Recent Blog Posts

Why hire an attorney quickly after a car accident

 Posted on December 03, 2025 in Car Accidents

A car crash can throw your life into disarray. Medical calls, insurance demands and repairs all hit at the same time. The urgency leaves very little room for you to recover and protect your important legal rights. But even if you are feeling overwhelmed, do not forget that there are steps you can take to safeguard your interests. Hiring an attorney quickly after an accident can speed up the time it takes for you to receive compensation.

How fast legal help protects your evidence

Key evidence can easily disappear within days. Video footage can decide fault in a car accident case because it shows what actually happened.

Connecticut attorneys often subpoena Ring doorbell footage and nearby security recordings before the data cycles out. The problem is that many homeowners keep their footage only for a short period and some cameras are programmed to automatically delete after certain cycles, making early outreach essential.

You can track down crucial evidence through a few simple steps. These steps will allow you to secure evidence that will support your potential claim:

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What is Comparative Negligence in Connecticut, and how does it impact your car crash outcome?

 Posted on October 06, 2025 in Car Accidents

You’ve just been in a car accident. Perhaps you feel completely blameless, or maybe you think you made a minor mistake. In Connecticut, the concept of comparative negligence determines who is responsible for what in an automobile crash.

This term acknowledges that sometimes more than one driver shares responsibility for a crash. If you pursue a personal injury claim after a car accident, understanding this rule is crucial for determining how much money you can recover.

What does "comparative negligence" mean?

Connecticut uses a "modified" comparative negligence standard, often called the "51 percent rule." This method is vital for your claim. You can recover damages only if you are 50 percent or less responsible for the crash. If a jury or judge finds you 51 percent or more at fault, you get nothing.

If you are 50 percent or less responsible, your fault percentage affects your total damage award. For example, if your total damages are $100,000 and you are found 20 percent at fault, you can recover 80 percent of your damages, or $80,000.

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How to obtain a police report after a serious car crash

 Posted on September 19, 2025 in Car Accidents

Car crashes are a daily occurrence across Connecticut, but they are infrequent experiences on an individual basis. Many people go their entire lives without ever experiencing a major collision. Others are not so lucky. Thankfully, the frequency of collisions inspired insurance mandates. Drivers generally have to carry liability insurance to protect themselves from financial vulnerability after a crash.

The coverage of the driver at fault can reimburse others for the expenses generated by a collision. In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action when the costs from a crash are relatively significant. Those hoping to negotiate assertively with insurance carriers or pursue personal injury lawsuits generally require the assistance of a personal injury attorney.

Securing a crash report before meeting with the lawyer allows for more accurate insight into the situation. What do those affected by a car crash need to do to obtain a collision report, and why should they do so right away?

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Four Connecticut Theaters Settle Lawsuits Related to Abuse of Teen Participants

 Posted on August 11, 2025 in Firm News

Bridgeport, CT — Four community theaters have agreed to pay settlements to three young women.

"The matter was settled to the mutual satisfaction of the parties and the terms are confidential," said Attorney Jason Tremont and Attorney Tim Ramsey of Tremont Sheldon P.C., who represented the three women.

The lawsuits, filed in Connecticut Superior Court in Waterbury, named Naugatuck Teen Theater, Landmark Community Theatre in Thomaston, Warner Theatre in Torrington, and the Thomaston Opera House. The plaintiffs claimed the abuse occurred during their involvement in youth and community theater programs between 2009 and 2016.

Civil Lawsuit Led to Criminal Charges

The civil lawsuits played a crucial role in bringing renewed attention to the allegations. Although initial investigations by police departments had concluded without arrests, the civil proceedings prompted law enforcement to reopen the cases after the civil deposition of Daniel Checovetes.

During a deposition in the lawsuit case, Checovetes admitted to sexually assaulting two of the women in 2015 and 2016.

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What are Connecticut’s rules for operating e-bikes?

 Posted on May 08, 2025 in Bicycle Accidents

You’ve probably noticed more electric bicycles around your Connecticut neighborhood lately. E-bikes are more popular than ever, especially among teenagers who like the freedom and thrills that e-bikes provide.

E-bikes are convenient and eco-friendly, but they can also be dangerous. The combination of inexperienced young riders and motorized vehicles capable of reaching speeds up to 28 mph can lead to injuries for riders, pedestrians, and motorists.

As a parent, understanding Connecticut’s e-bike regulations is important and will help keep your teen safe and avoid penalties for violating the law.

