Wallen v. Loncrini: Jury Awards Damages in CT Crash Case
Table of Contents
Case Background
This case arose from a June 26, 2022 motor-vehicle collision on East Main Street in Meriden, Connecticut. According to the complaint, Kenneth Wallen was driving east around 12:45 p.m. when Teresa Loncrini, traveling west, turned left toward a private driveway and struck his vehicle.
Wallen filed suit in 2024, alleging that Loncrini’s negligent left turn caused the crash and his injuries. The case moved through pleadings and ultimately reached a jury in October 2025, which returned a verdict in his favor.
Cause
Wallen claimed that Loncrini performed an unsafe and sudden left turn into his lane, giving him no time to avoid the impact. He alleged she failed to maintain control, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to brake in time, failed to warn him, and drove at an unreasonable speed. He also claimed she did not remain in her lane and failed to yield the right of way.
Loncrini admitted only that a collision occurred and denied all allegations of negligence.
Injury
Wallen reported injuries to his right knee, thoracic spine, and lumbar spine. He described daily pain, mental strain, and limitations on physical activities and work. He sought medical treatment and explained that he might need additional care in the future.
Damages Sought
In his Statement of Amount in Demand, Wallen sought monetary damages exceeding $15,000. He requested compensation for medical bills, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and the impact of the injuries on his ability to work and participate in daily life.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Kenneth Wallen
· Counsel for Plaintiff: R. J. Weber III
Defendant: Teresa Loncrini
· Counsel for Defendant: Erika L. Terencio
Key Arguments or Remarks by Counsel
Claims
Wallen argued that Loncrini alone caused the crash by turning left across oncoming traffic without ensuring the roadway was clear. He described several driving errors, such as not watching the road, not braking in time, and not yielding. He claimed her sudden turn gave him no opportunity to avoid the collision. He emphasized the ongoing impact of his physical injuries and the toll they took on his work and daily routine.
Defense
Loncrini denied acting negligently. She raised special defenses claiming that if Wallen suffered injuries, he caused them through his own conduct. She argued that he failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to brake or steer to avoid the impact, failed to warn her by sounding his horn, and failed to maintain proper brakes. Her defense focused on shifting responsibility by suggesting Wallen could have prevented the crash.
Jury Verdict
On October 23, 2025, the jury issued its verdict. The jury found in favor of Kenneth Wallen and against Teresa Loncrini. They determined that Loncrini was 100 percent responsible for the collision and that Wallen bore zero percent of the fault.
The jury awarded:
Economic Damages: $11,502.75
Noneconomic Damages: $4000
Total Award: $15,502.75
Because the jury assigned no fault to Wallen, he received the entire amount.