Connecticut has over 2 million licensed drivers. While those drivers may have all taken--and passed-- the same driver’s exam, not everyone is going to follow the rules.
That’s a shame, because Connecticut’s driving laws aren’t particularly unreasonable. Moreover, when people don’t follow the rules, they are more likely to get into accidents.
Perhaps you’ve even been a victim in one of them.
Familiarize yourself with Connecticut’s driving laws, in part because it’s always useful to know if you drive in the state. However, it’s also useful to know them if you got into an auto accident in Connecticut that wasn’t your fault.
If you were injured and it turns out that the other driver was breaking Connecticut’s driving laws, you may be eligible for a personal injury claim.
Specific Rules in Connecticut
Every driver in Connecticut should be familiar with the following rules:
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Seatbelt law: In Connecticut, all the passengers in the front must be wearing seatbelts. Children from ages 4 to 16 have to keep their seatbelts on even if they’re sitting in the backseat.
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Drunk driving laws: Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 technically qualifies as driving drunk. Drivers under the age of 21 aren’t allowed to drive with a BAC over 0.02. Any alcohol-related offense (including DUIs) requires that defendants install an ignition interlock device.
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Open container laws: Connecticut’s open container laws only apply to drivers; in other words, passengers are allowed to handle and imbibe from open containers while in a vehicle, but drivers are not.
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Distracted driving: Connecticut defines distracted driving as, “any non driving activity that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or interrupts your concentration while driving that increases the risk of crashing.”
Texting while driving is also illegal for all drivers, and the laws are more restrictive for teens: nobody under 18 is allowed to use an electronic device at all, even if it’s hands-free.
Distracted Driving Scenario in Connecticut
If a driver crashes straight into your car after ignoring a stop sign at an intersection because he was texting and driving then you should consider filing a personal injury claim.
Connecticut is an at-fault state, which means that you would file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. This also means that you have to prove that the other driver was distracted and was responsible for the crash.
Gather all the evidence you can at the scene (if your condition is stable), and then think about contacting a personal injury lawyer to help you with your case.
Find an Attorney Who Can Help You
Having a personal injury lawyer on your side can make a massive difference for your case. Once you find a personal injury attorney in Connecticut, you’ll have access to a knowledgeable person who can argue your case on your behalf.
These kinds of claims often have a higher chance of success with the help of an attorney, and a successful claim could put your life back on track after the accident.
