DUI Accident Lawyers in Connecticut
If you’ve been recently injured by a driver under the influence, the drunk driving accident lawyers at the Carter Mario Law Firm will fight for you to get the financial compensation you deserve.
With our in-depth knowledge of personal injury laws and extensive courtroom experience, our DUI accident lawyers in Connecticut are committed to getting you fair compensation so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
You’re not in this alone. Contact us today for a free legal consultation to learn what your drunk driving accident case is worth.
When Do You Need A DUI Accident Lawyer In Connecticut?
Despite Connecticut’s laws on driving under the influence, drunk driving crashes occur with alarming regularity. In 2021, 264 drivers were involved in fatal collisions. Of those drivers, 173, or 65%, had a blood alcohol content in excess of .08.
You would think that the prevalence of this issue means consistent payouts for the victims of these drunk driving accidents, but that’s not always the case.
Despite the other person’s condition as a drunk driver, their insurance company will search for reasons to minimize or deny your injury claim. The personal injury attorneys at the Carter Mario Law Firm have been successfully fighting insurance companies on behalf of injured victims for over 30 years. We can help.
Criminal DUI Cases Vs. Civil Drunk Driving Lawsuits
There is an important difference between a criminal DUI case and a personal injury lawsuit. Under Connecticut law (Sec. 14-277a), a driver who has a blood alcohol level in excess of .08 is presumed to be impaired and faces criminal penalties of 6 months to 3 years.
On the other hand, a personal injury lawsuit victim can obtain monetary compensation for their injuries if they prove the drunk driver committed an act of negligence.
Signs Of A Driver’s Impairment
Recognizing signs of drunk drivers may protect you from being injured in a car accident. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, common signs of impairment include:
- Sudden slowing or acceleration
- Excessive swerving or drifting within a lane
- Failing to activate headlights
- Reduced reaction times
- Driving in the wrong lane
- Driving below the legal speed limit
If you have witnessed any of these signs and have been involved in an accident with an intoxicated driver, our Connecticut drunk driving accident attorneys can help build a strong case to ensure the impaired driver is held accountable.
Injuries Caused By Drunk Driving Accidents
Car accidents involving drunk drivers can cause innocent victims to suffer life-altering injuries. Common injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
Due to the severity of these injuries, DUI accident victims often require emergency medical care and extensive follow-up treatment, such as physical and occupational therapy.
Damages Available In Connecticut Car Accidents
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Connecticut, you may be able to obtain financial compensation. The amount of compensation you can claim depends on your damages. Under Connecticut law (Sec. 52.572h), you can claim compensatory, non-compensatory damages, and sometimes even punitive damages.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages aim to provide financial compensation for the losses suffered by the DUI accident victim. These damages can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and property damage. If a car accident victim’s injuries are particularly severe, they can also claim their future medical expenses and lost wages.
Non-compensatory Damages
Non-compensatory damages address intangible losses which cannot be easily quantified. A car accident victim can seek compensation for their pain, suffering, and emotional distress. A victim of a drunk driver can also seek compensation if their injuries left them permanently disabled or physically disfigured.
Punitive Damages
In some cases involving drunk driving accidents, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party for their reckless behavior and deter others from engaging in similar actions.
Along with punitive damages, Connecticut law (Sec. 14-295) allows you to seek treble damages, i.e., three times the amount of your compensatory damages, if you were struck by a drunk driver.
Proving Damages In A Drunk Driving Accident
To win a car accident lawsuit, a victim must prove that the collision caused their injuries. Outside of evidence collected at the scene of the accident, you may need to collect additional testimony to build your case.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, your case may require an expert medical witness who can provide an opinion linking your injuries to the collision. Our personal injury attorneys have the resources to connect you with expert witnesses to strengthen your personal injury case.
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer FAQs
Due to the unexpected nature of drunk driving collisions, it is natural for victims to be confused and frustrated. At the Carter Mario Law Firm, we aim to demystify the legal process so that it’s easier to understand your personal injury claim options.
See the answers to our most frequently asked questions below:
Do I need medical attention even if I don’t appear to have serious injuries?
It is essential to seek medical attention after a drunk driving accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor or not immediately apparent.
Insurance companies often use gaps or delays in treatment to argue that a collision was not serious or life-threatening. By seeking medical treatment in a timely manner, you create an official record of your injuries, which can be vital for your personal injury claim.
What should I do after I’ve been in a drunk driving accident?
After a drunk driving accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and build a strong legal case. Specifically, you should:
- Contact the police and report the collision
- Identify possible witnesses
- Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information
- Take photographs of your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle
- Seek medical treatment
Finally, you should avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company until you retain the services of a Connecticut drunk driving accident lawyer.
What is the statute of limitations on drunk driving accident claims in CT?
The statute of limitations determines the time frame within which you must file a lawsuit for a car accident in Connecticut. Under Connecticut law (Sec. 52-584), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years beginning from the date of the accident. As this two-year time limit is strictly enforced, it is essential to pursue a personal injury claim as soon as possible.
If the driver that caused the accident is charged with drunk driving, does that prove my case for damages?
While the perpetrator driver being charged with drunk driving can be a crucial piece of evidence in your case, it does not automatically guarantee that you will receive compensation for your damages.
As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, you must still prove the other driver committed an act of negligence and caused your injuries. Specifically, you must prove both of these elements by a preponderance of the evidence, i.e., 51%.
Areas We Serve
Each DUI accident attorney at the Carter Mario Law Firm is proud to represent injured victims throughout Connecticut, including the following areas:
No matter where your accident occurred, you can expect dedicated and cost-effective legal representation pursuant to our Zero Fee Warranty.
Trust Carter Mario For Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
The Carter Mario Law Firm has built a reputation for success, obtaining over one billion dollars in financial compensation for our injured clients. Our personal injury lawyers are not afraid to litigate legally and factually complex cases and will fight tirelessly on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free legal consultation.
