After a serious accident in Hartford, many victims are shocked to learn that they may not recover full compensation even if someone else caused most of the harm. In Connecticut, the law allows insurers and courts to reduce a settlement or jury award based on how much blame they assign to the injured person. This principle, known as comparative negligence, can dramatically affect the outcome of a personal injury claim. Insurance companies use it as a powerful tool to limit what they pay.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to protect your rights, it’s time to find a personal injury attorney in Hartford who can stand up for you.

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensation only if you were less than 51% at fault for the incident. Even if you meet that standard, your total award gets reduced based on your percentage of blame. Understanding how this rule works—and how insurers manipulate it—can help you avoid critical mistakes and strengthen your claim.

How Comparative Negligence Works in Connecticut

In Hartford and throughout the state, Connecticut General Statutes Section 52-572h governs fault in personal injury cases. Under this statute, each party involved in an accident may carry a portion of legal responsibility. The injured person must be less at fault than the opposing party or parties combined to receive any compensation.

For example, if you were struck by a driver who ran a red light, but you were speeding at the time, the insurance adjuster may argue that you were 30% at fault. If the court agrees, and your total damages were $100,000, you would only receive $70,000. If a judge or jury finds you to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing under Connecticut law.

The system may seem balanced at first glance, but it opens the door for insurance companies to exploit injured claimants. Even a small shift in fault percentages can drastically reduce your recovery. That’s why understanding how fault gets assigned is just as important as proving the other party’s liability.

The Insurance Company’s Strategy: Shifting Blame

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. One of their most effective tactics involves exaggerating your role in the accident. If they can increase your percentage of fault—even by a few points—they save thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, many claimants unknowingly help them do it.

From the moment you report a claim, the insurer will start building a case against you. They may ask leading questions during phone calls, request written or recorded statements, and search for social media posts or past claims that could hurt your credibility. Even a seemingly harmless comment, such as “I didn’t see them coming,” can be used to suggest negligence.

In Hartford, where traffic congestion and unpredictable weather often contribute to accidents, insurers can argue that local conditions should have caused you to take extra precautions. Without strong legal representation, these arguments can go unchallenged and lead to a reduced or denied claim.

Key Ways to Protect Yourself Against Unfair Blame

Victims in Hartford can take practical steps to safeguard their claim from excessive fault assignment. Being proactive early in the process will give your case a stronger foundation and limit the insurer’s ability to manipulate the narrative.

• Avoid making recorded statements before consulting with a lawyer. Insurers may twist your words.
• Seek medical treatment immediately and follow through with all appointments. Gaps in care may be used against you.
• Document the accident scene with photos, witness contact information, and detailed notes.
• Do not post about the accident on social media. Even casual posts may be used as evidence.
• Hire an attorney early to take over all communication with the insurance company.

These steps help preserve crucial evidence and protect your legal position while your claim is still developing.

Comparative Fault in Multi-Vehicle and Premises Cases

Connecticut’s shared fault rule applies to more than just car crashes. Victims injured in multi-party events—like a slip and fall in a Hartford grocery store or a pile-up on I-91—also face blame-sharing challenges. In these cases, each party may point fingers at the others, leaving you in the middle.

If you trip on uneven pavement in Bushnell Park but weren’t watching where you were walking, the city or property owner may argue you caused your injury. Likewise, in construction zone accidents, both drivers and contractors may share fault. Sorting out these complex liability webs requires thorough investigation and a precise legal strategy.

Take Action Before Your Rights Are Reduced

Connecticut limits the time you have, generally two years, to file a personal injury claim, and every day you wait gives the insurance company more power. If you suspect you’re being blamed unfairly, you need an experienced advocate who understands how Hartford insurers operate. Protect your financial future by consulting a local professional who will build your case, fight blame-shifting tactics, and pursue full compensation for your injuries. Call a trusted legal team in Hartford today and get the support you deserve.