Admission of Liability

What Is an Admission of Liability in a Connecticut Personal Injury Case?

An admission of liability occurs when someone admits fault for an accident that caused injuries. By admitting liability, the at-fault party acknowledges responsibility for the damages resulting from the accident. However, this admission does not automatically guarantee full compensation for the victim’s losses.

In many cases, an at-fault party’s insurance company may admit liability, accepting that their insured caused the accident. While this can be a step in the right direction, there are still important limitations to be aware of, including the extent of coverage under the policy.

Insurance companies are most likely to admit liability in rear-end collisions or single-vehicle accidents, though it can happen in a variety of personal injury cases.

What Happens After an Admission of Liability?

When an insurance company admits liability, you might assume the process will be smooth. However, an admission of liability is only part of the battle. While the likelihood of needing to file a lawsuit may decrease, there’s still a high chance the insurance company will attempt to minimize your settlement.

You Still Need to Prove the Cause of Your Injuries

It’s important to know that admitting liability is not the same as admitting causation for your injuries. Even if an insurance company accepts liability, they may still argue about the severity of your injuries or claim your injuries weren’t directly caused by the accident.

Common tactics used by insurance companies include:

• Claiming your injuries were due to pre-existing conditions rather than the accident.
• Alleging you were partially or fully at fault, such as not wearing a seatbelt during a car accident.
• Pointing to delays or gaps in your medical treatment to suggest your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.

Insurance companies will explore every angle to avoid paying the full value of your claim. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to push back against these tactics.

An Admission of Liability Is Only Part of the Puzzle

While an admission of liability addresses two elements of negligence, it doesn’t cover everything. To win your case, you need to prove all four elements of negligence:

1. Duty – The at-fault party had a legal obligation to act responsibly.
2. Breach of Duty – The at-fault party failed to uphold their duty (e.g., reckless driving).
3. Causation – The at-fault party’s actions directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages – You suffered losses (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) due to the accident.

An admission of liability only confirms the first two elements: duty and breach of duty. It doesn’t address causation or damages, which you still need to prove to recover full compensation.

For example, in a Connecticut car accident, the at-fault driver has a duty to drive safely and avoid causing harm to others. If they breach that duty by speeding or driving recklessly, they are liable for the accident. However, to recover damages, you must demonstrate that their actions caused your injuries and quantify those damages.

How Bert McDowell Injury Law Can Help

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand how to handle insurance companies that admit liability but offer lowball settlements. Our experienced attorneys will:

• Gather evidence to prove that the at-fault party’s actions directly caused your injuries.
• Fight back against insurance company tactics that try to minimize or deny your claim.
• Ensure you recover compensation for all your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

When you work with us, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, from negotiating with insurers to filing a lawsuit if necessary.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a car accident or other personal injury case in Connecticut, you deserve experienced legal representation to help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Let Bert McDowell Injury Law handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on recovering.

Call us today at (475) 231-3274 for a FREE consultation. We don’t charge any fees unless we win your case.