Hartford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving drunk drivers can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. Impaired drivers cannot operate a vehicle safely and may end up endangering everyone around them when they get behind the wheel. Nationally, every 39 minutes, one person dies in a drunk driving crash, which translates to over 13,000 fatalities per year.

At The Flood Law Firm, our Hartford drunk driving accident lawyers believe that drivers who make the reckless decision to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs should compensate those they harmed.

Our law firm is dedicated to holding drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause. We have won numerous cases on behalf of our clients, including multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, and work tirelessly to ensure that every client we represent gets the justice they deserve.

Have you or someone you love been in a drunk driving crash? You might want to speak with our Hartford drunk driving accident lawyers to find out how we can seek the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Call our office or fill out our contact form to schedule your free case evaluation with our team.

Why Choose Our Hartford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers?

When navigating the aftermath of a drunk driving crash, you need strong legal counsel in your corner. Since 2012, The Flood Law Firm has been proudly serving clients in Hartford and other parts of Connecticut and has been a trusted choice in our communities because we have what it takes to get the results our clients are looking for. Here are some of the reasons to choose The Flood Law Firm: 

Decades of Combined Legal Experience

At The Flood Law Firm, we bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge to your case, fortified by decades of combined legal practice. Our team’s extensive experience means we are well-versed in every nuance of drunk driving laws, capable of anticipating legal challenges, and adept at crafting winning strategies tailored to the specifics of your case.

Dedication to Justice and Accountability

Our mission transcends beyond the courtroom – it is about standing by your side and fighting for what is right. We are unwavering in our commitment to bringing those responsible for your suffering to justice.

Personalized Legal Service

We understand that no two cases are identical, just as no two clients’ needs are identical. That’s why we believe in delivering personalized legal services, ensuring each client receives an individualized approach that reflects their unique circumstances and objectives.

Recognition

The Flood Law Firm is not only respected by our clients but also recognized by our peers. Our pursuit of excellence in the legal field has earned us accolades and acknowledgment within the legal community. Our law firm also takes referrals from other lawyers in complex cases, which shows we are a trusted name among our peers.

When you choose The Flood Law Firm, you are not just selecting a lawyer. You are partnering with advocates who prioritize your healing and the pursuit of accountability above all else.

What Is Considered Drunk Driving in Hartford, Connecticut?

Connecticut law considers it drunk driving when: 

• A person aged 21 or older operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher
• A person under the age of 21 operates a motor vehicle with a BAC of .02 percent or higher. 

All drivers on the road owe a duty to other road users to drive responsibly, which includes not driving after drinking. Alcohol impairs a driver’s motor skills, judgment, reasoning, reaction, and brain functioning. As a result, an impaired motorist endangers themselves and others on the road and is more likely to be involved in a crash.

It can be frustrating to realize that there are people who are willing to risk their own lives and the lives of other people by getting behind the wheel while drunk. Unfortunately, drunk driving crashes are not uncommon in the United States, where deaths in crashes involving impaired motorists represent 31 percent of the country’s total motor vehicle fatalities.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Car Accident?

While the responsibility might seem straightforward at first glance, assigning legal liability can be a complex process. Under personal injury law, several parties can potentially be held accountable following an accident involving a drunk driver. 

Let’s examine who these parties are and under what circumstances they may be found liable: 

• The drunk driver. The most direct and obvious party that can be held responsible is the intoxicated driver themselves. It is well-established in Connecticut’s traffic laws that driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal. A drunk driver who causes an accident due to impaired judgment or motor functions is typically liable for any damages sustained by other parties involved in the crash.
• The drunk driver’s employer. If a drunk driving accident occurs while the impaired individual is performing work-related duties, their employer may also be held liable under the “respondeat superior” doctrine. If an employee drinks alcohol before or during work hours and then causes an accident, the employer can potentially be sued for negligence in allowing the employee to drive.
• Establishments serving alcohol. Sometimes, liability extends to commercial venues, such as bars, restaurants, or nightclubs, through the “dram shop” law. In Connecticut, dram shop law – contained in CT Gen Stat § 30-102 – allows for liquor sellers to be sued if they serve or sell alcohol to a person who is clearly intoxicated, and that person then causes an accident. The rationale behind dram shop laws is that the alcohol vendor should bear responsibility for exercising judgment in alcohol service.
• Social host. Similar to dram shop laws are social host liability laws. Under these regulations, hosts of private events can be accountable if they serve alcohol to a guest who is either visibly intoxicated or a minor and that guest subsequently is involved in a drunk driving accident. While Connecticut does not have a separate social host liability statute, social hosts can be responsible if they furnish alcohol to an underage person who gets drunk and injures another person. 

Determining liability for a drunk driving accident often hinges upon the careful consideration of many factors as well as each potentially liable party’s role in contributing to the incident. That is why you might need the assistance of our Hartford drunk driving accident lawyer at The Flood Law Firm to review your specific case.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Drunk Driving Case? 

