See injury payouts from actual Connecticut rear-end accident cases. Find rear-end collision claims similar to yours.

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident in the United States, accounting for 29 percent of all car crashes.¹

The average car accident settlement for a moderate injury claim in Connecticut is $40,047. Actual payouts range from $275 for minor injuries to $5,390,000 for catastrophic injuries.

Average Payouts for Connecticut Rear-End Collisions

Our case group is drawn from actual lawsuits filed in Connecticut courts by people injured in rear-end accidents. The accidents range from a low-impact fender-bender to a horrific chain rear-end collision that crushed the victim’s passenger vehicle between two tractor-trailers.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$6,978
Moderate Injury	$40,047
Severe Injury	$991,383
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Neck and Back Injuries	$275 - $5,390,000*
Head Injuries	$15,692- $5,390,000*

Factors Affecting Connecticut Rear-End Settlement Amounts

The scope and severity of injuries is the controlling factor in the amount of a car accident settlement. The payoff for a mild whiplash will be far less than for a paralyzing spinal cord injury.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Connecticut:

• Impact Severity – Adjusters take a hard look at injury claims arising from low-impact rear-end collisions, especially when the vehicles showed little to no damage. Insurers are only obligated to pay reasonable medical costs.
• Shared Fault – Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state. You can file an injury claim against the other driver even if you shared some blame, as long as you are not more to blame than the other party. Your payout will be reduced according to your percentage of fault.
• Auto Policy Limits – Connecticut requires all drivers to carry insurance no less than $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $25,000 property damage liability. The minimum limits won’t be enough to cover severe injury claims.
• Uninsured/Underinsured – Connecticut requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to your policy’s liability limits. You’ll need that coverage if you are injured in a rear-end crash caused by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance to pay for all your damages.
• Multiple Claimants – When two or more people are seriously injured in a crash, the at-fault driver’s limits might not be enough to go around.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages in Connecticut are limited to the plaintiff’s litigation fees and costs.
• Commercial Policies – Most rear-end accidents involve drivers with personal auto insurance. These policies have bodily injury liability limits ranging from the state minimum of $25,000 up to $100,000. Commercial liability limits, for tractor-trailers and other business vehicles in Connecticut, start at a minimum of $1 million.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor rear-end crash injuries are mostly soft-tissue injuries like bumps, bruises, or neck or back strain. Little medical care is needed after the initial evaluation. Most minor injury victims fully recover after a week or two and will only miss a few days of work.

Two-Month Treatment Delay After Rear-End Accident

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $275
Case Summary: Plaintiffs were passengers in a motor vehicle stopped at a red light that was rear-ended by a car driven by Defendant. Plaintiffs waited two months before seeking medical treatment. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue neck injuries for which they received orthopedic and physical therapy treatment. Defendant admitted liability, but argued plaintiffs’ claimed injuries could not be causally related to the accident due to the delay in seeking treatment. Defendant contended the vehicles had little to no visible damage. Jury awarded plaintiffs a total of $550. Per defendant’s counsel, the low impact nature of this accident coupled with a delay in seeking treatment affected the outcome of this case.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Alfonso v. O’Connell, CV03-0403012S

Costs-Only Award for Rear-End Fender Bender

Type of Injury: Aggravation of preexisting soft tissue back and neck injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $954
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped for a red light at an intersection in a commercial area. While stopped, she was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff sought emergency room treatment followed by physical therapy and chiropractic care. Plaintiff alleged the force of impact was sufficient to cause serious neck and back injuries with ongoing complaints of pain and stiffness. Plaintiff acknowledged preexisting spinal problems, but argued that this accident aggravated her condition. Liability was admitted. Defendant however contended that plaintiff was not injured in this minor collision and any ongoing complaints were unrelated to the accident or were pre existing. Jury awarded plaintiff $954 for emergency room expenses only.
Location: New London, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Brown v. Bedard, KNL-CV09-5010587

Small Jury Award After Rejecting Big Rear-End Settlement

Type of Injury: Shoulder injury-Torn rotator cuff; Soft tissue right leg and head injuries; Back injury-cervical strain and contusions.
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,945
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped for a red light and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed he sustained a torn rotator cuff; soft tissue right leg and head injuries; cervical strain; and contusions which kept him from enjoying normal activities of life. He sought damages for medicals and pain and suffering. Defendant did not deny that he struck plaintiff’s vehicle, but disputed that he was negligent in doing so. He also disputed the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a verdict of $1,945 in favor of the plaintiff. Plaintiff had previously rejected a $20,000 offer of compromise.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Balisano v. Bonville, JR, CV-08-5020171-S