Connecticut e-bike rules

The state categorizes e-bikes into three classes:

  • Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with the motor limited to 20 mph
  • Class 2: Provides power with or without pedaling, limited to 20 mph
  • Class 3: Provides power up to 28 mph

Connecticut imposes several important regulations:

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Justice for sexual abuse survivors as theater director Daniel Checovetes sentenced to prison

 Posted on March 12, 2025 in Firm News

TORRINGTON, March 11, 2025 – Daniel Checovetes has been sentenced to prison for sexually abusing two underage theatrical participants, bringing long-overdue justice to the victims and ensuring that he is held accountable for his crimes.

In January of 2020, Tremont Sheldon P.C. filed lawsuits on behalf of three women who were sexually abused by their theater director, Checovetes, while they were minors. The lawsuits were filed in Waterbury Superior Court against Naugatuck Teen Theater, Landmark Community Theatre, Warner Theatre, and the Thomaston Opera House (through the Commission and Town). During questioning at his sworn deposition in these cases, Checovetes admitted that he had sexual relations with two of the plaintiffs when they were minors.

Thereafter, in 2023, the Thomaston and Southington Police Departments conducted a criminal examination and charged Checovetes with counts of sexual assault in the first and second degree.

On March 11, 2025, after pleading guilty to sexual assault in the second degree, Checovetes was sentenced in Litchfield to prison for 8 ½ years for the Thomaston charges. Checovetes is also scheduled to be sentenced in New Britain for the Southington charges later this week.

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Preparing for snow and ice driving in Connecticut

 Posted on February 07, 2025 in Car Accidents

Driving in snow and ice can be daunting, especially in Connecticut, where winter weather can be treacherous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1,300 people are killed, and more than 116,000 are injured annually in the United States due to snowy, slushy or icy road conditions. These statistics highlight the importance of careful driving and being well-prepared for winter driving.

Effective driving strategies for snow and ice

To navigate snowy and icy roads safely, it’s crucial to adopt specific driving strategies:

  1. Slow down: Reducing speed gives you more time to react to unexpected situations.
  2. Increase the following distance: Extend the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for longer stopping times.
  3. Brake gently: Apply brakes slowly to avoid skidding. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, apply firm, steady pressure.

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Why are pedestrian accidents rising in Connecticut?

 Posted on January 17, 2025 in Personal Injury

Pedestrian accidents are becoming a growing concern in Connecticut. Recent data shows that these incidents are increasing, with more injuries and fatalities reported each year.

Understanding the causes behind this trend and what measures are in place to protect pedestrians can help create safer streets for everyone.

Causes of the increase

Several factors contribute to the rise in pedestrian accidents. Distracted driving and distracted walking play a significant role. Drivers using cell phones or other devices are less likely to notice pedestrians, while walkers glued to their screens may not be aware of their surroundings. Additionally, the increased use of larger vehicles like SUVs can result in more severe injuries during collisions.

Another issue is road design. Many streets prioritize vehicle traffic over pedestrian safety, leaving walkers with limited safe crossing options. Busy intersections, insufficient lighting, and poorly marked crosswalks also add to the danger.

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How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in CT?

 Posted on October 07, 2024 in Personal Injury

Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Connecticut can help those injured recover compensation for their losses. Understanding the cost of legal representation is crucial when considering a lawyer. In Connecticut, personal injury lawyer fees are typically based on a contingency fee, controlled by state statute.

Connecticut’s contingency fee statute

Connecticut General Statute § 52-251c regulates how much personal injury attorneys can charge. The statute caps the contingency fee a lawyer can collect at a percentage of the compensation recovered. The fee starts at a maximum of 33.33% of the first $300,000 recovered. As the settlement or verdict increases, the percentage decreases based on a tiered system.

No fees if there is no recovery

Under the contingency fee arrangement, clients pay no legal fees unless they recover compensation. If there is no financial recovery, the lawyer does not receive payment for their services. This provides access to legal representation for individuals who may not afford upfront legal fees.

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Do teen drivers need to follow special rules in Connecticut?

 Posted on August 22, 2024 in Car Accidents

Teen drivers in Connecticut face specific rules designed to improve road safety. These rules, which apply strictly to 16- and 17-year-old drivers, aim to reduce accidents and promote responsible driving.

Parents should understand these teen-specific rules so they can provide informed guidance to young student drivers as they can initial experience on the road.

Obtaining a permit

To obtain a learner’s permit, teens must pass a written knowledge test and vision screening. During the learner’s permit phase, they must drive with a qualified adult and complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice. This phase lasts for at least 120 days if they complete driver education or 180 days if they do not. The state also provides a graduated driver licensing system that gradually grants teens more driving privileges as they gain experience.

Permit and license restrictions

Once teens have completed the learner’s permit requirements, they can apply for a driver’s license. For the first six months, they cannot have any passengers except for a licensed driving instructor, their parents or a legal guardian. For the next six months, they may only drive with immediate family members as passengers. Additionally, teen drivers cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless traveling for school, work, religious activities or emergencies.

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