Explore real court awards and settlements paid to victims of side-impact crashes in Connecticut. Look for cases similar to yours.

Side-impact collisions account for 23 percent of all traffic accident deaths nationwide.¹

The average settlement for a moderate side-impact collision in Connecticut is $27,751. The payouts in our sample range from $1,734 for minor soft tissue injuries to $350,000 for a serious head injury.

Average Payouts for Connecticut Side-Impact Collisions

These averages and ranges are from actual personal injury cases filed in Connecticut courts by victims of side-impact collisions.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$8,828
Moderate Injury	$27,751
Severe Injury	$230,290
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Neck and Back Injuries	$1,734 - $275,000
Head Injuries	$2,570 - $350,000

Factors Affecting Connecticut Accident Payouts

The primary factor affecting the amount of compensation in a car accident claim is the scope and severity of injuries. More severe injuries will demand a larger settlement due to increased medical bills and other damages.

Because Connecticut is an at-fault or “tort” state, injured victims have the right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, or file a claim with the driver’s insurance carrier. Car accident victims in Connecticut are not required to use their own insurance for injury claims, as they would in a no-fault state.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Connecticut:

• Impact Severity – High-speed T-bone crashes will usually garner higher payouts than minor sideswipe accidents. Higher-impact accidents tend to cause more serious injuries.
• Shared Fault – Connecticut is a modified comparative negligence state. You can be barred from seeking compensation if you are more to blame for the accident than the other driver. If you’re not more to blame, 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. Minimal limits will minimize your final payout for serious injuries.
• Uninsured/Underinsured – Connecticut requires uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage equal to your policy’s liability limits. You will fall back on your UM or UIM if you are badly injured by a hit-and-run or a driver who has minimal coverage.
• Multiple Claimants – When multiple people are injured in the same accident, there might not be enough insurance money to compensate all the victims, even if the at-fault driver had higher limits.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages in Connecticut, if they are awarded at all, are limited to the victim’s attorney fees and litigation costs.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor injuries from a side-impact collision are usually mild soft-tissue injuries like scrapes, bruises, sprains and strains. Medical treatment is typically limited to the initial evaluation. Victims will fully recover within weeks, and only miss a few days of work.

Plaintiff Shared Fault for Side-Impact Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,734
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving eastbound near an intersection. Defendant was driving westbound and attempted to make a left turn into a parking lot, colliding with plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff alleged he had the right-of-way and plaintiff was negligent in turning in front of oncoming traffic. Plaintiff claimed he sustained soft tissue neck and back injuries with range of motion difficulties as a direct result of this accident. Defendant contended that she was stopped for several seconds with her left turn signal activated when two cars heading eastbound stopped and the drivers waived her across traffic. Defendant disputed causation and the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded $3,400 to plaintiff. The award was reduced by 49% to $1,734 after jury found plaintiff was comparatively negligent.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Suchy v. Limosani, CV-06-5005060-S

Limited Award for Side-Impact Parking Lot Accident

Type of Injury: Back injury-cervical spine; headaches and jaw pain
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,570
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving in a parking lot. She claimed her vehicle was bumped by Defendant’s vehicle, which caused her to lose control of her car. Plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent in operating and controlling his vehicle by backing up into her without warning, using his brakes improperly and lacking the ability to avoid the collision. She claimed she sustained injuries of the cervical spine, headaches and jaw pain. She also claimed the accident caused her emotional distress and quality of life issues. Defendant denied liability for the accident. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $2,570 in economic damages only.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Mulligan v. Desouza, CV-05-4010508-S

Award to Passenger Injured in Side-Impact Collision

Type of Injury: Plaintiff 1-soft tissue neck and back injuries and a right rotator cuff tear; Plaintiff 2-soft tissue neck injury, abrasions and a cervical disc protrusion
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,965
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving westbound near an intersection. Plaintiff’s daughter was a passenger in the vehicle. Defendant was northbound in the left lane. Upon entering the intersection, the two vehicles collided. The intersection was controlled by a police officer at the time of the accident. Defendant driver was operating a vehicle owned by co-defendant. Plaintiff driver claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries and a right rotator cuff tear. Plaintiff passenger claimed a soft tissue neck injury, abrasions and a cervical disc protrusion. Defendants contended that Plaintiff driver caused the accident. Plaintiff driver’s complaint was dismissed prior to trial and the case proceeded on the passenger’s injury claims only. Defendants disputed the nature and extent of her injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $7,965.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Guest v. Heins, CV-06-6000019-S

