Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Hartford, CT
Sometimes, an individual may make a bad judgment call and choose to drive while intoxicated. When this happens, they become a danger on the road to themselves and other motorists. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, a Hartford drunk driving accident lawyer like those at Appleton & Appleton, LLC will help you understand your rights and guide you through the entire legal process.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
The legal team at Appleton & Appleton, LLC has served the Greater Hartford area for more than 80 years with its experience in personal injury law.
We understand that enduring a personal injury can be a very trying and frustrating time in a person’s life. Our job is to help you through the legal process by making sure you fully understand the DUI laws in Connecticut and to be your advocate in the courts of the Hartford Judicial District.
How to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
In 2020, there were an estimated 127,000 incidents of drunk driving in the U.S. In Connecticut alone, more than 8,500 DUI vehicle crashes were reported between 2021 and 2023.
If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, it’s important to act fast so you have everything you need to file your auto insurance claim and, if you are injured, assist your drunk driving accident attorney with your case.
Key evidence that is used by police and the Hartford court system to prove fault in drunk driving accident cases includes:
- The driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC)—in Connecticut, a BAC of 0.08 or higher is considered to be legally intoxicated and should not be operating a vehicle
- The driver’s admission at the scene to drinking and driving
- Field sobriety tests—can the driver walk in a straight line or stand on one leg?
- Medical records of you and your passengers
- Photos taken at the accident scene
- Testimony from witnesses who saw the accident
- Videos that may have been taken by nearby surveillance or other drivers
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
There is no denying the fact that being in a drunk driving accident can be very costly, not only to your vehicle but also to your well-being. For that reason, there are both physical and non-physical damages that can be recovered through a drunk driving accident claim.
Physical damages that can be recovered in a claim include:
- Home changes, such as needing to hire home help or make changes to your home due to an injury
- Lost wages or future earnings due to being unable to work
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket expenses for prescriptions or travel costs
- Personal property damage
- Vehicle damage
Non-tangible—sometimes called non-economic—damages are those that impact you on a more personal level. These types of claims can include compensation for:
- Damage to the relationship with your significant other
- Disfigurements such as scars or a permanent physical change
- Emotional distress caused by mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Inability to enjoy life as you once did
- Pain and suffering
Additionally, depending on your case, you may be able to file a claim for punitive damages, which are aimed at punishing the intoxicated driver for their actions. In Connecticut, you may be eligible for punitive damages if the intoxicated driver had multiple DUIs or had a very high BAC.
Why You Should Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Hartford, CT
With so much at stake, it’s imperative to have a trustworthy and experienced drunk driving accident attorney by your side if you or a family member has been injured by an intoxicated driver.
A Hartford drunk driving accident lawyer fully understands Connecticut’s drunk driving accident laws and can:
- Gather all the evidence required for your case, including the driver’s BAC, relevant police reports, and testimonials from witnesses, to prove fault
- Assist with calculating the complete cost of all your damages, including vehicle damages, medical costs, and lost wages
- File your drunk driving accident claim with the insurance companies, and negotiate with them to ensure you receive compensation for the true worth of your vehicle
- Represent your case in court when filing a civil case against the intoxicated at-fault driver for personal injury claims and punitive damages
Compassionate & Skilled Legal
Advocacy For Injury Victims.
FAQs About Hartford, CT Drunk Driving Accident Laws
What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
The average settlement for a drunk driving accident case depends on a number of factors, including:
- Current and future medical needs
- Injury severity
- Insurance coverage
- Lost earnings and wages
- Punitive damage eligibility
- Vehicle and personal property damage
An experienced Hartford drunk driving accident attorney will walk you through the process to make sure you understand what you’re entitled to in your settlement.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you are hit by a drunk driver:
- Move to a safe location and call 911.
- Do not say sorry or admit fault.
- Get the other driver’s contact and insurance details.
- Take photos and video of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
- Talk to witnesses for police statements.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Go to the doctor ASAP, even if you don’t feel hurt.
Is Connecticut a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
No, Connecticut is not a no-fault state for car accidents. That means the driver who causes the vehicle accident is fully responsible for any financial damage the other driver experiences. This includes not only vehicle damage, but medical costs and lost wages if they are injured and unable to work.
Can You File a Claim if the Drunk Driver Was Arrested?
Yes, you can file a drunk driving accident claim even if the drunk driver was arrested. The intoxicated driver’s charges can actually help strengthen your case and can be used by your drunk driving accident lawyer as evidence if you decide to pursue restitution for physical or non-physical damages or punitive damages.
How a Hartford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured by an intoxicated driver in the Greater Hartford area, you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer immediately to ensure your rights are protected and the drunk driver is held accountable for their actions and the damage they have caused.
Contact Appleton & Appleton, LLC today to learn more about how our experienced personal injury legal team can help.
