Connecticut Car Accident Laws: Your Legal Duty After an Accident

Do you know your legal responsibilities following a Connecticut car crash? Learn what info to exchange and when to call the police.

No one ever plans to be in a car accident, but it is critical to know your rights and duties if one occurs. In Connecticut, all motorists have legal obligations following a crash. Understanding what to do after a collision can help you avoid serious legal complications.

In this article, we’ll discuss what Connecticut law says you must do after an accident. For more information, you can also check out Chapter 248 of the Connecticut Motor Vehicle Code.

1. Connecticut Driver Exchange of Information Law

In Connecticut, if you are involved in a car accident that results in property damage, injury, or death, you are obligated to provide certain information. The law says you must give your name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration number to the owner of the damaged property, the injured person, a police officer, or a witness.

Each operator of a motor vehicle who is knowingly involved in an accident which results in the death of any other person [or] causes injury or damage to property shall give such operator’s name, address and operator’s license number and registration number to the owner of the injured or damaged property, or to any officer or witness.

CT Stat. § 14-224

2. Connecticut Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid

As a driver, you have a duty to render aid to anyone who is injured during a Connecticut car accident. The law requires you to immediately stop your car and provide any assistance that the injured person might need.

Each operator of a motor vehicle who is knowingly involved in an accident which results in the death of any other person [or] causes injury or damage to property shall at once stop and render such assistance as may be needed.

CT Stat. § 14-224

3. Connecticut Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police

Under Connecticut law, if you are unable to provide your information to a police officer or witness on the scene of an accident, you must report it to the local police. Your report must include the location and circumstances of the crash, as well as your name, address, license number, and registration number.

Each operator who is involved in an accident which results in the death of any other person [or] causes injury or damage to property, if unable to give to any witness or officer, shall immediately report to a police officer and state the location and circumstances of the accident and such operator’s name, address, license and registration number.

CT Stat. § 14-224

What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, if you fail to report a car accident that results in someone else’s death, you can be fined up to $20,000 and receive from 2 to 20 years in prison. Failing to report a non-fatal accident also carries consequences, with punishments ranging from a $75 to $600 fine and up to five years in prison.

Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) or subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not more than twenty thousand dollars or be imprisoned not less than two years or more than twenty years or be both fined and imprisoned.

Any person who violates the provisions of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than seventy-five dollars or more than six hundred dollars or be imprisoned not more than five years or be both fined and imprisoned.

CT Stat. § 14-224

4. Connecticut Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty

If you are involved in a property damage-only car crash in Connecticut, the law requires you to stop and render any necessary assistance. You must also provide your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number to the property owner, a police officer, or a witness.

Each operator who is involved in an accident that causes damage to property shall at once stop and render such assistance as may be needed and shall give such operator’s name, address and operator’s license number and registration number to the owner of the injured or damaged property, or to any officer or witness to the damage to property.

CT Stat. § 14-224

5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Connecticut?

You must do one of two things after hitting a parked car in Connecticut. First, you can try to find the owner of the damaged vehicle and provide them with your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration number. You can also give this information to any police officer or witness.

If you cannot locate the car’s owner, you must file a police report regarding the collision with the local police department. In addition to your personal information and vehicle registration number, you must describe the location of the accident and detail what happened.

Each operator of a motor vehicle who is knowingly involved in an accident that causes damage to property shall at once stop and give such operator’s name, address and operator’s license number and registration number to the owner of the injured or damaged property, or to any officer or witness to the damage to property.

If such operator is unable to give such operator’s name to the owner of the property injured or damaged, or to any witness or officer, such operator shall immediately report to a police officer, and shall state in such report the location and circumstances of the accident and such operator’s name, address, operator’s license and registration number.

CT Stat. § 14-224

If you are unfortunate enough to end up in a car crash in Connecticut, it is vital that you comply with the law. Understanding your legal duties before you hit the road can help you avoid severe consequences and costly legal penalties.