WATERBURY, CT - September 08, 2026 - Being struck by a driver who flees the scene leaves victims without an obvious path to compensation, but Connecticut law provides several options even when the at-fault driver is never identified. Waterbury hit-and-run accident attorney Dan Petroskey of DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. (https://www.defronzolawfirm.com/waterbury-car-accident-attorney/hit-and-run-accidents/) is outlining how victims can pursue recovery after this type of crash.
According to Waterbury hit-and-run accident attorney Dan Petroskey, uninsured motorist coverage is often the primary path to compensation when a hit-and-run driver is never found. Connecticut General Statutes Section 38a-336 requires auto liability policies to include uninsured motorist coverage, which treats an unidentified driver the same as one with no insurance. "Many victims don't realize their own policy may be the key to recovering compensation," Petroskey explains.
Waterbury hit-and-run accident attorney Dan Petroskey observes that Connecticut classifies leaving the scene of a crash based on the severity of harm caused, with property-damage cases treated as misdemeanors and crashes causing serious injury or death treated as felonies under Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-224. While these criminal penalties apply to the fleeing driver, a victim's civil recovery typically proceeds separately through an uninsured motorist claim.
Attorney Petroskey adds that proving fault without an identified driver requires aggressive evidence gathering, including police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence such as paint transfer or vehicle debris. "Evidence in these cases can disappear within days, so acting quickly matters," he notes.
The firm explains that hit-and-run victims may recover both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering, which Connecticut does not cap in personal injury cases.
Petroskey further advises that victims should avoid giving a recorded statement to their own insurer before consulting an attorney, since adjusters may use those statements to limit a payout. "A recorded statement given too early can create problems that are difficult to undo later," he says.
DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. represents hit-and-run victims throughout Waterbury and the surrounding New Haven County communities, including Naugatuck, Wolcott, and Cheshire.
Connecticut generally requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within two years under General Statutes Section 52-584, though uninsured motorist claims may involve separate notice requirements. Victims of a hit-and-run crash are encouraged to seek legal guidance promptly to protect their right to recovery.
About DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C.:
DeFronzo & Petroskey, P.C. is a Waterbury-based law firm focused on personal injury representation, including hit-and-run and uninsured motorist claims throughout New Haven County. Led by attorney Dan Petroskey, the firm has served the Waterbury community for more than 60 years. For consultations, call (203) 756-7408.
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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
City: Waterbury
State: Connecticut 06702
Country: United States
Website:https://www.defronzolawfirm.com/
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To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Waterbury Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Dan Petroskey Guides Crash Victims Through Connecticut's Recovery Options
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