Defendant Fully Liable for Broadside Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries.
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,280
Case Summary: At an intersection controlled by a traffic light, plaintiff’s vehicle was struck broadside by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged that he properly signaled his intention to make a right turn and defendant was negligent in attempting to pass him on the right as he executed his turn. Plaintiff claimed defendant was responsible for the accident and his soft tissue neck and back injuries. Defendant argued that plaintiff signaled a left turn and then abruptly turned right in the path of defendant’s vehicle as defendant attempted to pass on the right. Defendant contended that plaintiff was comparatively negligent in that he signaled a left turn when he intended to turn right. Defendant also disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $9,280 with no finding of comparative negligence.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Cortese v. Pigeon, CV030082679S

U-Turning Driver Liable for Side-Impact Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue cervical, lumbar and shoulder injuries; a left knee contusion
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving on a city street. He attempted to pass a vehicle driven by Defendant and owned by co-defendant as defendant driver was maneuvering the vehicle to the left. The vehicles collided. Plaintiff claimed defendants’ vehicle was parked on the side of the street and that defendant driver attempted to make a U-turn as plaintiff drove past the vehicle. Plaintiff claimed serious neck, back and shoulder injuries as a result of the accident. Defendant driver contended that he was making a left turn into a private driveway when plaintiff illegally passed him on the left. Defendant also disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. The jury returned a $9,500 verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Polanco v. Theobald, CV065001829S

Jury Award for Passenger Side-Impact Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injury-post-traumatic lumbar hyperextension strain with myofascitis; L3-L5 extension fixations; right tricep muscle strain
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,318
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a front seat passenger in a vehicle driven by her mother, Defendant. Plaintiff was wearing a seat belt. Defendant was traveling east, approaching an intersection. Defendant 2 was operating her own vehicle westbound on the same street and attempted to make a left turn directly in front of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle. Defendant applied her brakes and swerved to the right, causing her to lose control of her vehicle. The vehicle proceeded over the curb, struck a tree stump and became airborne before coming to a stop. Plaintiff claimed midline post-traumatic lumbar hyperextension/hyperflexion strain with myofascitis; L3-L5 extension fixations; and a right tricep muscle strain. Defendants denied liability, each claiming the other driver was responsible for the crash. Jury returned plaintiff verdict for $ 11,318.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Martin v. Martin, CV-05-5000762

Driver Entering Roadway Liable for Side-Impact Crash

Type of Injury: Right shoulder soft tissue injury
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,291
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 17-year old female, was driving south. Defendant motorist, attempted to turn out of a construction site in front of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision. Plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way and maintain a proper lookout. She claimed she sustained a permanent shoulder injury as a result of this incident. Defendant contended plaintiff must have been speeding and was inattentive. Defendant argued that she looked for oncoming cars prior to turning, but did not observe any approaching vehicles. Defendant claimed plaintiff may have suffered an injury when she fell out of a tree several days after this accident, but denied that she was injured in this accident. The jury returned a $13,291 verdict for plaintiff.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Hubbard v. Poulin, CV020170827S

Both Drivers Liable for Passenger Side-Impact Injuries

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $14,964
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Defendant. While traveling through an intersection, Defendant collided with a vehicle driven by Defendant 2. Plaintiff alleged both defendants failed to maintain a proper lookout and one or both of them failed to yield the right-of-way. She claimed the crash caused her to sustain permanent impairments to her neck and back. Defendant denied liability. He argued that he had the right-of-way when he entered the intersection on a green light and defendant 2 negligently disregarded the traffic signal and entered the intersection on a red light. Defendant 2 maintained that Defendant failed to yield the right-of-way and disregarded the traffic signal. Jury awarded plaintiff $14,964 with each defendant to pay 50% of the judgment.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Kichard v. Costa, CV 075004061

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate car accident injuries include extensive soft-tissue cuts, scrapes, and bruises; muscle, tendon, and ligament sprains; uncomplicated fractures; disc bulges and herniations, and concussions. Victims will take weeks or months to recover and may be left with residual impairments.

