Waterbury, Connecticut – Attorney Dan Petroskey of DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. (https://www.defronzolawfirm.com/connecticut-statute-of-limitations-car-accidents-and-wrongful-death-claims/), a respected Waterbury automobile accident lawyer, is drawing attention to the strict statute of limitations that governs car accident and wrongful death claims in Connecticut. With serious collisions regularly occurring on I-84, Chase Parkway, and local roads throughout Waterbury, Wolcott, and Naugatuck, clear information about filing deadlines remains vital for injured motorists and grieving families. Petroskey’s guidance focuses on helping New Haven County residents understand how these timelines operate so that valid claims are not lost by delay.
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584, most car accident cases based on negligence must be filed within two years from the date the injury is sustained or discovered. The law also imposes an absolute three-year statute of repose measured from the date of the negligent act, regardless of when the injury is discovered. As a Waterbury automobile accident lawyer, Attorney Petroskey emphasizes that these parallel time limits can create serious risks for motorists who initially feel only minor discomfort, later discover significant injuries, and then find that a claim is barred because the three-year deadline has quietly expired.
Wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle collisions follow a different framework under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-555. The statute provides a two-year limitation period measured from the date of death, coupled with a five-year statute of repose from the date of the underlying negligent act. This structure can produce particularly harsh outcomes when a victim survives with catastrophic injuries for several years before passing away, only for the family to learn that the five-year repose period has already run. In outlining these rules, the Waterbury automobile accident lawyer underscores the importance of early legal evaluation whenever a serious or fatal crash occurs.
Attorney Petroskey also highlights several additional timing traps that often surprise unrepresented victims. Claims involving minors remain subject to the same two-year and three-year deadlines as adults in negligence cases. Collisions involving defective municipal or state roads, or vehicles operated by public employees, carry strict written notice requirements that can arise within 90 days or six months of the incident. Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, governed by Connecticut’s insurance statutes and policy language, typically require action within three years, with specific steps needed to preserve the right to pursue underinsured motorist benefits after exhausting the at-fault driver’s coverage.
Fraudulent concealment of wrongdoing presents another issue. In rare cases, if a defendant intentionally hides critical facts to prevent discovery of a claim, Connecticut law may pause the limitations period until the injured party learns of the cause of action. Attorney Petroskey notes that this doctrine involves a demanding evidentiary standard, reinforcing the need for careful investigation whenever there are signs that key information was withheld after a collision.
Waterbury automobile accident lawyer Dan Petroskey has represented injured individuals across Connecticut for more than two decades. Since his admission to the Connecticut Bar in 2004, his practice has focused on personal injury matters involving motor vehicle collisions, premises liability, slip-and-fall incidents, and dog bite claims. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Petroskey continues the more than 60-year tradition of DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. by combining thorough case preparation with personal attention to each client’s circumstances, helping families navigate the legal system during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
About DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C.:
DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. is a Waterbury-based personal injury law firm serving clients throughout New Haven County and surrounding Connecticut communities. The firm’s practice includes representation in automobile and truck accidents, wrongful death claims, premises liability matters, and other serious injury cases. With deep roots in the region and decades of trial experience, the firm is committed to providing careful guidance and assertive advocacy for injured individuals and their families. For more information or to request a consultation with a Waterbury automobile accident lawyer at DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C., contact the firm at (203) 756-7408 or visit the firm’s website to arrange a confidential case evaluation.
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Company Name: DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C.
Contact Person: Dan Petroskey
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Phone: (203) 756-7408
Address:255 Bank St # 2b
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State: Connecticut 06702
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Website: https://www.defronzolawfirm.com/