Avon Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Help for Those Injured by Drunk Drivers in Avon

Drunk driving is a serious issue in Connecticut. In 2019, 38% of all traffic-related deaths in the state involved a driver who was legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. (NHTSA) When a person chooses to drive while under the influence of alcohol, they are negligently putting others in danger. If you were injured or if your loved one was killed in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to take legal action and seek compensation.

At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured individuals and families. Our Avon drunk driving accident attorneys have been serving the community for more than 60 years, and we have a proven record of success in even the most challenging cases. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and are prepared to help you navigate the legal system. Our team is committed to providing the one-on-one attention you deserve.

Contact us online or call (860) 245-2412 to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys today.

What Is the Legal Limit for Drunk Driving in Connecticut?

Like all other states, Connecticut has established a legal limit for drinking and driving. If a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, they are considered to be legally intoxicated. This means that they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI).

However, it is important to note that drivers can still be charged with DUI/DWI even if they have a BAC lower than .08%. This is because, in Connecticut, the legal limit is even lower for certain drivers. For example, commercial drivers have a .04% BAC limit and drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI/DWI if they have a BAC of .02% or higher. Additionally, drivers of any age can be charged with DUI/DWI if they are found to be under the influence of drugs or another type of controlled substance.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

After a crash, it is important to take the right steps to protect your health and your rights. If you were involved in a drunk driving accident, follow these steps:

• Call 911 — If you or anyone else involved in the crash is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, call the non-emergency police number and report the accident. If you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, let the dispatcher know.
• Seek Medical Attention — If you are injured, seek medical attention right away. If you do not believe you are hurt, see a doctor as soon as you can for a full evaluation. Some car accident injuries may not be immediately apparent, but a medical professional can help identify and treat these injuries.
• Document the Accident — If you can, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and your visible injuries. Write down everything you remember about the accident, including what the other driver said and what you saw.
• Get the Other Driver's Information — Make sure you get the other driver's name, contact information, and insurance information. If they are intoxicated, they may become uncooperative or even try to leave the scene.
• Never Admit Fault — Even if you believe you may have been partially at fault, never admit fault at the accident scene. This can have a negative impact on your ability to recover compensation.
• Do Not Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company — After the accident, the other driver's insurance company will likely reach out to you. They may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, but they are not on your side. Do not give a statement or accept a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney.
• Contact a Lawyer — An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

In addition to the drunk driver, there are several other parties who may be held liable for a drunk driving accident:

• The Driver's Employer — If the driver was “on the clock” at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable for the resulting damages.
• The Bar, Restaurant, or Store That Sold the Alcohol — If the driver was visibly intoxicated at the time they were served alcohol, the establishment that sold them the alcohol may be held liable.
• The Party Host — If the drunk driver was a minor, the adult who provided them with alcohol may be held liable.

Connecticut has a dram shop law, which allows for an accident victim to sue a business that sold alcohol to the at-fault driver if the following is true:

• The business sold alcohol to a minor, or
• The business sold alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, and
• The sale of alcohol was a proximate cause of the accident.

These cases can be complex, but our Avon drunk driving accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Types of Compensation Available in Drunk Driving Accident Claims

Drunk driving accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. In some cases, victims are left with permanent disabilities and are unable to return to work. At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that a drunk driving accident can have on a victim and their family. Our Avon drunk driving accident attorneys are prepared to help you seek the maximum compensation you are owed for your medical expenses, lost income and/or earning capacity, pain and suffering, and all other damages.

Our team represents victims of drunk driving accidents in Avon and throughout the state of Connecticut. We can help you seek compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Surgeries and other procedures
• Hospital stays
• Medications
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medical equipment and home modifications
• Lost income and/or earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• And more

How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to drunk driving accidents is two years from the date of the accident. If your loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation. However, there are certain exceptions that can extend or shorten the statute of limitations. Our Avon drunk driving accident attorneys can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your case.

How Our Firm Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve

At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we understand that no two cases are the same. Our Avon drunk driving accident lawyers take the time to listen to our clients and learn about their unique circumstances and needs. We are prepared to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gather all available evidence, and consult with top experts. Our team is not afraid to go up against insurance companies and their legal teams, and we are ready to fight for you in court, if necessary.

Request a Free, No-Obligation Consultation Today

After a drunk driving accident, it is important to choose an attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we have been representing victims of drunk driving accidents and other types of auto accidents for more than 65 years. Our Avon drunk driving accident lawyers have the skills, resources, and experience to handle even the most challenging cases.

Contact us online or call (860) 245-2412 to request a free, no-obligation consultation with our team.