,000.
Jessica is talking
on her cell phone and driving very close to a delivery
truck in front of her. The truck stops suddenly
and Jessica crashes into it. A jury decides that
Jessica is 51% at fault. She will not get
anything from this car accident even though she may be
badly injured.
If
there is a question as to who caused an auto accident, it
is extremely important to contact an experienced attorney
immediately to preserve important evidence.
Witnesses move or forget, skid marks fade, debris from the
accident scatters or is moved.
An experienced personal injury attorney will also be able
to effectively negotiate with the insurance company and to
properly present the accident case to a jury.
When You Need a Car Accident
Lawyer,
Rely on Us for Skill,
Determination and Experience.
