Drunk driving continues to occur frequently in Connecticut despite the well-known devastating consequences. Recent annual statistics showed that over one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities in Connecticut involved a drunk driver.
DUI accidents can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain for victims and their families. If a drunk driver has harmed you or a loved one, you have legal rights and can fight back with the help of a fast-acting drunk driving accident lawyer.
At Gould Injury Law, we firmly believe that drunk drivers should be held accountable for their poor decisions. We pride ourselves on working fast to defend accident victims and ensuring they receive compensation for their injuries and losses. Schedule a free case review by calling 888-WIN-FAST or completing the contact form.
How Alcohol Affects Driving Ability
In Connecticut, it is illegal to drive if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. The reason for this law is that alcohol-impaired drivers are more likely to cause accidents due to their inability to process information and respond appropriately.
The following are some critical driving abilities affected by alcohol:
- Reaction times: Alcohol reduces a person's reaction time. This makes it harder for drivers to respond quickly to sudden changes, such as a vehicle stopping abruptly.
- Coordination: You need physical coordination to steer, brake, and accelerate, but alcohol disrupts coordination, increasing a person’s chance of losing control of the vehicle.
- Judgment and decision-making: Safe driving requires sound judgment to evaluate road conditions, assess risks, and make fast decisions. Alcohol clouds your judgment, leading to dangerous actions like speeding, tailgating, or weaving in and out of traffic.
- Concentration: Driving demands constant attention to the road, traffic signals, and your surroundings. Alcohol diminishes a driver’s ability to concentrate, which leads to distractions and errors.
- Vision: Alcohol impairs your depth perception, making it difficult to see and judge distances accurately. Additionally, it can cause double vision or tunnel vision.
The Impact of Connecticut Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents in Connecticut are all too common, yet preventable, tragedies. The consequences for victims and their families can be life-altering, and these should be addressed.
Drunk driving accident victims may be left facing a range of tragic consequences such as:
- Severe injuries: Broken bones, lacerations, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, and more
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of driving, and other psychological impacts
- Financial losses: Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and property damage
Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights After a Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident
The actions you take following an accident involving a drunk driver can have a significant impact on both your physical and financial recovery.
Consider taking the following steps after being involved in an accident with a drunk driver:
- Ensure your safety: If possible, move to a safe location to prevent further harm.
- Call 911: Report the incident and request emergency services.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you initially feel okay, seek medical treatment as fast as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not show immediate symptoms.
- Contact law enforcement: Inform the officer at the scene of your suspicion that the other driver may be intoxicated. The police will likely administer a sobriety test to the driver.
- Request a copy of the police report: The police accident report is an important piece of evidence that can help in establishing fault and liability.
- Take photos: If you are able to do so safely, take photos or videos of road conditions, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange contact information: Get the contact and insurance information for the other driver and anyone else involved in the accident.
- Contact a drunk driving accident attorney: A lawyer will protect your legal rights, handling all communication and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement: It’s best to avoid giving detailed statements and to avoid signing anything without having your personal injury lawyer present.
- Keep detailed records: Maintain documentation of your medical bills, treatment plans, lost wages, and personal notes of how the drunk driving accident has impacted your life.
How a Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have suffered injuries in a DUI accident, you should consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Consider some of the many reasons why having a lawyer by your side is important after being harmed by a drunk driver.
Investigate the accident
After taking on your case, your lawyer will be fast to investigate the car accident before critical evidence is lost or destroyed. A successful drunk driving accident case is based on solid evidence.
Your legal team may visit the accident scene and gather evidence such as:
- Police report documenting the driver’s intoxication
- Eyewitness statements
- BAC test results
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reconstruction analysis
Establish liability
In a drunk driving accident, the intoxicated person behind the wheel is usually considered to be the negligent party. However, your lawyer will identify all liable parties and work fast to make sure they are held accountable.
Besides the drunk driver, other parties may have contributed to the accident:
- Other drivers: If your car accident involved multiple vehicles, other drivers may have contributed to the crash
- Bars or restaurants: Under Connecticut dram shop laws, establishments that over-served alcohol to a driver could share liability.
- Social hosts: In some drunk driving cases, hosts who served alcohol at private events could be held accountable
- Government entities: If poor road conditions or lack of proper traffic signage contributed to the accident, the government agency responsible for road maintenance could be found partially liable
Calculate damages
A drunk driving victim may underestimate the value of his or her claim. That’s why you need a fast-acting lawyer on your side to maximize the compensation to cover your injuries and losses.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases involving drunk drivers, judges award punitive damages to punish the intoxicated driver for egregious behavior.
Handle legal challenges
Connecticut drunk driving accidents may involve both criminal and civil (personal injury) cases. While the state prosecutes the driver for criminal charges, this process only serves to punish the drunk driver; a criminal case does not address your financial losses.
Your personal injury attorney will focus on the civil aspects of your case, making sure you receive compensation while navigating any overlapping legal proceedings.
Negotiate with the insurance company
Frustratingly, insurance companies try to minimize payouts even in clear-cut drunk driving cases. Personal injury attorneys are aware of the tactics insurance adjusters use to try to reduce the value of cases. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with the insurer to secure fast and fair compensation.
While most car accident cases are handled through negotiations, if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Represent you in court
If your case proceeds to trial, having an experienced litigator on your side is essential. Your attorney will present evidence and advocate for your legal rights, working hard to seek compensation that fully covers your injuries and losses.
Reduce your stress
Recovering from a car accident is challenging enough without the added stress of filing a personal injury claim. By taking fast action to hire a lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the paperwork, deadlines, and communication with the insurance company.
Connecticut Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Cases
The loss of a loved one in a crash involving a drunk driver is an unimaginable tragedy. When such a loss occurs due to someone else’s negligence, it may be possible to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.
The compassionate legal team at Gould Injury Law knows that no amount of compensation can undo the pain of losing a loved one. We hope that holding the drunk driver accountable can bring a sense of justice and financial stability to your grieving family.
Damages awarded in wrongful death cases may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of inheritance
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Choosing the Right Lawyer to Handle Your Connecticut Drunk Driving Case
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and secure fast compensation after being injured in a drunk driving accident is to hire a personal injury lawyer. However, not all personal injury lawyers are equally equipped to handle drunk driving accident cases.
Here are some things to look for when choosing a drunk driving accident lawyer in Connecticut to handle your claim:
- Experience in handling drunk driving cases: When researching potential lawyers, ask about their track record in handling these types of cases. A lawyer who has successfully managed similar claims is better equipped to win your case.
- Knowledge of Connecticut drunk driving laws: Drunk driving laws vary by state, so it is important to hire a lawyer familiar with your state’s specific statutes and procedures.
- Resources to build a strong case: A reputable law firm should have fast access to accident reconstruction experts, toxicologists, medical professionals, and other experts.
- Strong negotiation skills: Since most car crash cases are handled outside of court, it is important to choose a lawyer with strong negotiation skills. Look for an attorney with a history of securing fast and favorable settlements for clients in similar circumstances.
- Compassion and clear communication: Coping with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be emotionally and physically draining. A lawyer who genuinely cares about your well-being, though, will be motivated to fight for the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation With “The Fast Firm” Today
Connecticut drunk driving accidents can cause immense harm, but victims have the right to pursue justice. The experienced and compassionate lawyers at Gould Injury Law can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Our law firm takes cases on contingency, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This allows you access to quality legal representation without upfront costs.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to contact Gould Injury Law today. Our law firm prides itself on obtaining maximum compensation for our clients – and fast. Call us today at 888-WIN-FAST or complete the contact form to schedule a free case review.
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