Hartford Attorney Represents Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
National education, which has raised the public’s awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving, has helped decrease drunk driving fatalities by 52% since 1982. Campaigns have also targeted lawmakers and have influenced state legislatures to legislate stricter laws, punishments, and increased limitations for drunk drivers. Unfortunately, despite this undeniable progress, drunk drivers are still one of the major causes of automobile accidents in the US.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured by a drunk driver, you need an experienced lawyer to represent you. Here in Hartford, the drunk driving accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Andrew J. Cates, LLC, has the experience and resources to ensure that you are fully compensated for injuries due to accidents caused by drunk drivers. Please call us today toll free at (800) 330-4988 or (860) 522-7044, or contact us online.
Why Alcohol is Dangerous for Drivers
Alcohol impairs your vision and motor skills, two capabilities which are imperative to safely driving a car. Nationwide hundreds of people per day are injured and killed due to drivers who drink and get behind the wheel. In Connecticut there were 97 alcohol related fatalities in 2014, down from 126 in 2013.
Strict Laws and Liability for Drunk Drivers
In most states there is little tolerance for drunk drivers, and Connecticut is no exception. Drivers who cause accidents while intoxicated can be punished with hefty fines and jail time, even on their first offense. A drunk driver may also be held liable for all injuries that result from his or her negligence, including:
- Medical bills
- Wages lost as a result of the accident and injuries
- Damage to the victim’s property
- Disability, if the victim becomes disabled as a result of the accident
- Pain and suffering stemming from the accident
Third Party Liability
In certain cases, a third party can be held liable when he or she has provided alcohol to a someone who then becomes involved in an accident while intoxicated. For example, plaintiffs in Connecticut can sue to hold an establishment, such as bar or club, liable if a drunk driver causes an accident and it can be proven that the establishment had continued to serve him alcohol despite the fact that he was obviously intoxicated. This law extends to serving alcohol in a private setting as well. For example, if the host of a party continues to serve a drunk guest liquor and allows him to get behind the wheel, the host could potentially be held liable for injuries resulting from that guest driving while drunk.
Legal Help for Victims
In general, any person who causes an auto accident while under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substance is considered negligent. However, being considered negligent really does not offer comfort in cases where the victim has lost his life or suffered serious injuries as a result of being hit by a driver under the influence. In order to help victims of such drivers seek justice, the laws of the State of Connecticut allow victims to sue drunk drivers and their insurance companies, and recoup monetary damages equal to their physical and financial losses, as well as for pain and suffering.
If you, or your loved one, has been seriously injured by an intoxicated driver, we advise you to consult with our experienced Hartford drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible. It is important that you speak with an attorney before you speak with an insurance or claims adjuster.
Do not hesitate to give us a call now.