Setting the Scene

Audra Tagliamonte, a Shelton resident, was stopped at a traffic light on the Exit 59 ramp to Route 15 northbound in New Haven. It was the evening of March 31, 2021. Behind her, Caroline Eve Keslow, a 16-year-old from Woodbridge, approached while driving a vehicle leased by Vault Trust. She operated the car with permission. Caroline’s parents, Marc and Kristen Keslow, were named due to their legal responsibility under Connecticut’s family car doctrine.

The Collision

Without warning, Caroline crashed into the back of Audra’s vehicle. She was allegedly using her phone or a video device at the time. She followed too closely and drove too fast for conditions. Her failure to brake or pay attention violated multiple Connecticut statutes. Vault Trust, as the vehicle owner, and her parents were accused of allowing an inexperienced and restricted driver to operate the car.

The Aftermath

The crash caused serious harm. Audra suffered spinal injuries, including L5-