Getting into an accident is stressful enough, but when you’re injured and trying to file a personal injury claim in Hartford, Connecticut, there’s one specific law that can make or break your case—the state’s 51% fault rule. This rule determines how much compensation you can recover after an accident and whether you’re eligible to recover anything at all. Understanding how fault works in Connecticut is key to building a strong case and avoiding mistakes that could cost you your financial recovery. A Hartford personal injury lawyer can help make sure the system works in your favor, not against you.
What Is Connecticut’s 51% Rule?
Connecticut uses a modified comparative negligence law, commonly referred to as the 51% rule. Under this rule, you can only receive compensation if you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. If a court or insurance company decides that you were 51% or more responsible, you lose the right to any financial recovery.
Even if you are partly to blame, you may still recover damages—as long as your share of the fault is 50% or less. However, your compensation will be lowered by the percentage of your fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you’d only receive $80,000.
This rule makes it incredibly important to push back against unfair blame. Every percentage point matters.
Why Insurance Companies Use the Rule Against You
Insurance companies don’t work for your best interests. Their main goal is to pay as little as possible. Because Connecticut’s fault rule allows your compensation to be reduced—or denied—they often try to shift blame onto the injured person.
In Hartford, whether you’re hurt in a crash on Interstate 84, a slip and fall near Bushnell Park, or a pedestrian accident on Main Street, insurers may claim you were distracted, reckless, or failed to take reasonable precautions. Even a small suggestion of fault can reduce your payout.
They may rely on vague evidence, twist your words in recorded statements, or downplay the other party’s responsibility. That’s why it’s critical to act carefully after an accident and avoid speaking directly to insurers without legal advice.
How Fault Impacts Your Legal Strategy
Understanding how fault works in Connecticut can shape the entire approach to your personal injury claim. The closer your case is to that 51% threshold, the more carefully it must be handled. One wrong move, such as admitting fault or failing to collect the right evidence, can put your case at serious risk.
Because insurance adjusters know how the system works, they often try to settle quickly, offering far less than your case is worth before you fully understand your rights. They may also use vague language or pressure tactics to get you to unknowingly accept part of the blame. This can weaken your claim and reduce what you’re able to recover.
A solid legal strategy includes gathering the right documents, protecting your statements, and ensuring that all facts are reviewed fairly. This kind of preparation can protect you from tactics designed to shift blame and helps you stay focused on your recovery—not legal traps.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
Some actions can hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. Avoiding these missteps can strengthen your claim:
- Admitting fault at the scene, or worse, to an insurance company
- Failing to seek immediate medical attention
- Not collecting contact info from witnesses
- Ignoring follow-up medical treatment
- Posting about the accident on social media
- Accepting a settlement offer without legal advice
Being cautious and well-informed from the beginning gives you a stronger position in your claim.
Speak to a Hartford Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in an accident anywhere in Hartford—from Asylum Avenue to Parkville—you deserve a fair shot at compensation. But the 51% fault rule gives insurance companies an advantage, and they won’t hesitate to use it. Protect your rights by talking with a legal professional who understands Connecticut law and knows how to fight back. Contact a Hartford personal injury lawyer today to get started and learn what your claim is really worth.