Defendant Disputed Plaintiff’s Rear-End Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,799
Case Summary: Plaintiff was in a rear-end collision with Defendant, who admitted liability for the accident. Plaintiff alleged she sustained significant and permanent neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident. Defendant contended that this relatively minor accident could not have caused any serious injuries and that any injuries sustained should have resolved within a few weeks of the accident. Defendant argued that plaintiff’s medical records revealed unrelated personal injuries, which could have caused her complaints. Defendant also argued that plaintiff’s symptoms improved during post-accident treatment. Plaintiff disputed that she had unrelated injuries or that she experienced any improvement during treatment. Jury returned a $2,799 verdict for plaintiff.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Uccello v. Burgos, HHD-CV10-6012708-S

Plaintiff Rejects Rear-End Arbitration Award, Gets Smaller Jury Award

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their vehicles on the same roadway. They each exited the highway. Plaintiff stopped at the end of the ramp and was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed significant cervical and lumbar injuries with decreased mobility and loss of enjoyment of life. Defendant did not contest liability, but disputed the nature and severity of plaintiff’s alleged bodily injury claims. This case was originally submitted for pre-trial arbitration. Plaintiff received a $12,000 award. However, she rejected the award and elected to proceed to this jury trial. Jury awarded her $4,740 for past medical expenses and $260 for pain and suffering.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Garcia v. Milligan, CV-07-5011935-S

Jury Award for Passenger Child’s Rear-End Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,100
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a back seat passenger in a vehicle driven by her mother. They had just passed through an intersection when they stopped to make a left turn. While stopped, they were rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged that she sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries that required chiropractic treatment as a result of this accident. Liability was admitted. Defendant however disputed the extent of the injuries claimed by plaintiff. Defendant argued that plaintiff exacerbated her injury while painting her room, which plaintiff denied. Jury awarded $1,500 to plaintiff for pain and suffering and $7,500 to her mother for medicals.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Latimer v. King, CV065002997S

Jury Verdict for Rear-End Plaintiff after Subsequent Accidents

Type of Injury: Neck and Back injuries-Soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,981
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped her car due to traffic and was struck in the rear by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained disabling cervical and lumbar injuries from the impact and treated with a physical therapist for five months after the accident. Plaintiff was later involved in two other motor vehicle accidents which were settled prior to this trial. Defendant disputed plaintiff’s injuries were caused by this accident. Defendant argued that the injuries were caused by plaintiff’s subsequent accidents. Jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, awarding her $7,000 for past medical expenses and $6,981 for pain and suffering.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Hatchett v. Feliciano, CV-05-4009806S

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate injuries from a rear-end collision include more extensive soft-tissue injuries like severe sprains and strains, slipped or herniated discs, concussions, and simple fractures. Recovery may take weeks or months, and there may be lingering effects from injuries. Victims often require longer medical treatment and physical therapy, and may be out of work for weeks or months.

Plaintiff in Three Prior Accidents Before Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Right shoulder rotator cuff injury; Others-soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries and post-concussive headaches with depression
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,692
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop and was rear-ended by Defendant. The impact pushed plaintiff’s vehicle into the rear of the car ahead of her. Plaintiff claimed a rotator cuff injury, as well as neck and back injuries. She underwent two surgical repairs on her shoulder after the accident. Defendant argued that plaintiff’s injuries did not arise from this accident. Defendant contended that plaintiff was involved in three prior automobile accidents which may have caused the serious shoulder and back complaints. Defendant further claimed plaintiff’s need for surgery was unrelated to this accident. The jury returned a $15,692 verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Peterson v. Sessa, CV065001247S

Rear Driver Not To Blame for Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Back and Neck injuries-Aggravation of Pre-existing cervical and lumbar disc herniations
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,316
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that defendant suddenly and unexpectedly pulled out of a parking lot and onto a Street in front of him, causing him to strike the rear of defendant’s car. Plaintiff was diagnosed with aggravation of pre-existing cervical and lumbar disc herniations. Plaintiff admitted he was involved in prior motor vehicle accident in which he suffered herniated cervical and lumbar disc injuries. He however claimed he was asymptomatic for a number of years prior to the subject accident. Defendant denied negligence, contending that the road was clear prior to his attempting to make his left turn. Defendant also denied causation and the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Court found for plaintiff. Judge determined plaintiff’s damages totaled $23,316.
Location: Hamden, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Printemps v. Walker, FSTCV16-6028541-S

