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Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., knows that the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming and scary. A Hamden drunk driving accident lawyer can pursue accountability and work to protect your rights. Our team can help you understand every step of the legal process to give you some peace of mind.
In 2022, there were 140 people killed in Connecticut due to drunk driving accidents. This makes up 35% of all traffic fatalities. Of the reported fatalities, 40% of the deaths were the unimpaired victims of the accidents.
Connecticut takes DUI offenses very seriously, and penalties reflect this. The state has specific thresholds for legal blood alcohol concentrations, with anything over legal limits being labeled as impaired drivers.
When a driver is arrested for DUI after a car crash, the state takes on this criminal case. However, to receive damages, you would file a civil case with the Superior Court in New Haven. This is where you would file to receive damages, such as compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.
If intoxicated driving causes serious injury or death, the at-fault driver may receive elevated charges. This can also support your civil claim.
The state also imposes the Dram Shop Act, which allows certain victims to seek compensation from restaurants, bars, and other establishments that served alcohol to an intoxicated person unlawfully, thereby contributing to the accident’s cause.
Usually, the impaired driver is responsible for a drunk driving crash. However, multiple parties may be legally liable after an accident. It depends on the facts of the case. You may have a case against:
After a drunk driving accident, whether you were a motorist or a pedestrian, you can pursue certain financial compensation for your losses. Damages can be paid for both economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages include any medical expenses, such as emergency care, hospital stays, and surgery. It can also include future treatments and long-term care needs. You can pursue compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity in the future. Damages to your personal property are also recoverable.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment in life. The emotional strain of permanent scarring and disfigurement also falls under this category.
Strategic action can create a successful claim. Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., investigates drunk driving accidents thoroughly, working to preserve evidence and build a strong case. Some of the steps we take include:
Drunk driving accidents are preventable. When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle while impaired, they’re putting others and themselves at risk.
Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., can help secure critical evidence early in the process and hold parties accountable for their actions. We negotiate with insurance companies and work with accident reconstruction and medical experts to determine fault in your accident case.
With a deep knowledge of Connecticut drunk driving accident laws, we tailor our approach to your goals and circumstances.
In Hamden, Connecticut, the punishment for drunk driving and crashing can be severe. Penalties might include jail time, significant fines, and probation. Charges may also lead to a mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, license suspension, and the requirement to participate in an alcohol education program. If the charges escalate to a felony, penalties are more severe and can lead to lengthy prison sentences.
The settlement amount for a car accident in Connecticut really depends on the seriousness of the accident, the injuries involved, and other circumstances. Traumatic injuries that require surgery and long-term care result in a much higher settlement amount. Liability disputes, available insurance limits, and the potential need for expert testimony all impact the final settlement amount.
To get a DUI dismissed in Connecticut, you need to challenge the evidence or note procedural problems during the arrest. Defense strategies can involve questioning the legality of the traffic stop, disputing field sobriety test results, or questioning breath and blood test reliability. If there are errors in the police documentation of the arrest, it could support case dismissal.
When speaking with an injury lawyer, avoid statements that minimize your injuries or speculate about who was at fault. Don’t use blame tactics unless you have supporting evidence to back it up. Avoid estimating damages before there is proper documentation. It’s also important not to speak with insurers before consulting an attorney, and don’t post about your accident online.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, call the Hamden drunk driving accident lawyers of Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., today to schedule a consultation.
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