Collisions along Shunpike Road, Worthington Ridge, and other streets throughout Connecticut can involve uninsured or underinsured drivers. These types of collisions can raise complex legal considerations. If you were struck by someone who was not properly insured, understanding how to file an underinsured motorist claim in Connecticut is a crucial first step as you pursue the compensation that you are owed.
How Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works in Connecticut
Learning that you were struck by an underinsured motorist can be a stressful and upsetting experience. Collisions in Westville, Blue Hills, Black Rock, and elsewhere in the state can involve parties to a crash who are either uninsured or underinsured. In the aftermath of one of these accidents, it is crucial to understand the state’s insurance laws.
While some states allow motorists to opt out of uninsured motorist coverage, Connecticut mandates that all insurance providers provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as part of automobile liability policies. Drivers must carry at least $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per incident in UM/UIM coverage.
Given that one in seven U.S. drivers, according to a 2025 Insurance Research Council report, is uninsured, and roughly one in three are underinsured, understanding state insurance laws is crucial.
This protection can become particularly important when an at-fault motorist has insurance, but their liability limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of an injured person’s losses.
Underinsured motorist coverage can help address the financial gap left by the at-fault driver’s insufficient policy limits.
Depending on the policy and circumstances, benefits can account for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Other covered losses
Whether you are recovering from treatments at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Hartford Hospital in Hartford, or elsewhere, understanding your available coverage and documenting the full extent of your losses are important steps when pursuing an underinsured motorist claim.
How to File an Underinsured Motorist Claim in Connecticut
To file an underinsured motorist claim in Connecticut, you should notify your insurance provider after learning that the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage to address your losses. Gather evidence such as the police report, medical records, proof of lost income, and information about the other driver’s policy limits.
Individual police departments maintain their own policies for requesting accident reports. You can request New Haven accident reports, for example, through LexisNexis, and the city advises motorists to allow seven working days for the report to be completed before requesting a copy.
Before accepting a settlement, it is important to understand how the payment could affect your ability to pursue additional benefits through your UIM coverage. If your insurance carrier does not uphold the terms of its own policy or acts in bad faith, you can file an online complaint through the Connecticut Insurance Department.
Hire an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Connecticut recorded around 7,200 speeding-related crashes in 2025 that resulted in more than 2,300 injuries and 89 deaths. These cases can unfortunately involve underinsured drivers. In the aftermath of a crash involving someone who is not properly insured, your top priority should be to hire an uninsured motorist accident lawyer who understands the steps that are needed to properly manage your uninsured motorist accident claim.
The state’s uninsured motorist accident laws may be difficult to understand when you are also dealing with injuries and financial losses. A Connecticut uninsured motorist accident attorney can review your insurance policy, gather evidence of fault, document your damages, communicate with your insurance provider, and negotiate for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Weber & Rubano represent clients who have been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Our attorneys bring more than 75 years of combined experience to these matters, and we frequently work collaboratively to problem-solve complex issues facing the people we serve.
FAQs
What Happens If the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Isn’t Enough to Cover Your Losses?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your losses, you can turn to your own personal insurance policy for compensation. Underinsured motorist coverage can help address the difference between the available liability insurance and your covered losses, subject to your policy limits, terms, and the circumstances surrounding the collision. In certain cases, you may be able to pursue further compensation through a civil court claim.
Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory in CT?
Under state law, drivers must carry liability insurance that meets state standards, and insurance carriers are required to provide all their policyholders with both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Drivers in Connecticut are required to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per incident in UM/UIM bodily injury coverage. Drivers, however, may elect to carry higher limits.
Can You Recover Compensation Beyond the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Limits?
You can recover compensation beyond the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, but securing fair compensation may require hiring an experienced Connecticut personal injury lawyer. Your own coverage for underinsured motorist may provide additional benefits when the available liability insurance is insufficient to cover your losses. An attorney can review all available policies and pursue the compensation you are owed.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Court Claim in Connecticut?
The statute of limitations for a UIM claim in Connecticut can depend on the type of legal action involved. A civil court action against an at-fault driver for injuries caused by negligence must be filed within two years of when the injury was sustained or discovered. Different deadlines can apply to claims for UIM benefits through your insurance provider. Failing to meet a court filing deadline can lead to the case being dismissed.
Connecticut Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
If you were struck by an at-fault driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your losses, you need legal support from a law firm that knows how to manage complex injury claims. Weber & Rubano have more than 75 years of combined legal experience to help clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
Our founding partner, Louis Rubano, is an experienced trial attorney who thoroughly prepares for the potential challenges each case may present. He notably secured $45 million in a claim against the City of New Haven. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn how our team can help protect your interests.
*Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Every case is unique.
