If you were in a crash with a drunk driver, you know how quickly life can change. Suddenly, you’re dealing with severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and the stress of not knowing what comes next.
That’s where Jainchill & Beckert, LLC comes in. Our Glastonbury drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated to helping people in your situation find justice and demand fair compensation for their losses. We understand the challenges you face and are ready to protect your rights. With over 55 years of combined legal experience, we have a well-proven record of achieving successful outcomes for our clients.
We believe in making this process as smooth and straightforward as possible so you can focus on what’s most important: healing and moving forward. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Glastonbury drunk driving accident attorney.
When Is a Driver Considered Driving Under the Influence?
Connecticut law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle if their ability to drive is compromised by drugs or alcohol, no matter the amount in their system. The law assumes drivers cannot operate a vehicle safely if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at 0.08 percent or higher. A driver found with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher is guilty of DUI per se, meaning the law automatically assumes they are too intoxicated to drive safely.
The legal BAC limit is lower for certain drivers. For example, the Connecticut DMV says drivers under age 21 are guilty of DUI per se if the police catch them with a BAC of 0.02 percent or higher. Similarly, drivers of commercial vehicles can face DUI charges for a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher.
How Does Alcohol Impair Someone’s Ability to Drive?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has detailed information on how alcohol impairs someone’s ability to drive safely. Depending on the amount of alcohol in someone’s system, their weight, body chemistry, and other factors, the effects of alcohol on their driving ability include:
- Reduced reaction times – Alcohol slows down a driver’s ability to quickly react to changes in traffic, road conditions, and emergencies.
- Impaired judgment – Drinking alcohol leads to poor decision-making, such as risky maneuvers, speeding, and ignoring traffic rules.
- Impaired coordination – Drunk drivers have a harder time performing basic driving tasks, like steering and accurately judging distances.
- Blurred vision – Drunk driving compromises the driver’s ability to see clearly, affecting their judgment of distances and speed.
- Decreased concentration – Alcohol impairs drivers’ ability to focus on the basic tasks of driving, making it difficult to pay attention to road signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
What Should I Do If I Suspect the Driver Who Hit Me Was Drunk?
If you think the person who hit you was drunk, taking the proper steps can make a significant difference in a future car accident claim. First, make sure you’re safe, and then call the police. It’s crucial to have them come to the scene so they can make a report and check the other driver. Share what you saw or any signs that made you think the driver was drunk, like the smell of alcohol or slurred speech. Don’t confront the other driver yourself. It’s also crucial to get information from any eyewitnesses and take pictures of the scene if possible.
After dealing with the immediate situation, contact a Glastonbury drunk driving accident lawyer. They will know how to handle cases involving drunk drivers and can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable.
What Compensation Could I Receive in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?
In a drunk driving accident lawsuit, the compensation you can receive is meant to cover the full extent of your losses and help you rebuild your life. While the specifics depend on the details of your case, drunk driving accident victims may be eligible for compensation for a range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
Connecticut also has a law that specifically addresses compensation in cases involving traffic offenses like drunk driving. This law says the court can award double or triple compensation in a personal injury claim if the defendant deliberately or recklessly committed certain traffic offenses when they caused a crash. Drunk driving is one of the offenses listed in this law. Contact our Glastonbury car accident lawyer today.
What Is Connecticut’s Dram Shop Law?
Connecticut’s dram shop law outlines when you can hold bars, liquor stores, and other alcohol vendors liable for a drunk driving crash, up to $250,000. To hold an alcohol vendor liable for your injuries, you must show that they served liquor to someone who was obviously intoxicated and that the vendor’s actions contributed to the crash. This can be a challenging legal hurdle to clear, but a drunk driving accident attorney can help find the evidence you need.
How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Connecticut?
Connecticut law says that in most cases, you have two years from the date of a drunk driving crash to file a lawsuit against the driver or any other liable parties. That may sound like you have plenty of time to act, but we encourage you to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after a collision. If you wait too long to talk to a lawyer, critical evidence can disappear or deteriorate. And if you plan to bring a dram shop claim, you have just 120 days to give notice to the seller. The sooner you speak to a drunk driving accident attorney, the more they can do to build a stronger case for you.
Contact a Glastonbury Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
You have no time to waste if you want to demand compensation after a Glastonbury drunk driving accident. Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can handle all the legal details of your case while you rest and rebuild your life after a devastating accident. Call us today or reach out online for a free case evaluation to get started.
