New Haven Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Insurance Company Settlements Are Not Enough

After a drunk driving accident, the insurance company whose client caused the accident will contact you. Their representatives will attempt to settle for a lesser sum before the case proceeds to legal negotiations or litigation. Insurance companies do this to avoid paying a fair amount to the victim of an accident. It’s their strategy to avoid court, where their client is likely to face severe penalties.

It’s important to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer with a proven history of successful cases to represent you. The insurance company’s attorneys are aggressive and will use many legal strategies to try to discredit your claim. Our team can advocate for you just as aggressively by: 

• Investigating any suspected case of drunk driving
• Gathering the necessary evidence to prove the wrongful driver’s liability
• Fiercely advocating for a better settlement

Drunk Driving Is a Serious Issue in Connecticut

Connecticut has some of the highest DUI rates in the country, with more than 8,000 drunk driving crashes statewide from 2021-2023. More than a third of Connecticut residents say they know someone who was involved in such a crash. Unfortunately, many of these incidents result in fatalities or serious, life-threatening injuries. According to the NHTSA, over 12,000 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2023, leaving countless families bereft.

While there are strict drunk driving laws in place, many drunk drivers escape prosecution due to improper adherence to police procedures, hit-and-run accidents, and the involved motorists’ neglecting to follow post-accident protocol. After an accident, it’s important to call for help, request a copy of the police report, gather witness statements, and collect photographic evidence of the crash to reinforce your claim.

Compensation in Drunk Driving Accident Cases

Most drunk driving accident cases are eligible for three categories of compensation:

• Economic damages cover medical bills and rehabilitation costs accrued due to the accident. They can also encompass lost wages for the time you couldn’t work, property repair and replacement, and other documentable expenditures related to the accident.
• Non-economic damages cover intangible hardships experienced after an accident, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Punitive damages address egregious and malicious intent in an accident involving a wrongful act. While it can be difficult for some types of personal injury claims to seek punitive damages, a drunk driving accident case is more likely to qualify, given the illegal nature of drunk driving and the egregious negligence present in such incidents.

Connecticut Accident Liability

Connecticut drunk driving accident laws use a modified comparative negligence rule for all car accidents. This rule establishes the percentage of liability for each party in an accident. In drunk driving accidents, as long as there is adequate evidence, the defendant will usually carry a higher degree of liability. This is important because whichever party carries less negligence can recover their damages.

Speaking with a qualified and skilled New Haven drunk driving accident attorney is crucial. They can prepare a compelling case by gathering the proof and documentation to support your claim. If you’ve suffered harm due to a drunken driver’s recklessness, don’t wait to take action. A successful settlement can help you heal and recover from your injuries without worrying about the additional strain on your finances.

FAQs

Does Insurance Still Pay If You Were Drunk?

It depends on the insurer and the circumstances of the accident. Most comprehensive policies will cover some of the insured driver’s expenses, but not all. Many liability policies will not cover any of the intoxicated driver’s expenses, only distributing funds for the third party’s claim. Additionally, a DUI or an accident due to drinking can impact your insurance premiums and deductibles, and it may even lead to policy cancellation.

Can I File a Claim Against a Drunk Driver for Hitting Me?

It is always advisable to seek legal guidance after being in an accident involving a drunk driver or a suspected drunk driver, as it’s important for irresponsible drivers to be held accountable. You deserve justice for your pain and suffering, and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Vehicle Accident?

Most personal injury attorneys in New Haven work on a contingency basis, meaning they do not receive compensation unless you are awarded a settlement. It usually costs nothing upfront to hire an accident attorney. It’s vital that you speak to a qualified lawyer after a car accident, especially one involving a drunk driver, to determine whether you have a valid claim.

Can Insurance Deny a Claim If You Were Drinking?

In some cases, depending on your insurer and the details of your claim, an insurance company may deny a claim if you were drunk. If you were drinking and were also struck by an intoxicated driver, both parties will hold a share of the liability, given Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule. Whichever party holds the greater liability will owe the less negligent party compensation.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Who Can Advocate for You

At Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we provide comprehensive, knowledgeable legal guidance to victims of drunk driving accidents. With decades of experience in serving the New Haven community at all Geographical Area Courts, we can aggressively advocate for fair compensation and make sure the driver responsible for your accident is held accountable. We don’t get paid unless you do. Contact us today for your consultation.