At-Fault Driver Denies Passenger Was in Car During Side-Impact Crash

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was operating a vehicle on a through street. He was broadsided by a vehicle driven by Defendant, who attempted to join the street from an adjacent road. Plaintiff settled the claim for soft tissue neck and back injuries for the sum of $15,000. This case proceeded on a claim filed by second plaintiff, who said he was in the plaintiff’s vehicle at the time of the crash. Defendants contended that plaintiff was not in the car at the time of the accident and, therefore, suffered no injuries related to the crash. Plaintiff maintained that he got out of the car after the accident and sat on the curb, waiting for officers and EMS to arrive. He claimed soft tissue neck and back injuries. Jury awarded second plaintiff $13,750 in damages.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Hutchinson v. Arnett, CV075010741S

Broadside Collision Knocks Car Into Guardrail

Type of Injury: Lower back injury-Soft tissue lumbar sprain, rib pain, back pain radiating into both ankles
Award/Settlement Amount: $24,336
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle. Defendant was operating his own vehicle on an intersecting street. At an intersection controlled by a stop sign, defendant struck plaintiff’s vehicle broadside. The impact forced plaintiff’s vehicle into a guardrail. Plaintiff claimed to have sustained a permanent lumbar injury with radiating pain, as well as shock and trauma to his entire nervous system, as a direct result of this accident. Defendant admitted liability, but disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $21,000 for pain and suffering and $3,336 for medical expenses.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Kopp v. Effinger, LLI-CV-04-4000632-S

Jury Award for T-Bone Crash in Parking Lot

Type of Injury: Neck and back injury- Cervical and lumbar strain; Shoulder pain
Type of Accident: Side-Impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $24,584
Case Summary: Plaintiff was traveling in a parking lot. Defendant’s vehicle “T-boned” plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff went to the hospital with complaints of upper extremity and back pain. Plaintiff maintained that defendant cut across the parking lot and hit her as she was properly traveling in the parking lot. Plaintiff claimed she suffered a cervical and lumbar strain, as well as bilateral shoulder pain in the collision. Defendant admitted liability but disputed the extent of any injuries claimed by the plaintiff. Jury awarded plaintiff $24,584 for damages.
Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Matias v. Williams, CV-05-4004789-S

Left-Turning Driver Liable for Side-Impact Crash Damages

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $36,836
Case Summary: Plaintiff and Defendant were operating their respective vehicles on the same road, but in opposite directions of one another. At an intersection, defendant attempted to make a left turn in front of plaintiff’s oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision. Plaintiff claimed to have sustained serious neck and back injuries as a direct result of this accident, which resolved after a period of time. She sought economic and non-economic damages. Defendant admitted liability, but contended that plaintiff’s injuries were minor in nature and disputed the extent of her injury claim. A jury returned a plaintiff’s verdict of $36,836.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Bennett v. Williams, CV044002678

Hit and Run Driver Causes Side-Impact Collision

Type of Injury: Soft tissue neck and back injuries
Award/Settlement Amount: $38,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 was driving her vehicle, with Plaintiff 2 as a passenger. It was after midnight when another vehicle backed up in front of their stopped vehicle and struck the front side of their car. The tortfeasor fled the scene, but plaintiffs memorized the license plate number. The driver was later identified by police investigators as Defendant. Both plaintiffs claimed soft tissue cervical and lumbar injuries which required chiropractic treatment. Defendant denied any involvement in this accident. Defendant also disputed the nature and extent of plaintiffs’ injuries, particularly those of plaintiff 1. Defendant acknowledged that plaintiff 2 may have suffered some temporary soft tissue injuries, but argued that those injuries had resolved. Jury returned a plaintiffs’ verdict for $72,000: $38,000 for Plaintiff 2 and $34,000 for Plaintiff 1.
Location: Tolland, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Senecal v. Treadwell, CV076000269S

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe side-impact crash injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, significant back and neck injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple complicated fractures. Victims may be left with permanent disabilities that impede their ability to work and do other activities of daily living.

