Were you hit by a driver who was operating a vehicle under the influence? Also known as DUI, driving under the influence is a dangerous decision that puts lives at risk, especially when this behavior results in a serious collision.
The aftermath of a crash like this can be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming, but with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Farmington by your side, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected every step of the way. Claggett, Sykes & Garza is here for you.
We have recovered over $1.5 billion in verdicts and settlements. Our results speak for themselves: we know what it takes to handle cases with your interests in mind. We’re ready to advocate on your behalf and pursue compensation as your Farmington car accident lawyer. To reach us easily, find our law firm in Farmington on Google Maps and follow the route.
Risk Factors Behind Drunk Driving Accidents
Several factors contribute to drunk driving accidents in the area. If you’ve been injured in one of these crashes, working with a Farmington personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
For now, take a look at these common causes of drunk driving incidents:
- Alcohol consumption: Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce coordination and reaction times. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired for drivers 21 and over in Connecticut. Drivers under 21 are subject to stricter limits, with any detectable alcohol potentially leading to legal consequences.
- High-risk behaviors: Drunk drivers may speed, maneuver aggressively, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes, all of which increase accident likelihood.
- Nighttime driving: Alcohol-related crashes frequently occur after dark when impaired drivers are more likely to operate vehicles. Reduced visibility combined with intoxication further elevates risk.
- Distracted driving: Combining alcohol with distractions—such as texting, calling, eating, or adjusting vehicle controls—can raise the risk of an accident occurring.
- Prior DUI incidents: Repeat offenders have an increased probability of causing accidents due to habitual impaired driving.
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Types of Accidents That Often Result From Drunk Driving
Understanding common causes behind this type of accident can help you see why having a Farmington drunk driving accident lawyer on your side is so important. Several factors contribute to DUI crashes, including:
- Head-on collisions: Impaired drivers may cross lanes or fail to make safe turns, resulting in severe frontal collisions.
- Rear-end collisions: Slowed reaction times can prevent a driver from stopping in time, causing rear-end crashes.
- Side-impact collisions: Also called T-bone accidents, these often occur at intersections when a drunk driver ignores traffic signals or fails to yield.
- Single-vehicle accidents: Drivers may lose control, hit guardrails, run into trees, or slam into parked vehicles, all of which are possible scenarios that will likely cause serious injury or property damage.
- Multi-vehicle pileups: High-speed impaired driving can lead to chain-reaction accidents, endangering multiple drivers and passengers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, our Farmington drunk driving accident lawyers can review the circumstances of your case and help protect your right to compensation.
Injuries Resulting from Drunk Driving Accidents
The severity of injuries in drunk driving accidents is often heightened due to the unpredictable and reckless behavior of impaired drivers. These are injuries commonly sustained by victims of these incidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head impacts during collisions can lead to concussions, permanent brain damage, or cognitive impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, both of which often require long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are common in high-impact crashes.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs—such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys—may be life-threatening if they aren’t promptly treated.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and torn ligaments often cause chronic pain or reduced mobility.
- Facial injuries and lacerations: Airbags, broken glass, and collisions can lead to cuts, bruises, or disfigurement.
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Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents
Liability in drunk driving accidents is generally straightforward, as intoxication is considered negligent behavior. In response, Connecticut state laws impose strict liability on drivers who decide to operate a vehicle while impaired.
However, liability can extend beyond the intoxicated driver under certain circumstances:
- Commercial establishments: Under CT Gen Stat § 30-102, known as the Dram Shop Act, bars or restaurants might be held partially responsible if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual who subsequently causes a crash.
- Social hosts: Individuals hosting parties can end up bearing liability if they knowingly allow an intoxicated guest to drive, after which a collision occurs.
- Vehicle owners: In some cases, the owner of a vehicle may be liable if they knowingly permitted an intoxicated person to drive their car.
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence standard, which means that damages can be reduced if the victim is partially at fault for the accident. Determining the extent of fault is a major aspect of assessing liability and determining compensation.
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Call ASAP to Learn How Our Farmington Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Assist You
If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk driving collision, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Experiencing a DUI-related accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed in countless ways, but Claggett, Sykes & Garza is here for you.
As a trial law firm that fights back, you can count on us to prepare your case for trial. We know how distressing it can be to receive costly medical bills and wonder how you’ll ever pay for your newfound debt, but we’ll work toward obtaining the compensation you need.
Our Farmington drunk driving accident attorneys have the experience it takes to handle your case and advocate for your rights. We focus on Big Hearts, Big Data, Big Justice. After all, our clients love us, our colleagues respect us, and insurance companies fear us. Call now.
