New York drivers have more options for recovery from accidents in Connecticut!
If you live in New York and visit Connecticut for business or pleasure, you should know that Connecticut has different rules for compensating accident victims for physical injuries and property damages. Because New York’s no-fault insurance laws place significant restrictions on victims’ ability to sue, New York drivers who are injured in Connecticut may not be aware that they have more options to ensure they are fully and justly compensated by the drivers who are at fault.
Both New York and Connecticut require drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage of $25,000 bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident and both states require these amounts for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, New York policies require only $10,000 property damage liability per accident, while Connecticut requires $25,000. This means that Connecticut drivers may have more than twice the coverage available to compensate for property damage they cause in an accident.
New York is a “no-fault” state. This means that accident victims are expected to cover their own medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages with their own insurance. New York auto policies all include a minimum of $50,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) to meet this expectation. This “no-fault” part of the policy allows drivers to make accident claims with their own insurance, even if another driver is at fault. To file suit in New York, an accident victim must (1) have actual damages beyond the limits of their PIP coverage, and (2) demonstrate a legally permissible “serious injury.” These no-fault insurance laws also limit the types of damages that accident victims can be compensated for. For example, PIP coverage will not pay for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Without the ability to file suit, these drivers may feel doubly victimized – first by the accident and then by the legal system.
Connecticut law is different. Connecticut is not a no-fault state and has no economic or categorical thresholds for personal injury claims. Connecticut law treats each victim’s damages on a case-by-case basis, considering the totality of the circumstances for claiming both economic losses (e.g., repair costs, medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic losses (e.g., pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, loss of the enjoyment of life’s activities, loss of consortium).
If you are a New York driver injured in an accident in Connecticut, call us for a free consultation to see if we can help you get more than what your PIP coverage will pay.
What is the Difference Between CT and NY Car Accident Claims?
New York drivers who have the misfortune of being involved in a car accident in Connecticut may be surprised to learn that they have more options for recovering damages than they would in their home state.
New York’s No-Fault Insurance vs. Connecticut’s Fault System
New York operates on a no-fault insurance system, meaning accident victims typically file claims with their own insurance company regardless of who caused the accident. However, recovering full compensation can be challenging due to strict limitations and the need to prove a “serious injury.”
In contrast, Connecticut follows a fault-based system, allowing accident victims to seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This means more potential recovery for economic losses like medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Maximize Your Compensation with a Connecticut Car Accident Claim
If you’re a New York resident injured in a Connecticut car accident, you may be entitled to significantly more compensation than you realize. Our experienced legal team can help you navigate the complexities of both states’ laws and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Don’t let New York’s restrictive laws limit your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.*