Roadway Collision in Hartford
On June 12, 2021, Michelle Burnham drove her 2013 BMW eastbound on New Britain Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut. At the same time, Victor Mendez operated a 2001 Toyota near Hillside Avenue. The two vehicles collided at an intersection. Burnham lived in South Windsor. Mendez resided in Hartford. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company insured Burnham’s vehicle at the time of the crash.
Alleged Traffic Violations and Legal Filing
Burnham alleged that Mendez caused the crash by failing to stay in his lane and failing to yield. She cited specific violations of Connecticut traffic statutes (§14-236 and §14-242(e)). According to the complaint, Mendez’s actions were negligent and led directly to the crash. Burnham filed suit against Mendez for negligence and State Farm for coverage under her insurance policy. The case also involved a claim under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Physical and Emotional Consequences
Burnham claimed severe and lasting injuries. She reported pain in her ankle, wrist, hip, neck, and back. She stated that symptoms continued despite treatment. The injuries limited her mobility and ability to perform daily tasks. She also described ongoing emotional distress and anxiety following the accident.
Medical Costs and Losses
Burnham sought damages for pain, suffering, and medical expenses. She claimed the injuries required continuing treatment and therapy. She also cited financial losses related to medical bills, future care, and reduced quality of life. The lawsuit requested compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Michelle Burnham
Counsel for the Plaintiff: Mark J. Migliaccio
Defendant: State Farm Fire And Casualty Company
Counsel for the Defendant: Steven J. Monn
Allegations Against Each Defendant
Burnham filed a negligence claim against Victor Mendez for failing to follow traffic laws. She alleged that his actions directly caused the crash and her injuries. She also named State Farm as a defendant. Her complaint included a claim under her uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. She asserted that she met all terms of her insurance contract and was entitled to compensation.
Defense
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company responded to Michelle Burnham’s amended complaint by addressing only the uninsured motorist claim. The insurer admitted it issued a policy to Wendy Burnham and acknowledged coverage, but only within the policy’s terms and limits. It denied or claimed insufficient knowledge of most allegations concerning the accident, injuries, and damages. State Farm left the Plaintiff to prove her claims and denied any obligation to pay under the complaint’s “Wherefore” clause.
In its ten special defenses, State Farm argued that Burnham’s own negligence either barred or reduced recovery. It cited prior payments, policy exclusions, time limitations, non-duplication clauses, and potential coverage under other policies. It also referenced Connecticut statutes that limit or offset damages, including those for collateral source payments and uninsured motorist claims. Overall, the insurer aimed to limit liability and reduce any possible payout through contractual terms and legal defenses.
Jury Verdict
On April 3, 2025, a jury in the Hartford Superior Court found in favor of Plaintiff Michelle Burnham in her lawsuit against Victor Mendez and State Farm Fire and Casualty Company. The jury determined that Mendez was 100% negligent and that his actions were the sole proximate cause of Burnham’s injuries. The jury awarded Burnham a total of $30,230.18 in combined economic and noneconomic damages. The verdict was formally accepted and recorded by Judge Baic at 2:45 p.m. on April 4, 2025, holding State Farm financially responsible for the full amount due to its coverage obligations.