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Drunk driving is a serious problem in Bristol and throughout Connecticut. Even though over a third of traffic fatalities in the state involve alcohol use, nearly a quarter of residents admit to driving drunk. This behavior isn’t just irresponsible – it may be reckless. If a drunk driver injured you in Bristol, you could face life-altering injuries, pain, mental distress, and tremendous financial pressure.
Don’t face this challenging time alone. Instead, let the attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, stand up for you and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. We have recovered millions of dollars for our injury clients and understand how to approach drunk driving injury claims. Contact our firm today to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer about the facts of your case in a free consultation.
How Can a Bristol, CT Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help Me?
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be devastating. You’re likely in pain, dealing with a stack of medical bills, and uncertain about the future. Don’t try to deal with all this yourself. A drunk driving accident attorney can pursue justice on your behalf by taking steps such as:
- Gathering accident evidence
- Getting copies of medical records
- Interviewing witnesses
- Calculating the fair value of your claim
- Sending demand letters to insurers
- Negotiating settlements to avoid trial
- Representing you in litigation if it becomes necessary.
While your attorney at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, handles these steps, you can focus instead on resting, getting treatment, and getting your life back on track.
When Is a Bristol Driver Considered to Be Driving Under the Influence?
In Connecticut, operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol is a crime called driving under the influence (DUI), also known as operating while under the influence (OUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). In Connecticut, it is illegal for anyone 21 or older to operate a motor vehicle while they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. If the driver is under 21, the legal limit is 0.02 percent.
Even if a driver does not exceed the legal BAC threshold, they could still face a DUI charge in Connecticut. Connecticut’s impaired driving laws prohibit driving with any amount of alcohol or intoxicating drugs in the body.
The BAC percentages are the per se limits, meaning that if a driver has a BAC above those limits, the law assumes they’re impaired, regardless of other factors. In other words, a driver may still be charged with DUI absent a BAC above the limit if sufficient evidence points to their intoxication.
Does Connecticut Law Consider Drunk Driving to Be Reckless Driving?
Drunk driving and reckless driving are separate criminal charges in Connecticut. However, it may be possible for a drunk driver also to receive a reckless driving charge for the same behavior. For instance, if an intoxicated motorist were driving at more than 85 miles per hour, they could get a reckless driving charge and a drunk driving charge.
What Actions Should I Take If I Believe the Driver Who Hit Me Was Driving Drunk?
If you believe the driver who hit you was drunk, you should take these steps after a car accident in Bristol or elsewhere in Connecticut:
- Contact law enforcement – Call 911 immediately. A police officer can document the accident and determine whether the other driver is too impaired to drive.
- Keep your distance from the drunk driver – They may be unpredictable. Do not try to pursue the driver if they flee the scene.
- Document the scene – Get photos and videos of your injuries if it’s safe. Also, write down the drunk driver’s license plate number and the make and model of their car.
- Make an appointment to see a doctor – This is a good idea from a healthcare perspective, but can also strengthen your prospective legal case.
- Contact an experienced drunk driving accident attorney at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC – Our Bristol personal injury lawyers can advise you on your rights, investigate the incident, and pursue any legal claims available to seek full and fair compensation for you.
Can I Seek Compensation from the Drunk Driver Who Hit Me?
Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver who caused you to sustain severe injuries. If the drunk driver caused the accident, they could owe you significant compensation for what you’ve suffered as a result, including your:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of life enjoyment.
Can I Sue the Bar That Served the Driver Who Hit Me?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue the bar that served the impaired driver who hit you and caused your physical, emotional, and financial harm. Connecticut’s dram shop laws hold vendors like bars responsible if they sell alcohol to an intoxicated person who then causes drunk driving injuries. So, under Connecticut personal injury law, you could file a claim against the drunk driver and the bar that sold them alcohol.
However, some restrictions apply to these claims, including:
- You must give notice to the seller within 120 days of the accident.
- The statute of limitations on dram shop claims is only one year, not two.
- Total damages are statutorily limited to $250,000 per accident.
Our Bristol car accidents attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and determine whether you should also pursue a claim against the bar that served alcohol to the drunk driver who hit you.
What If the Drunk Driver That Hit Me Has No Insurance?
If the drunk driver who hit you doesn’t have liability auto insurance, you can file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim through your auto insurance policy. UM insurance is mandatory in Connecticut. Every liability policy contains equal amounts of UM coverage. UM insurance will kick in and play the role of the at-fault driver’s missing insurance policy.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Bristol, CT?
Connecticut’s personal injury statute of limitations places a two-year time limit on all personal injury claims, including drunk driving accident lawsuits. Except in limited circumstances, any legal claim you file after the two-year limitation period expires would be subject to dismissal.
Two years can sound like a long time. However, building a strong claim in personal injury cases takes time. You should work with an attorney and start soon to reduce delays and other complications.
Contact a Bristol, CT Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we understand how difficult life can be after you suffer catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of a drunk driver. Our legal team realizes that drunk driving car accident victims face not only physical pain and serious injuries, but also significant medical expenses, long-term treatment needs, lost income, and emotional distress. We are ready to deal with the insurance companies and help you seek the financial compensation you deserve. Our many favorable testimonials speak to our record of exceptional client service. Contact our offices online or call today for a free consultation with an experienced drunk driving accident claim attorney in Bristol, Connecticut.
