You probably take every step you can to ensure your family’s safety on the road. You don’t allow distractions, like cellphone calls or texting, to interfere with your focus. You maintain your vehicle and use your safety belts.
Unfortunately, all it takes is one person getting behind the wheel while intoxicated to lay waste to all your safety efforts. Drunk or drugged drivers are responsible for a significant portion of motor vehicle crashes. Connecticut has strict laws about driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in place to try to reduce the risk for responsible drivers.
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, the drunk driver will likely face serious criminal penalties. It is also possible for you to hold the drunk driver financially accountable in civil court for damages caused by the accident. Those damages could include medical expenses, lost wages due to your injuries or even damages to your vehicle. In serious car accidents, even the maximum benefit from an insurance policy may not cover all of your losses. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect yourself after a drunk driving crash.
How to fight for the best outcome to a drunk driving crash
Just because you weren’t at fault for the accident doesn’t mean you won’t experience issues because of it. If the other driver carried the minimum insurance policy required by Connecticut, your medical bills could easily be much higher than the insurance coverage. The minimum required insurance in Connecticut is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage liability. Most cars cost much more than $10,000, and a single surgery and a week in the hospital could quickly use up all of the medical coverage for a minimum policy.
Working with an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney is often your best option. Your attorney can negotiate with your insurance provider and the insurer of the other driver. In situations where your insurance company wants a recorded statement or analysis by an adjuster, your lawyer can help ensure you don’t accidentally say something that could reduce or limit your coverage. In cases with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your attorney can help you explore options like a civil lawsuit. In drunk driving cases, there may be more than one party legally responsible.
Obviously, the person driving drunk is ultimately responsible for the accident. Others could play a part, too, such as someone hosting a party or a bartender who over-served the drunk driver. Every case is unique. Your best hope for the best possible outcome is tied to working with an attorney who can explore your options and push for positive results.