DUI Accident Lawyer in Waterbury

A motorist who drinks and drives in Connecticut puts every person on the road in danger. Their actions are a breach of their duty as a licensed driver, and when they cause an accident, you can hold them liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Even so, when you are hurt and trying to recover from your injuries, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help and how to approach the legal process. You start by calling our DUI accident lawyers in Waterbury. We’ll handle your claim and fight for the compensation you need.

Our Waterbury car accident lawyers at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have helped our firm recover over $500 million for our injured clients in Connecticut. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your DUI accident case.

Determining Liability in a DUI Accident

When a driver causes a crash while under the influence, they’re often found at fault due to negligence. If they face a criminal conviction, this can help prove their liability in your civil case. But liability can involve more than just the drunk driver.

For example, if a bar overserved the driver, the establishment may also bear some responsibility. In some cases, factors like poor road conditions or defective vehicle parts

might also have contributed to the crash.

Our Waterbury personal injury lawyers look at all aspects of the crash to determine who may be held legally and financially responsible. If you’re dealing with injuries or losses from a DUI accident, understanding who is liable is the first step toward building a strong claim.

Calculating Compensation for a DUI Accident

After a DUI crash, how much money you can claim in your car accident case depends on your specific damages and the extent of your injuries. Our DUI accident attorneys in Waterbury will seek maximum compensation for economic damages, such as:

• Your medical expenses, including emergency care, doctors’ visits, medications, and procedures
• Future medical care needs like surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, and long-term medications
• The wages and benefits you missed because you were unable to attend work
• Property damages, such as repairs to your vehicle
• Medical costs, funeral expenses, and lost income in cases of wrongful death

In some cases, we may be able to recover compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Every case is different, so the value of your claim depends on accurate documentation that shows the extent of your damages.

Connecticut’s Dram Shop Act

Connecticut’s Dram Shop Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 30-102) allows you to hold a bar, restaurant, or liquor store financially responsible if they served alcohol to someone who was already intoxicated and that person later caused injury, death, or property damage.

To bring a claim, we must show that the business sold alcohol to the person while they were visibly drunk and that this sale directly led to your accident and injuries. A claim requires written notice to the establishment within 120 days of the incident or 180 days in a wrongful death case. Damages are capped at $250,000.

Resolving Your DUI Accident Claim

A DUI accident claim can get complicated, but you can rest easy knowing your case is in good hands with our experienced legal team. We’ll file your claim, communicate with insurance companies, manage paperwork, and meet important deadlines. You can focus on getting better.

In most DUI accident cases, we’ll be dealing with the driver’s insurance company. Many Connecticut car accidents are settled without going to court. We will negotiate on your behalf for a settlement that makes a difference in your life.

But sometimes, insurance companies prefer to do things the hard way. We’ll be ready. If the insurer isn’t willing to offer a reasonable settlement, our Waterbury DUI accident lawyers will file a civil lawsuit and take your case to court.

Statute of Limitations for DUI Accidents

In Connecticut, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If someone dies as a result of the crash, the two-year clock starts on the date of death, not the accident itself. Missing this deadline means potentially losing your right to pursue legal action.

Some exceptions can extend this time period, such as when the victim is a minor or if the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown. Speak with our DUI accident attorneys in Waterbury soon after your accident to be sure you aren’t missing important deadlines.

Get Help from our DUI Accident Attorneys in Waterbury

Connecticut takes a tough stance on DUI. If you’ve been in an accident caused by a drunk driver, they will face major fines, a suspended license, and there is a good chance they’ll spend time in jail. Unfortunately, none of that helps you pay your medical bills.

You can hold the drunk driver accountable beyond the penalties they’ll face from the criminal justice system. Our DUI accident lawyers in Waterbury will handle your claim and work to recover maximum compensation for the hardships you have incurred due to the accident.

Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers have the experience and the knowledge to handle your car accident claim. When you’re hurt, Get the Power of Perkins. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your claim.