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Drunk driving is a serious offense in Connecticut, and when it causes an accident, the driver needs to be held accountable. If you or a family member have been injured, a Middletown drunk driving accident lawyer at Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., can advocate for you and work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve.
The term “drunk driving” refers to driving under the influence (DUI) of any substance that impairs the driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. Many people think of alcohol first, and in Connecticut, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for most drivers over 21, 0.04% for drivers operating commercial vehicles, and 0.02% for drivers under 21, as it is illegal to consume alcohol under the age of 21.
However, other substances can have a negative impact on a driver’s reaction times, coordination, and ability to make safe decisions while driving. As such, those substances can also lead to DUIs and collisions. Some examples include:
DUI is illegal in Connecticut and can lead to a criminal conviction with associated penalties. However, when a person causes an accident because of a DUI, whether they are convicted or not, the victim may still be entitled to file a civil claim.
Middletown, Connecticut is a “fault” accident liability state, which means that the person who causes a car accident is responsible for paying damages. When an accident occurs as a result of a DUI, the impaired driver is often responsible for causing the accident and, therefore, has legal liability for property damage, injuries, and other damages resulting from the accident. Victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation for such damages.
However, in some cases, other parties may also have some responsibility. Connecticut has a dram shop law, which holds establishments like bars or restaurants responsible for damages if they serve alcohol to customers who are already visibly intoxicated or underage customers. Similarly, if a driver under 21 causes an accident after drinking alcohol at a social event, the host of the event can be held liable for damages in the accident.
When it comes to drunk driving accidents, “damages” refers to money to compensate a person who has been harmed in the accident and can be categorized as follows:
Connecticut does not have any limits or caps for damages against a driver in a drunk driving accident. However, there may be a limit on dram shop claims.
When seeking damages because of a drunk driving accident, an experienced Middletown personal injury lawyer can be critical to a successful outcome. Not only are there often multiple liable parties, but insurance companies, medical claims, and law enforcement are frequently involved. A skilled attorney can not only maximize your compensation but also act as a barrier between you and such parties so you can focus on recovering from the accident.
A: Most lawyers charge on a contingency basis for a car accident injury case. This means that the client does not pay any fees unless they win their case. Then, the Middletown car accident lawyer takes a percentage of the total settlement. The percentage depends on several factors, including how extensive the damages are, how complex the case is, the lawyer’s reputation and experience, the location of the case, and whether the case goes to trial.
A: The amount of compensation received in a car accident settlement can vary significantly depending on the facts of the case. Some of the factors that can influence the amount of the settlement are the total lost wages, medical expenses, and severity of the injuries, such as whether there is permanent disability as a result. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you determine how much a settlement may be for your case.
A: In general, car insurance does pay damages for drunk driving accidents. However, insurance companies often attempt to pay the least amount possible and may even deny some claims. In addition, some policies may exclude drunk driving in some situations. Check with your insurance carrier to verify what your policy covers.
A: How long a drunk driving accident case takes depends on several elements. Some examples include how many liable parties are included, whether insurance companies offer fair settlements, how much evidence there is, and if all parties are open to negotiation. However, if a case goes to trial, it will generally take longer than one that is settled out of court because getting on the court schedule and preparing for trial may take significantly more time.
At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we know that insurance companies and medical facilities will have teams of lawyers making sure their interests are protected, and you deserve to have an experienced attorney to represent and advocate for you as well. Whether it means negotiating a settlement with an insurance company or going to trial against multiple liable parties, your attorney can work diligently to make sure you get the compensation you need for your injuries.
Contact our office right away to schedule a consultation and discuss which legal options are right for your case.