Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Fighting for Victims and Their Families

Drunk driving remains one of the most devastating and preventable causes of serious injury and death on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 10,000 people die every year in alcohol-related crashes nationwide—meaning someone loses their life to a drunk driver every 51 minutes. Here in Connecticut, the impact is equally alarming. In a single recent year, 238 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, and more than 35% of at-fault drivers had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the economic cost of crash-related injuries and deaths exceeds $60 billion each year, reflecting medical expenses, lost income, emergency services, property damage, and long-term care. These are not just statistics—they are families disrupted, lives changed forever, and futures stolen by the reckless decision to drive under the influence.

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating a DUI crash can be. With more than 140 years of combined legal experience, our Connecticut drunk driving accident attorneys have represented countless victims and families whose lives were upended by impaired drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

To learn how we can help, fill out our Free Case Evaluation form—there is no cost and no obligation.

Drunk Driving Accidents Cause Severe and Life-Changing Injuries

Alcohol impacts reaction time, judgment, balance, and vision—making impaired drivers some of the most dangerous motorists on the road. As a result, DUI crashes often involve high speeds, head-on collisions, rollovers, or reckless maneuvers that cause catastrophic injuries.

In one recent year alone, more than 345,000 people were injured in alcohol-related crashes nationwide. Young males—from ages 18 to 20—were among the most likely to drive under the influence, followed closely by men over age 55. Regardless of age, drunk driving consistently leads to devastating, long-term injuries.

Some of the most common injuries from DUI crashes include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can lead to lifelong cognitive impairment, memory problems, migraines, and behavioral changes.

Broken Bones

The force of impact in a DUI crash often results in fractured arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis—injuries that may require surgery, casting, and months of rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spine can cause partial or full paralysis, chronic pain, nerve damage, or lifelong mobility challenges.

Lacerations and Soft Tissue Trauma

Broken glass, metal debris, and violent movement inside the vehicle can cause deep cuts, nerve damage, and permanent scarring.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Sudden forceful movement of the neck can lead to long-term pain, stiffness, limited motion, or disc damage.

Paralysis

Some victims suffer quadriplegia or paraplegia due to spinal cord trauma. These life-altering injuries require long-term care and create overwhelming financial burdens.

Victims who are permanently disabled often cannot return to work, lead independent lives, or support their families. The emotional and financial strain can be immense—but you do not have to face it alone.

Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Connecticut

When a drunk driver causes an accident, the law allows victims to file a personal injury claim to hold the impaired driver accountable. These claims can cover a wide range of damages depending on the severity of the crash and its long-term impact.

Below are the primary types of damages available to DUI accident victims:

Compensatory Damages

These damages aim to reimburse victims for financial and personal losses such as:

• Medical bills

• Hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation

• Ongoing treatment, medication, and therapy

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Property damage

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Connecticut also allows spouses to pursue loss of consortium, which compensates for harm to the marital relationship caused by the victim’s injuries.

Punitive Damages

Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are designed to punish the drunk driver and deter similar reckless conduct in the future. These types of damages may be awarded when the at-fault driver:

• Had a significantly elevated BAC

• Drove in a highly reckless manner

• Caused catastrophic injury or death

Punitive damages send a clear message: drunk driving will not be tolerated.

Third-Party Damages (Connecticut Dram Shop Act)

In some DUI cases, the driver is not the only party who may be held responsible. Connecticut’s Dram Shop Act allows victims to pursue compensation from a bar, restaurant, or establishment that served alcohol to an intoxicated individual who later caused a crash.

To file a Dram Shop claim, you must act quickly. Connecticut law imposes strict deadlines and notice requirements. An experienced attorney is essential to ensure these claims are filed properly.

Holding all responsible parties accountable helps victims obtain the full financial support they need—and helps prevent future tragedies.

How Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers Can Help

Our firm strongly believes that negligent and reckless drivers must be held accountable for the harm they cause. Drunk driving is not an accident—it is a choice. And when someone’s choice results in injury or death, our legal team fights aggressively to secure justice for victims and their families.

When you hire our firm, we handle every aspect of your case, including:

• Investigating the crash

• Gathering police reports, witness statements, and video evidence

• Obtaining medical records to show the extent of your injuries

• Working with accident reconstruction specialists

• Filing claims with insurance companies

• Negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation

• Preparing your case for trial if necessary

We also encourage clients to direct all inquiries from insurance companies to us. Insurance adjusters often act quickly after a crash to gather information that can be used against you. Their goal is to minimize payouts—not protect your rights. Our attorneys ensure that you are never taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.

What Does It Cost to Hire a DUI Accident Lawyer?

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we believe every victim deserves access to high-quality legal representation—regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

**You pay nothing upfront.

You pay nothing out of pocket.
You only pay if we win your case.**

If you don’t receive a settlement or verdict, you owe us nothing.

We also offer a 100% free initial case evaluation. Just tell us what happened, and we’ll determine whether you have a valid claim. If you do, we’ll explain your rights and guide you through the next steps.

Contact Our Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today

A DUI crash can create long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Connecticut, you may be entitled to file a drunk driving lawsuit and recover significant compensation.

With offices in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers proudly serves clients throughout Connecticut. We have recovered millions of dollars for DUI crash victims and are ready to fight for you.

Call us toll-free at 800-PERKINS or send us a message online today.

A member of our intake team will gather a few details and immediately connect you with one of our attorneys.

Get the Power of Perkins—and get the justice you deserve.