The laws surrounding the safe operation of a motor vehicle vary depending on which state you are driving in. The same is true for vehicle accidents, as laws to do with accidents depend on which state you are a resident of and which state the motor vehicle accident occurs. In Connecticut, there are a few unique rules regarding comparative and contributory negligence.
How do these rules affect car accident claims in Connecticut?
Contributory negligence
Contributory negligence states that when an accident occurs, one party cannot owe another party anything if they are found to be even a little bit at fault. However, most states deem this to be an unfair practice, as it is difficult for any driver to be completely not at fault. For example, if one driver is speeding at the time of a collision, and another was driving way over the legal alcohol limit, the speeding driver may not be able to recover damages from the drunk driver under contributory negligence laws.
Comparative negligence
Comparative negligence laws allow both parties involved in an accident, or the party least at fault, to receive compensation after an accident. This is what the state of Connecticut uses instead of contributory negligence. Specifically, Connecticut adheres to modified comparative fault guidelines, which enable those involved in an accident to recover damages as long as they were less than 51% at fault.
The laws in your state when it comes to comparative and contributory negligence can make the difference between being able to collect damages or not after a motor vehicle accident.