Drunk driving accidents have the potential to be more devastating than other motor vehicle crashes because the intoxicated driver is often unable to react quickly enough to lessen the impact. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s choice to drive under the influence, you deserve full compensation for your injuries and damages.
At Cellino Law, our Bridgeport, CT, drunk driving accident lawyers are here to help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the best possible outcome.
Can You Sue for a Drunk Driving Accident?
You can sue a drunk driver for causing an accident, but this is typically done through a personal injury claim. Drunk driving is against the law, so the at-fault driver will likely face criminal charges. To recover compensation for your damages, you should pursue a personal injury claim in the civil courts.
In a personal injury claim, you and your legal team will seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider. The goal is to secure a suitable settlement by providing evidence of the other driver’s fault and documentation of your financial and non-economic losses.
If the insurance company refuses to offer an acceptable settlement, you may have to file a lawsuit and take the matter to civil court. If the at-fault driver receives a conviction for drunk driving in the criminal courts, this can greatly strengthen your case. The sentence would conclusively prove that the other driver was under the influence.
What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
As with any car accident, your top priorities after a drunk driving accident are to remain at the scene and call 911. If possible, move to a safe location on the side of the road and wait for responders to arrive. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not notice any injuries right away.
When it is safe to do so, document the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, any injuries you sustained and the overall area. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw your accident take place.
You should also speak to the police officers who arrive to investigate the scene. Note their names and badge numbers so you or your lawyer can easily request a copy of the police report later. This report will serve as valuable evidence for your case, especially if the police determined that the other driver was under the influence at the time of the accident.
You must then notify your insurance company of the accident, but it is also a good idea to contact your lawyer as early as possible after your accident. A Bridgeport, CT, drunk driving accident lawyer can provide guidance throughout the claims process and advise you on what to say when you report the accident to your insurance provider.
How Can You Prove Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
It is a common misconception that determining fault in a drunk driving accident is a straightforward matter. While it is relatively simple for investigators to determine if the other driver was under the influence, you and your legal team must also provide evidence to establish that their actions directly caused or contributed to your crash.
The evidence that can help prove the other party’s liability includes:
- Photographs of the scene and resulting damage
- Dashcam footage
- Security or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports and BAC test results
It is unfortunately the case that some drunk driving accidents become hit-and-runs, in which the other driver flees the scene before police can arrive. Drunk drivers tend to know they are in the wrong and will likely face severe consequences. It can be difficult to pursue compensation if the other driver flees before you can memorize any identifying information about them, but having a lawyer on your side can help ensure that a thorough investigation takes place.
Keep in mind that other parties, in addition to the drunk driver, might also be at fault. You do not want to focus solely on the drunk driver because you might miss out on compensation you can pursue from these liable parties as well.
Other Parties That May Be Liable for Your Damages
If there was a drunk driver involved in your car accident, that individual might not be the only person you can pursue for damages. For example, it is possible that multiple drivers performed negligent actions that contributed to the occurrence of the accident.
Connecticut also has dram shop laws, which state that businesses that serve alcohol to patrons, such as bars or restaurants, should not serve to someone who is already intoxicated or who plans to drive afterward. If a business violates these dram shop laws and you suffer damages from a drunk driver as a result, you can also seek compensation from that business.
Do You Need To Hire an Attorney if a Drunk Driver Hits You?
Drunk driving accidents are rarely open-and-shut cases. If the police report confirms that the other driver was under the influence, their insurance company may be quick to offer you a settlement. However, this isn’t necessarily a sign of good faith – it’s often a tactic to get you to accept a lowball offer before you realize the full extent of your damages. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures you’re not taken advantage of and helps you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
A Bridgeport, CT, drunk driving accident lawyer at Cellino Law can help your case by:
- Investigating the circumstances around your drunk driving accident
- Collecting evidence to establish the other party’s contributions to your damages
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Taking your case to court if necessary
At Cellino Law, we work on a contingency basis. You only pay us after we secure a settlement for your claim. We strive to make the process as streamlined and risk-free for you as possible.
What Compensation Can You Get After a Drunk Driving Accident?
When you file a personal injury claim against the at-fault drunk driver’s insurance company, the settlement you receive should completely cover all of your economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Other associated out-of-pocket expenses
You can also recover certain non-economic damages in your personal injury claim. These include the emotional pain and suffering or mental distress you experience as a result of the accident.
If the other driver does not have adequate insurance coverage, or if the drunk driver fled the scene before police officers could identify them, then you can likely secure compensation through your own insurance coverage. Your car accident attorney can help you review your insurance policy and explore your options for recovering the financial support necessary to move forward after the accident.
Contact a Bridgeport, CT Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
At Cellino Law, we understand the frustration you feel when your life comes to a halt because a careless individual decided to drink and drive. Our drunk driving accident lawyers aim to relieve that frustration by handling the legal burdens while you focus on rest and recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.