Rear-End Collision Aggravates Pre-Existing Conditions

Type of Injury: Aggravation of a pre existing back and neck degenerative condition, causing new numbness and tingling in plaintiff’s right hand.
Award/Settlement Amount: $23,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff said the impact caused an aggravation of preexisting degenerative disc disease, resulting in numbness and tingling in her dominant right hand. She claimed she did not have the numbness and tingling sensations before this accident. Defendant denied liability for causing this accident. He contended that plaintiff switched lanes just before impact and caused the accident herself. He argued that this was a minor collision and plaintiff was not injured. Defendant maintained that any complaints were likely related to her pre existing degenerative condition. The jury awarded plaintiff $23,500 in damages.
Location: Middlesex, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Bohan v. Zhang, CV055001214S

Rear-End Crash Victim with Partial Permanent Disability

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck injury and two herniated discs in the back
Award/Settlement Amount: $40,705
Case Summary: Plaintiff came to a stop and her car was rear-ended by defendant’s vehicle. According to plaintiff, she sustained a soft tissue neck injury and two herniated discs in her back as a direct result of this accident. She treated with a physical therapist for about one-year post-accident and claimed a 10% permanent disability. Defendant contended that plaintiff was not injured to the extent she claimed. Jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $30,000 for pain and suffering and $10,705 for past medical bills.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Thuhowsky v. Singh, CV04-0408906S

Award to Rear-End Accident Victim with Pre-Existing Injuries

Type of Injury: Back and neck injury-aggravation of preexisting injuries to cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions and disc protrusion at C5-6
Award/Settlement Amount: $58,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by defendant. Following the accident, plaintiff was taken by ambulance to a local emergency room, where she complained of pain in her neck and back. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered an aggravation of preexisting injuries to her cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions, as well as a disc protrusion at C5-6. She had previously suffered neck and back sprains in a prior motor vehicle accident. She underwent four months of chiropractic care to treat the neck and back injuries. Defendant admitted liability. The case proceeded on injuries and damages. Defendant’s insurer agreed to a $58,500 settlement on the day of trial.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Loubriel v. Gigante, NNH-CV18-6086684-S

Defendant Denied Causing Rear-End Crash, Disputes Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue injuries to neck, shoulder and back-muscle spasm
Award/Settlement Amount: $62,485
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped prior to turning into a parking lot and was rear-ended by Defendant. Defendant’s wife, was the owner of the vehicle. Plaintiff claimed she suffered permanent soft tissue injuries to her neck, shoulder and back, resulting in muscle spasms. Defendant’s wife did not file a response to plaintiff’s complaint. Defendant denied negligence with regard to the accident and disputed the extent of plaintiff’s damages. Jury awarded plaintiff $62,485 ($12,485 for past medical expenses and $50,000 for pain and suffering.)
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: O’Toole V. O’Connor, CV-04-4001234-S

Jury Award to Rear-End Victim with Partial Disability

Type of Injury: Thoracic spine injury
Award/Settlement Amount: $68,270
Case Summary: Plaintiff slowed behind another car and was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff was taken to the hospital and treated for neck and low back pain. She was prescribed ibuprofen. Plaintiff was involved in a second car accident six months later. Plaintiff claimed she suffered a 25% permanent partial disability to her thoracic spine as a result of the accident. Plaintiff’s chiropractor testified that the majority of plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the first accident. Defendant denied that the first wreck was the cause of plaintiff’s injuries. He argued that it was impossible for plaintiff’s expert, who did not examine plaintiff until after the second accident, to reasonably determine which accident was responsible for her injuries. Plaintiff was awarded $68,270 by a jury.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Rodia v. Sobulefsky, UWY-CV-075005773

Award to Plaintiff Injured by Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Leg injury; Lumbar disc herniation with sciatica
Award/Settlement Amount: $70,715
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a red light when his vehicle was tapped from behind by another vehicle. Defendant told the investigating officer at the scene that her foot had slipped off the brake after she had come to a stop and that she rolled into plaintiff’s vehicle. Approximately six months after the accident, plaintiff was diagnosed with a disc herniation. He claimed his leg and back pain were the result of pressure caused by the herniation, which he alleged occurred at the time of the accident. Defendant contended that the force of the impact was insufficient to have resulted in the claimed injuries. Defendant also argued that the six-month gap in treatment was evidence that plaintiff’s herniation was unrelated to the accident. Jury awarded $70,715 to plaintiff.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Banas v. Armbruster, CV106008498S

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe car accident victims often sustain multiple serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, crushing bone fractures, extensive disc damage, or spinal cord damage. Victims may be partially or totally disabled, and will not be able to fully return to their pre-accident activities of daily living.

