Underinsured Motorist Dispute Ends in $425K Jury Award
The Collision That Sparked the Lawsuit
Christine and Hannah Adams filed suit in Waterbury, Connecticut after a rear-end collision involving Christine’s vehicle. She was driving lawfully when another vehicle struck her from behind. The driver, identified as Cash, operated his car recklessly. The crash occurred within state jurisdiction, prompting legal action. Attorney Caitlyn S. Malcynsky represented the plaintiffs.
Driving Behavior Under Scrutiny
Cash sped through traffic, followed cars too closely, and failed to brake in time. He wove between lanes, ignored road conditions, and operated the vehicle without proper attention. These violations—especially of Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-218(a)—directly caused the crash. The plaintiffs alleged that his disregard for safety and traffic laws created an avoidable and dangerous situation.
From Impact to Injury
Christine suffered multiple injuries from the collision. She endured lasting neck and back pain, cervical disc herniations, and whiplash. She also sustained a concussion and neurological shock. The trauma disrupted her physical movement and emotional stability. Daily activities became difficult. Her treatment included physical therapy, imaging, medications, and ongoing care. The injuries deeply affected her quality of life.
The Cost of a Delayed Recovery
Medical bills mounted as Christine pursued treatment. She experienced lost income and diminished work ability. Her emotional suffering and pain persisted. Although Cash carried minimal insurance—only $25,000 per person—Christine held underinsured motorist coverage through The Hanover Insurance Company. That policy offered $250,000 in coverage. Yet Hanover refused to pay benefits, increasing the financial burden.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiffs: Christine Adams | Hannah Adams
Counsel for Plaintiff: Caitlyn S. Malcynsky
Defendant: The Hanover Insurance Company
Counsel for Defendants: Christopher M. Connelly
What the Lawsuit Seeks to Prove
The complaint contained several claims:
Count One: Sought damages tied to the crash.
Count Two: Demanded underinsured motorist benefits from Hanover.
Counts Three–Six: Accused Cash of reckless driving and traffic violations.
Count Seven: Alleged breach of insurance contract by Hanover.
The Adamses sought compensation for injury-related losses and statutory relief. The case highlighted issues of driver negligence and insurer accountability.
Defense
Hanover Insurance Company responded to the complaint by asserting that Counts One through Six were not directed at them and therefore required no answer. In Count Seven, which alleged breach of contract under underinsured motorist coverage, Hanover admitted issuing a policy with $250,000/$500,000 UIM limits but denied liability. For most of the Plaintiff’s factual claims, the insurer claimed insufficient knowledge and left the burden of proof on the plaintiff.
Hanover raised five special defenses aimed at limiting or offsetting its liability. These included invoking policy limits and statutory caps under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 38a-336(b), asserting set-offs for prior reparations payments, capping total recovery at the policy’s $250,000 limit, and reducing available benefits by sums paid through workers’ compensation, disability, or other liable parties. They also sought a reduction in any damages awarded due to prior payments from collateral sources under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-225a.
Jury Verdict
On April 25, 2025, a jury in the Superior Court at Waterbury found in favor of the Plaintiff, Christine Adams, against the defendant, Hanover Insurance Company. The jury awarded Adams $425,000 in total damages. The verdict, formalized by the jury foreperson and accepted by Judge Massicotte, concluded that Hanover was liable under the claims presented, including the underinsured motorist coverage dispute.