Case Background
Jace Caron filed a legal complaint against Allstate Insurance Company in the Superior Court at New Britain, Connecticut. Allstate operated as a licensed automobile insurer in the state. Caron was represented by A. Twillie, II, Esq., of L.A. Law, LLC. The dispute arose from a traffic collision that occurred on June 25, 2021, in Berlin, Connecticut. Caron alleged that Allstate failed to fulfill its obligations under his insurance policy.
Cause
While driving northbound on Chamberlain Highway, Caron encountered a stolen vehicle approaching quickly from behind. The vehicle attempted to pass on the right at high speed. It lost control, struck Caron’s car, and caused it to spin into a southbound lane. A second impact followed. The unknown driver violated multiple Connecticut traffic laws, including unsafe lane changes and reckless operation. The stolen vehicle carried no insurance. Despite Caron’s active policy, Allstate refused to cover the damages under the uninsured motorist provision.
Injury
Caron sustained serious physical injuries from the crash. He suffered whiplash, headaches, and lumbar strain. His neck and shoulders caused ongoing pain. Muscle spasms and reduced motion interfered with daily life. Basic tasks became difficult. He also experienced emotional stress and a decline in quality of life.
Damages
The collision resulted in significant expenses. Caron paid for ambulance services, hospital care, imaging, therapy, and medication. His vehicle sustained major damage. In court, he sought damages over $15,000. He requested compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment of life. He also claimed that Allstate acted in bad faith by failing to investigate promptly, refusing fair settlement, and forcing legal action.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Jace Caron
Counsel for Plaintiff: Lawyer A. Twillie II
Defendant: Allstate Insurance Company
Counsel for Defendant: Raymond E. Epps
Claims
Count I: Uninsured Motorist Coverage
On June 25, 2021, Jace Caron drove northbound on Chamberlain Highway in Berlin, Connecticut. A stolen, uninsured vehicle sped up behind him and attempted to pass on the right. The driver lost control, struck Caron’s vehicle, and forced it into a spin across lanes, leading to a secondary collision. The unknown driver operated recklessly and violated multiple Connecticut traffic laws, including §§14-230, 14-218a, 14-233, 14-232, and 14-240. Caron carried an active policy with Allstate Insurance Company that provided uninsured motorist coverage. By law, Allstate bore responsibility for covering his losses. Caron sought damages exceeding $15,000, along with legal costs and additional relief.
Count II: Breach of Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Allstate Insurance Company breached its duty to act in good faith. It delayed investigation, denied fair settlement, and forced Caron to file suit to recover benefits. The insurer ignored clear policy terms and failed to support its insured in a time of need. This conduct violated the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Caron pursued compensation for financial losses, legal expenses, and the hardship caused by Allstate’s bad-faith actions.
Defense
Allstate Insurance Company denied liability for the collision, asserting that Plaintiff Jace Caron failed to establish key facts supporting his uninsured motorist claim. Allstate stated it lacked sufficient knowledge to admit or deny multiple allegations and left the plaintiff to his proof. It admitted only limited portions of the complaint.
Allstate further argued that, if it paid Medical Payments Benefits under the policy, it is entitled to a setoff from any award for personal injuries. It also claimed a right to reduce any such award by amounts already paid on behalf of legally responsible third parties or through Workers’ Compensation or Disability Benefits Laws. Additionally, Allstate asserted that Caron’s recovery is limited to the policy’s per person/per occurrence limits of $100,000/$300,000, minus any applicable credits or setoffs.
Jury Verdict
On January 29, 2025, a jury in the Superior Court at New Britain returned a verdict in favor of Plaintiff Jace Caron in his personal injury lawsuit against Allstate Insurance Company. The case arose from a motor vehicle accident that occurred on June 25, 2021, in Berlin, Connecticut. Caron filed the claim under his uninsured motorist coverage after being injured by an unknown, uninsured driver. The jury found that Caron suffered both economic and noneconomic damages as a result of the collision and awarded him a total of $176,171.12, which included $51,171.12 in economic damages and $125,000 in noneconomic damages for pain, suffering, and impairment.
Following the verdict, Allstate filed a Motion to Reduce the Verdict, arguing that Caron’s recovery must be limited to the $100,000 per person policy limit of his uninsured motorist coverage, as stipulated in his insurance contract. Citing Connecticut General Statute § 38a-336 and relevant case law, Allstate successfully contended that uninsured motorist benefits cannot exceed the agreed-upon policy limits regardless of the jury’s damage assessment. The court granted the motion, reducing the final award to $100,000 in accordance with the applicable coverage limits.
