Tillman, Calvin v. Travelers Constitution State Insurance Company

Case Background

On March 7, 2023, Calvin Tillman, a bus driver, filed a lawsuit against his employer, Defendant H.N.S. Management Company, LLC, dba CT Transit and Travelers Constitution State Insurance Company seeking damages for injuries and losses sustained in a motor vehicle accident during his employment. The case was filed in the Connecticut State, Superior Court, New Haven Division. Judges Barbara Jongbloed, Cesar Noble, Elizabeth Stewart, and Neeta Vatti presided over this case. [Case number: NNH-CV23-6130819-S]

Cause

Defendant, Travelers Constitution State Insurance Company, operated as an insurance company authorized in Connecticut to issue automobile liability insurance policies. On October 28, 2021, Plaintiff Calvin Tillman, drove CT Transit bus #1763 as an agent and employee of Defendant H.N.S. Management Company, LLC, doing business as CT Transit ("HNS"). As an employee of HNS, Plaintiff held coverage under an insurance policy which included uninsured motorist benefits with Defendant. To the best of the Plaintiff's knowledge, this policy was in full effect at all times mentioned. As an insured individual under this policy, the Plaintiff was entitled to uninsured motorist coverage according to C.G.S. §38a-336. On October 28, 2021, around 5:19 p.m., while operating CT Transit bus #1763, Run #1144, Route #271S outbound on Columbus Avenue, Plaintiff came to a complete stop for traffic in New Haven, Connecticut. At the same time and place, an unknown tortfeasor driving what appeared to be a Honda motor vehicle struck the rear of the Plaintiff's bus without warning. The vehicle then fled the scene, causing the Plaintiff injuries, d