Being involved in an accident is overwhelming enough, but when you're told that you may be partially to blame, the situation becomes even more stressful. You might wonder if you’re still entitled to compensation or if your share of fault cancels out your entire claim. In Connecticut, your legal rights depend on the state’s specific rules about fault and how compensation is calculated.
Understanding these rules and how they apply to your case can be the difference between receiving a fair settlement and walking away with nothing. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a New Haven injury attorney who understands how to fight for your best possible outcome, even if liability is shared.
Connecticut follows a legal principle called “modified comparative negligence.” This law allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident—as long as your percentage of fault does not exceed 50 percent. Once your share of fault goes beyond that threshold, you lose your right to collect any compensation.
Let’s say a jury decides you are 30 percent responsible for the accident, and your total damages equal $100,000. Under Connecticut’s rule, you would still be able to recover $70,000, which reflects a 30 percent reduction due to your share of the blame. However, if you are found 51 percent responsible, your claim would be denied completely.
Because these percentages directly impact the amount of money you can recover, the stakes are high. Insurance companies will often attempt to inflate your level of fault to reduce what they owe. This is one of the key reasons having a skilled legal advocate is so important.
When there's a shared fault in an accident, things get complicated quickly. Proving who did what, and when, often requires strong evidence, witness statements, expert analysis, and knowledge of how courts assign liability. This is especially true in car crashes, pedestrian incidents, and slip-and-fall injuries where multiple factors contribute to the harm.
In New Haven, where heavy traffic and dense neighborhoods create frequent collision risks, disputes over fault happen all the time. Even a small error—like failing to yield, misjudging distance, or not wearing a seatbelt—can be used against you. Without strong representation, you may find yourself blamed for far more than your fair share.
A qualified injury attorney in New Haven will take immediate steps to reduce your percentage of fault and protect your ability to recover compensation. This includes a thorough investigation, gathering all available evidence, and pushing back against unfair blame tactics used by the opposing side.
Attorneys understand how Connecticut courts interpret negligence and can highlight the actions of the other party that truly led to your injuries. They will also guide you on what to say and not say to insurance adjusters, who often try to twist your words.
Here’s how an attorney can protect your interests:
Your attorney’s job is to minimize your share of liability and maximize your financial recovery.
Working with someone who knows New Haven isn’t just a matter of convenience—it can shape the outcome of your case. Local attorneys understand area traffic patterns, common accident zones, and how juries in New Haven County typically respond to various claims. Whether your injury occurred on Whalley Avenue or near the Long Wharf district, a local lawyer knows the details that matter.
They also have working relationships with local courts, judges, and insurance defense attorneys. This familiarity helps them develop smarter strategies and faster solutions for people injured in our community. Choosing someone from the area shows you're serious and that you have someone in your corner who knows how to win on your home turf.
If you've been injured in an accident and believe you may be partially at fault, you still have rights under Connecticut law. Don’t let an insurance company convince you otherwise. Contact a trusted New Haven injury attorney today to get a clear picture of your options and learn how to fight for every dollar you’re entitled to. Your recovery shouldn’t suffer because of shared blame—get experienced help and move forward with confidence.
