Hartford Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Protecting the rights of victims of drunk drivers in Hartford & Manchester, CT
Every smart and responsible driver is aware of the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. However, even with continued efforts and campaigns to stop drunken driving across the country, people still take risks and get behind the wheel – often causing deadly accidents.
According to MADD, the state of Connecticut sees an average of 100 deaths due to drunk driving each year, and drunk driving makes up 43% of all traffic-related fatalities in the state. Drunk drivers who cause injuries or fatalities because of their own recklessness must be held accountable for their actions. Victims of DUIs can suffer serious or catastrophic injuries, causing long-term disability, pain, and staggering medical bills.
The Hartford personal injury attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC have dedicated themselves to representing victims of drunk driving accidents for decades. We hold the right people responsible for your injuries and work to ensure you’re fully compensated for your injuries and other damages. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
What are the drunk driving laws in CT?
Drunk or drugged drivers can have impaired judgement, poor decision-making skills, and delayed reflexes. Additionally, they may have poor perception of the road, with unpredictable behavior that makes them dangerous to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. In any car accident case involving a DUI, the main issue is whether or not the driver was legally impaired.
Connecticut’s Implied Consent Law presumes that any person who operates a motor vehicle gives consent to determine his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A driver is considered legally intoxicated with a BAC of .08 or higher. However, if a driver is under 21 years old, he or she is considered legally intoxicated at BAC of .02 or higher.
Common injuries from Hartford drunk driving accidents
Due to the typical high speed and recklessness involved in drunk driving crashes, victims tend to suffer severe to catastrophic injuries. These can include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Burns
- Cuts and lacerations
- Fractured and broken bones
- Internal bleeding and other internal injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Sometimes, an accident may be so serious that your loved one suffers fatal injuries. In tragic situations like these, our attorneys can work with you in filing a wrongful death action against the responsible party.
Drunk driver liability and CT dram shop law
You can bring a personal injury claim against any person or party or parties whose negligent behavior resulted in your harm. Of course, this includes drivers under the influence, and our lawyers will fight to hold them accountable to the maximum extent possible. However, liability can also include any business or individual whose negligent actions result in that drunk driver ending up on the road in the first place.
This type of liability is called “dram shop liability” (as outlined by the Connecticut Dram Shop Act) and can hold establishments like bars, clubs, restaurants, private events, liquor stores responsible if they knowingly over-serve or sell liquor to an obviously intoxicated person.
For example, if you’re injured by a drunk driver, and it’s later discovered that they were clearly intoxicated when they ordered a last round at the bar, you may be eligible to file a dram shop claim against the bar and the bartender.
Or, if the person who injured you was drinking and driving while he or she was on the job, his or her employer may also be held liable. Any person or company who lends a clearly intoxicated or altered person his or her vehicle can be held responsible for any accident and injuries caused by the drunk driver. The experienced attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC can provide knowledgeable guidance about your case and who may be liable for your losses.
Compensation for your Hartford drunk driving accident injuries
When you’re hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you can seek compensation from the responsible party or parties for your injuries and damages. Of course, every case is unique, but you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapies or treatments
- Reduced quality of life
If your loved one is killed by a drunk driver, you may file a wrongful death action, and receive compensation for funeral, burial, and other related expenses.
It’s crucial you’re fairly compensated for your losses after an accident with an impaired driver. We’ll consult with you, your doctors, and any other relevant parties to determine all of your current and future medical and financial needs.
It’s important to note that because of the criminal nature of a DUI, along with the civil charges that are nearly guaranteed to come with it, it’s not unheard of for drunk drivers to flee the scene of an accident. Our Hartford attorneys are experienced with these types of hit-and-runs, and can work with you on a UM/UIM claim in the event the driver can’t be located. In any car accident case, our skilled legal team is dedicated to holding reckless drivers accountable.
Local Hartford drunk driving accident lawyers
The auto accident attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC have years of experience protecting victims of drunk drivers. We work to seek the maximum compensation allowed for your injuries and losses, holding negligent parties accountable and protecting others against a tragedy at their hand. Call us today. We’re located right off I-384 in Manchester. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers in Hartford or Manchester, please call 860-649-4400 or fill out our contact form.