Rear-End Defendant Disputes Plaintiff’s Permanent Disability

Type of Injury: Lower back injury-Muscular ligamentous sprain of the lumbar spine
Award/Settlement Amount: $100,335
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her car north. She came to a stop at an intersection and was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a soft tissue injury to her lumbar spine. An independent medical examiner confirmed a 3% to 5% impairment. Plaintiff’s physician opined that plaintiff’s lower back pain was likely to be permanent, despite continuous treatment. Defendant admitted liability for having caused the accident, but disputed the proximate cause of plaintiff’s injuries. Defendant presented evidence that plaintiff had been involved in three previous motor vehicle accidents. However, plaintiff testified that none of the prior accidents had caused any physical injuries that required medical treatment. Jury awarded plaintiff $14,160 in economic damages and $86,175 in non-economic damages.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Vankirk v. Tyliszczak, CV040409328S

Limited Jury Award to Rear-End Plaintiff

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries.
Award/Settlement Amount: $108,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed he suffered neck and back soft tissue injuries as a direct result of the accident. He asserted that his cervical injury resolved, but he had extended low back problems that required acupuncture and massage therapy. Plaintiff maintained that he had to hire additional employees to run his business. Defendant admitted he struck plaintiff’s vehicle in the rear but contended he was faced with a sudden emergency as traffic had stopped around a curved and hilly section of the road and he had no time to stop. Defendant claimed this accident was not the proximate cause of plaintiff’s alleged injury. A jury awarded plaintiff $108,000, primarily for his medicals.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Achtman v. Mandras, CV040199746S

Trucker Liable for Rear-End Injuries to Cancer Survivor

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical and lumbar bulges and herniations; General soft tissue injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $172,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle with her 17-year-old daughter as a passenger, when they were rear-ended by a tractor-trailer driven by Defendant and owned by Co-defendant. Defendant was traveling 55 to 60 mph when he moved from the left lane to the right lane and clipped the rear of plaintiffs’ vehicle. Plaintiff’s vehicle spun out of control and hit a roadway median. Both plaintiffs claimed cervical and lumbar bulges and herniations, as well as other assorted soft tissue injuries. Liability was admitted by defendants on the eve of trial. Defendants contended that plaintiffs exaggerated their injuries and had recovered. Jury awarded plaintiffs $345,000. Per plaintiffs’ counsel, Plaintiff driver survived breast cancer prior to this accident, which limited the case she could make for non-economic damages.
Location: Danbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Bolanos v. Curry, CV010341916S

Plaintiff in Chronic Pain from Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Neck and Back Injuries-Lumbar disc herniation
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,380,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by Defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained permanent injuries to her neck and back which rendered her unable to return to her job. Specifically, plaintiff’s lumbar disc herniation was confirmed by MRI. She underwent a discography and had a nucleoplasty on her low back. She also underwent several pain management procedures, such as epidural steroid injections and facet blocks to the lumbar and cervical areas. Although she had improvement in the cervical region following fusion, she still had significant residual complaints of neck pain. Defendants admitted liability for the accident, but disputed causation and the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury found for plaintiff and awarded her $1,380,000.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Yeager v. Alvarez, CV-07-6000541-S

Young Man Paralyzed in Multi-Truck Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Head injury-Fractured skull; Back injury- comminuted fractures of the cervical spine, permanent damage to the spinal cord resulting in high-level quadriplegia
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,390,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, age 26, was operating his vehicle. Immediately ahead of him was a tractor-trailer owned by Defendant 1 and operated by Defendant 2. Directly behind plaintiff’s vehicle was a tractor-trailer owned by Defendant 3 and operated by Defendant 4. As these vehicles approached an entrance ramp, there was a collision in the right lane between Defendant5’s vehicle and Defendant 6’s box truck. The force of the impact pushed the box truck partially into the center lane, causing Defendant2 to stop his tractor-trailer to avoid striking box truck. Plaintiff also stopped. However, Defendant4 was unable to stop in time and struck plaintiff’s vehicle in the rear, pushing it into and under Defendant3’s truck. Plaintiff suffered a fractured skull and comminuted fractures of the cervical spine, resulting in high-level quadriplegia. Plaintiff settled with defendants for $5,390,000.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Laufer v. Road-Con Systems, Inc., CV-05-4003130-S

Methodology

Here we analyzed a group of actual Connecticut car accident cases filed by plaintiffs injured in rear-end collisions. Each plaintiff received a payoff from a court award or out-of-court settlement.

The Settlement/Award Amount is the final payout to a single plaintiff, and reflects any reductions made to account for a plaintiff’s contributory negligence.

Averages are calculated by adding the payouts for a group, then dividing by the number of cases in the group. An unusually high payout will skew the average higher for that group.