Car insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use, and while everyone who drives is required to have it, very few people really understand it. This fact isn’t surprising when you consider how complicated and intentionally confusing most car insurance policies can be. The information below is intended to give readers a basic understanding about how car insurance works in Connecticut. If you are currently making a claim on an insurance policy or believe you will be soon, you should call our office today to speak to a Connecticut car accident lawyer.
Connecticut Car Insurance Basics
Let’s start with the basics. Under Connecticut law, all drivers are required to carry the following:
-
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
-
$25,000 per accident for property damage liability coverage
-
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Liability insurance covers you if you cause an accident and cause bodily injury or property damage to another person or his or her property. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage covers you if another driver hits you and that driver does not have insurance, or his or her insurance does not cover all of your losses. Most insurers offer optional coverage as well, including medical payments coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Every policy is different, so in order to determine what your policy covers, you should talk to your agent or directly to someone at your insurance company.
Liability Depends on Fault
Many people are confused about which driver’s insurance company they should contact after an accident. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will assume liability for any losses sustained by victims. That means that if you caused an accident, you will be making a claim on your own insurance (if you make a claim at all) and so will anyone else that was injured in the wreck. On the other hand, if you suffered an injury in an accident caused by someone else, you’ll likely be making a claim on their insurance policy.
Insurance is For-Profit Business, and Accident Victims Should Always Retain an Attorney
As an accident victim, keep in mind that insurance companies will do everything they can to limit the amount they pay out, even on completely valid claims. In many cases, they will pressure victims to provide a recorded statement, claiming that it will help them “process” their claim. In reality, what they are trying to do is get the victim to say something that will justify reducing their settlement offer. Another common tactic is taking an unreasonable amount of time to make an offer at all, knowing that victims’ medical bills and other expenses are piling up, making them more likely to accept a lower settlement.
These are just a couple of the various tactics that car insurance companies use to minimize the amount they pay victims. Fortunately, an attorney will protect your rights, and you can rest assured that you will obtain the compensation to which you are legally entitled.
Injured in a Wreck? Call Leighton, Katz & Drapeau Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Car Accident Lawyer in Connecticut
The aftermath of a serious car accident can be physically and emotionally difficult, and the last thing you need to be worrying about is your accident claim. For this reason, if you’ve suffered an injury in an accident, you should speak to an experienced attorney as soon as you can. The Connecticut car accident attorneys of Leighton, Katz & Drapeau are committed to helping victims get the compensation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call our office today at (860) 875-7000.
