Case Background
Victoria Dare-Zinycz filed a lawsuit following a car crash on July 7, 2019, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Around 3:15 p.m., she stopped her 2012 Honda CRV at a red light on Park Avenue, near Brooklawn Avenue. Traffic was steady, and conditions were clear. Her vehicle remained stationary in the northbound right lane.
Cause
Jean Daniel Laurena drove a 2003 Toyota Corolla north on Park Avenue in the left lane. He approached at high speed. Without warning, he switched to the right lane. His vehicle slammed into the rear of Victoria’s car with significant force. The complaint cited excessive speed and unsafe lane change as causes. It stated Laurena drove carelessly and failed to maintain control. The vehicle was owned by Joseph Laurena.
Injury
Victoria sustained physical injuries. She lost the ability to enjoy daily life. She struggled with routine activities and could not perform household duties. Her quality of life dropped significantly.
Damages
The complaint demanded damages above $15,000, excluding interest and costs. Victoria sought compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment. She initially included economic damages but later removed them as per court order. The Court approved the amended complaint on May 20, 2025.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Victoria Dare-Zinycz
Counsel for Plaintiff: Nancy E. valentino | Lawrence C. Sgrignari
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Antonio D'Aria
Defendant: The Standard Fire Insurance Company
Counsel for Defendant: Talaiya M. Buffaloe
Claims
Victoria named The Standard Fire Insurance Company as a defendant. She cited an active policy with underinsured motorist coverage of $100,000/$300,000. Laurena’s liability coverage was inadequate. The policy entitled her to recover damages from her insurer. The complaint stated Laurena’s vehicle qualified as underinsured. Victoria’s claim focused on her entitlement under the policy due to insufficient third-party coverage.
Defense
In response to the Plaintiff’s claims, the Defendant, The Standard Fire Insurance Company, largely denied knowledge of the underlying motor vehicle accident and left the Plaintiff to her proof on several factual allegations. The Defendant admitted that the Plaintiff was insured under a policy providing underinsured motorist coverage but asserted that all coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, as well as the Plaintiff’s burden to prove liability, causation, and damages.
Additionally, the Defendant raised five special defenses. These included limiting liability to the $100,000 policy limit and reducing potential damages by any amounts the Plaintiff received from third-party tortfeasors (Jean and Joseph Laurena), basic reparation benefits, health or medical benefits, or workers’ compensation or disability payments. Each defense aimed to offset or cap the insurer’s responsibility under the policy.
Jury Verdict
The Superior Court in New Haven rendered a jury verdict on May 22, 2025, in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded Victoria Dare-Zinycz $54,000 in non-economic damages for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent injury, and loss of enjoyment of life, finding the defendant liable under the terms of the underinsured motorist policy.