Driver Entering Roadway T-Bones Victim, Causes Rollover

Type of Injury: Head injury-traumatic brain injury, mild cerebral concussion, post-traumatic headaches, fractured left wrist, and multiple bruises and contusions.
Award/Settlement Amount: $151,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving her vehicle west. An automobile driven by Defendant exited a driveway and hit the passenger side of plaintiff’s vehicle. The impact propelled plaintiff’s vehicle into the eastbound lanes, where it overturned and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent in failing to yield the right-of-way and maintain a proper lookout. She claimed she sustained a traumatic brain injury, mild cerebral concussion, post-traumatic headaches, vertigo, depression, loss of smell, a fractured left wrist and multiple bruises and contusions. Plaintiff’s husband claimed loss of consortium. Defendant disputed liability, as well as the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict for $151,000.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Blackburn v. Johnson, CV020401061S

Van Passenger Injured in Side-Impact Crash

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries-Lumbar strain and aggravation of preexisting degenerative disc disease in the neck with myelopathy
Award/Settlement Amount: $157,149
Case Summary: Defendant was operating a passenger van in a westerly direction and was exiting a parking lot. Plaintiff was a passenger in plaintiff’s vehicle. Defendant 2 was traveling north approaching an intersection when she collided with the van. Plaintiff claimed Defendant 2 attempted to pass a vehicle that was stopped on the northbound side in a no passing zone and struck the left side of Defendant’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed lumbar strain. He required surgery at C3-C4 and C5-C6. However, plaintiff’s treating expert did not causally relate the C5-C6 surgery and/or the L5-S1 lumbar surgery to the accident. Each defendant denied liability and blamed one another for causing the crash. Jury awarded plaintiff $157,149. Per Defendant’s attorney, plaintiff’s prior injuries and lack of causation evidence impacted the case.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Gupton v. Bosco , CV040528230S

Driver Flees Side-Impact Crash Injuring Pregnant Mother

Type of Injury: Cervical and lumbar strains, premature labor and a torn left meniscus.
Award/Settlement Amount: $218,300
Case Summary: Plaintiff was driving north when an unidentified driver in an oncoming lane lost control and traveled left of center. Plaintiff swerved to avoid the oncoming car and hit a vehicle driven by a non-party. Plaintiff was pregnant at the time of the accident and was driving her husband’s vehicle, which was insured by Defendant. Plaintiff alleged the unidentified driver who fled the scene was the proximate cause of the collision. Plaintiff claimed that, in addition to her immediate soft tissue injuries, she went into premature labor after an extended bed rest and suffered a more difficult labor due to her lumbar strain. Defendant disputed the extent of plaintiff’s injuries. Jury awarded plaintiff $218,300 in damages.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Thomas v. Allstate, CV040413251S

Driver of Leased Vehicle Liable for Side-Impact Collision

Type of Injury: Lower back injury-Bulging lumbar disc
Award/Settlement Amount: $275,000
Case Summary: Defendant was operating a leased vehicle on an exit ramp when she struck plaintiff’s car. Defendant was driving a vehicle leased through Co-defendant. Plaintiff claimed she sustained a bulging lumbar disc as a direct result of the accident. Plaintiff presented eyewitnesses who testified that Defendant was driving too fast off the ramp. Defendant contended she experienced brake failure for which she had no prior knowledge or warning. In response, plaintiff presented testimony from an expert who could not find anything wrong with the brakes on Defendant’s vehicle. Both defendants disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s injury claim. Jury awarded plaintiff $250,000 in non-economic damages and $25,000 in past economic damages.
Location: Tolland, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Ralston v. Moran, CV020080080S

At-Fault Side-Impact Defendant Disputes Causing Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injury resulting in permanent tinnitus
Award/Settlement Amount: $350,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was struck by a vehicle driven by Defendant. After striking the side of plaintiff’s vehicle, defendant fled the scene of the accident, but was later apprehended. Plaintiff, a retired police officer, alleged defendant was negligent in failing to maintain proper control of the vehicle. He claimed that, as a result of the collision, he suffered a head injury resulting in permanent tinnitus. Defendant conceded liability for the collision, but disputed the proximate cause of plaintiff’s tinnitus. Defendant argued that plaintiff’s condition was unrelated to this accident. A jury awarded plaintiff $350,000 after deliberating 4 hours.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Case Name and Docket Number: Eisenstein v. Morales, CV030197409S

Methodology

Averages and ranges are compiled from actual Connecticut side-impact cases. Each plaintiff received a payout from a court award or an out-of-court settlement before trial.

The Award/Settlement Amount reflects the final payout to one individual plaintiff and includes any reduction applied because of contributory negligence.

Average settlements are calculated by adding the total payout in a group, then dividing by the number of cases in the group.