Miss a deadline and a strong claim can be lost for good. These are the main ones after a Connecticut crash. Your own case may have others, so confirm the dates with a lawyer.
Injury lawsuits
Under CGS 52-584, a negligence suit for personal injury or property damage must be brought within two years from when the injury is first sustained or discovered, or should have been discovered. Three years after the act or omission is the hard stop. In Connecticut, a suit is generally brought when the defendant is served.
Wrongful death
Under CGS 52-555, the estate must sue within two years after the death, and never more than five years from the act or omission that caused it.
Road defects
- Town or city roads. Written notice to a selectman or the town clerk within 90 days, then suit within two years, under CGS 13a-149.
- State highways. Written notice to the Commissioner of Transportation within 90 days, then suit within two years, under CGS 13a-144.
The notice has to describe the injury, the cause, and the time and place. A notice that’s late or too vague can end the claim.
State vehicles
CGS 52-556 allows a negligence suit against the State when a State employee was driving a State-owned, insured vehicle. Ask a lawyer which deadline applies to your claim.
Your own insurer
Auto policies require prompt notice of a crash. Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims can carry their own time limits written into the policy, so read yours early.
Victim compensation
When a crime caused the crash, like an impaired driver or someone who fled, the Office of Victim Services generally needs an application within three years, and the crime must have been reported to police. See the Judicial Branch compensation page or call 1-888-286-7347.
More on the main deadline is in Connecticut’s two-year deadline.