Drunk driving accidents can cause immeasurable emotional and physical harm, along with financial strains on the victims and their families.

Here is a breakdown of the recoverable damages if you are in an accident caused by a drunk driver:

• Medical expenses. One of the primary concerns after a drunk driving accident is dealing with medical costs. When pursuing a claim, you recover compensation for immediate medical treatment and hospitalization costs, prescription medication costs, rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses, and long-term care costs. These expenses can quickly add up, and victims are entitled to seek compensation that covers past, present, and future medical bills related to the accident.
• Property damages. If your vehicle or any other personal property sustained damage due to the drunk driving incident, you may be entitled to recover costs for repair or replacement of your vehicle, the cost of personal belongings damaged in the accident, and other property damage directly caused by the collision. 
• Lost income. Victims often lose time from work due to injuries sustained, which can result in a loss of income. Given this, recoverable damages can include income lost due to time spent away from work, lost opportunities such as bonuses or promotions, and compensation for using sick leaves or vacation days for recovery, among other losses. 
• Diminished earning capacity. For more severe injuries that result in long-term effects, you may experience a diminished capacity to earn at the level you did before the drunk driving crash. In this case, you can recover damages for future lost income, loss of ability to earn the same amount as before the accident, and career retraining if you cannot return to your previous job. 
• Pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is based on the physical pain and discomfort caused by the injuries from the accident. This is often subject to interpretation and can vary from case to case.
• Emotional distress. The psychological impact after a drunk driving accident can sometimes be as debilitating as the physical injuries. Compensation for emotional distress might cover mental health counseling, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression treatments, among others. 
• Punitive damages. In some instances, the court may find that the driver’s behavior was so reprehensible that it necessitates punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. 

While compensatory damages are available in all jurisdictions, some jurisdictions prohibit or limit punitive damages awards. In Connecticut, courts can award punitive damages in personal injury cases when the injured person or their lawyer can demonstrate evidence that the defendant violated the rights of others or showed a reckless indifference to their rights.

How Do You Calculate the Value of Your Case?

Calculating the value of a drunk driving accident case requires legal assistance.

Factors that will affect the calculation include:

• The severity of the injury. More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation for extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Impact on earnings. This includes lost income and the loss of future earning capacity if unable to return to the same line of work.
• Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. While hard to quantify, non-economic damages can significantly impact the value of your claim against the drunk driver. 

Consider contacting a Hartford drunk driving accident lawyer to explore all potential avenues of compensation. Our lawyers at The Flood Law Firm can collect evidence, engage with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary to ensure you get the full compensation you are entitled to.

Why Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

Seeking legal counsel can make all the difference whether you suffered an injury or lost a loved one in an accident caused by an impaired motorist. Here at The Flood Law Firm, our lawyers work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive professional assistance with all aspects of their legal claims.

This includes: 

• Navigating complex personal injury laws. Our lawyers are well-versed in the specific laws and regulations that apply to the insurance claims process and the court proceedings stemming from road accidents involving drunk drivers. We have the specialized knowledge required to navigate intricate legal frameworks, ensuring that legal filings are accurate and timely.
• Assessing liability and extensive damages. As strange as it may sound, determining who is liable in a drunk driving accident can be a complicated process involving multiple parties – from the impaired motorist to their employer and the establishment that served the alcohol. Our lawyers have the experience to assess the facts, identify responsible parties, and analyze the full extent of the damages you have suffered.
• Advocating for fair compensation. Injuries incurred in drunk driving accidents may be severe, resulting in hefty medical bills, significant time away from work, and lasting pain. Our team will be a staunch advocate for fair compensation, ensuring that you receive adequate compensation that fully covers the extent of your physical, emotional, and financial hardships.
• Dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies can be formidable adversaries in the claims process due to their attempts to minimize payouts and deny claims. Here at The Flood Law Firm, we know how to negotiate with these companies to make sure you get proper coverage. With our experience, you can counter lowball offers and strive to secure a settlement that reflects the true cost of your damages.
• Court representation. Should negotiations fail, having a lawyer who can confidently represent your interests in court becomes invaluable. Considering all relevant evidence, our team can present a compelling case on your behalf to ensure you obtain the most favorable outcome possible. A lawyer will walk you through all the steps of the lawsuit so you can focus on your treatment and health.  

Our lawyers at The Flood Law Firm are equipped to handle the multifaceted aspects of drunk driving accident cases. We can navigate the legal process and explain the options available after being hit by a drunk driver in Hartford or other parts of Connecticut.

The Flood Law Firm: Speak With Hartford Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today

At The Flood Law Firm, we fully understand the pain and frustration that follows after being in a drunk driving crash. That is why we treat every case we take with the attention it deserves and strive to be the voice our clients need.

If you or someone you love was in a drunk driving crash here in Hartford, contact our law firm for a free, no-obligation consultation at (877) 987-9LAW. Discuss your case with our Hartford drunk driving accident lawyer by calling us or filling out our contact form.