The United States is one of the few countries in the world where drinking and driving is legal. Yes, it is legal, so long as your blood alcohol level is less than .08% in most states. In many countries, there is a zero-tolerance law, and most European countries have policies of .02-.05%.
The unfortunate reality is that many choose to get behind the wheel after drinking when their judgment and their ability to gauge their relative sobriety are already impaired. This is commonly known as driving under the influence (DUI).
If you've been injured by an impaired driver, reach out to a Connecticut drunk driving accident lawyer for the legal assistance you need.
Our legal team will handle every aspect of your personal injury case with the care and attention it deserves and work hard to help you seek compensation for your losses.
Call today for a free consultation (877)-987-9LAW
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Car crashes are already unpleasant experiences. Getting hit by a drunk driver is even more infuriating, as it is not an “accident.” It is the result of intentional, reckless behavior that changes the lives of families every day in the United States.
As the victim of a drunk driver's negligence, hiring an attorney can help ensure that those who caused your pain and suffering are held responsible.
For over a decade, The Flood Law Firm has been fighting to secure compensation for accident victims, and we've recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts as proof of our efforts.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to another driver who has been suspected of operating their vehicle under the influence, contact our attorneys at once for a free consultation with no obligation.
More Information About Driving Under the Influence
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 32% of fatal crashes involve an intoxicated driver or pedestrian. In addition to alcohol-related crashes, abusing both illicit and prescription drugs when operating a vehicle can be just as catastrophic.
The United States alone is responsible for 75% of the world's prescription drug consumption.
Many illegal drugs and prescribed medications are notorious for causing drowsiness, reducing reaction time, and impairing judgment – the perfect recipe to cause a collision.
Driving under the influence of any substance alters your ability to operate a vehicle or respond proactively to an emergency situation.
Needless to say, intoxicated driving is also illegal. A DUI conviction could result in jail time, loss of employment, and severe financial hardships.
Drunk Driving Statistics
In the past 20 years, law enforcement, drinking age limit laws, and sobriety checkpoints have greatly reduced DUI deaths and injuries.
Despite this, for every hour that passes, one person will lose their life in a drunk driving accident.
According to the Centers for Disease Control:
- Over 1.1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2014.
- Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher involved in fatal crashes were seven times more likely to have a prior conviction for DWI than were drivers with no alcohol in their system.
- Younger people are at a higher risk for being in a crash even if their BAC is under the legal limit.
- Drunk driving accidents account for one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S.
- Driving under the influence of prescription and illegal drugs accounted for 16% of auto accidents in 2014.
How Alcohol Impairs Driving
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) throughout the U.S. is .08, but how many drinks this actually translates into depends on a person's height, weight, gender, and whether or not they're drinking on a full stomach.
After one or two drinks, you'll feel physically warmer and in an uplifted mood. But even two drinks (or a BAC of about .02%) reduce the ability to multitask and visually focus on an object.
The higher the BAC, the less able we are to control our bodily functions, and the higher the risk for collision.
After a few more drinks, those who imbibe can expect to lose muscle coordination and feel more uninhibited. At .08%, short-term memory loss, concentration, judgment, self-control, and the ability to detect danger are significantly impacted.
Risk Factors for Drunk Driving Accidents
While the percentage of teenage drunk driving accidents has steadily decreased over the years, car crashes are still a leading cause of death among underage groups. In most states, it is a crime for anyone under the age of 21 to have a BAC of .02%, and many have severe zero-tolerance laws for underage drinkers.
A teen with an OUI/DUI conviction will likely lose their license and have to enroll in a rehabilitation program such as Alcoholics Anonymous. They could possibly face jail time and community service.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was created to help put an end to underage drinking. Their years of research lend much insight into the dangers of drinking; some of these facts include:
- Underage drinking causes approximately 2,000 car accident fatalities per year.
- Teens are less capable of knowing when they've had too much to drink.
Having honest and open communication with your teen about the risks and consequences of alcohol and drug abuse is one way to reduce their likelihood of being involved in a drunk driving incident.
Age is Still a Risk Factor For Drunk Driving Crashes
Statistically, the highest percentage of drunk drivers consists of young men in the 21-24 and 25-34-year-old age categories. While these groups may be above the legal age to consume alcohol, they are much more likely to do so negligently, cause serious injuries, and potentially face criminal charges.
Connecticut Drunk Driving Laws
Whether you call Connecticut your home or you're just passing through, any person operating a vehicle is subject to the Implied Consent Law.
This means, if you are suspected of driving under the influence, you will be taken to the police station and be tested to determine your BAC.
Failing or refusing an alcohol test will result in arrest and a 45-day license suspension.
In addition, the law requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for all alcohol-related driving offenses.
What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver
When you've been in an auto accident, and you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, call the police right away. Their report will be vital to your injury claim. DUIs carry criminal and civil charges. If an intoxicated person who has been criminally charged with a DUI causes you injury in a car accident, you may have a stronger civil case against them.
There are several types of damages you can recover in a collision with a drunk driver.
In addition, dram shop and negligent entrustment laws allow you to hold all parties responsible, including the establishment that served the driver previous to the accident.
The injuries sustained in these types of accidents can require years of medical and therapeutic treatment. Victims should be wary of insurance adjusters that offer settlements that don't take into account their future expenses.
A qualified Connecticut DUI injury attorney can effectively present your case and may secure the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Compensation in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injury or even death. As a victim or a victim's family member, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages you've endured.
This could include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. In the tragic case of a fatal accident caused by a drunk driver, the victim's family may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Time Limits Apply – Contact a Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
The Flood Law Firm has represented thousands of Connecticut families whose lives have been impacted by reckless drunk driving.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one to reckless drinking and driving, we’d like to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us 7 days a week at 860-346-2695 to speak with our lawyers at no cost, and with no obligation.
Learn about your legal rights from one of the most experienced law firms in the state. Time limits do apply.
