Were you or a Loved One Recently Injured by a Drunk Driver?
This is a photograph of a single-car collision involving a drunk driver. In this DUI case, I represented the passenger in that vehicle who sustained severe and permanent injuries after being thrown from the vehicle and landing on the roadway.
Many DUI cases result in tragedies and other serious injuries. Unfortunately many people don’t know what to do after this experience. Let’s go over the steps everyone should consider taking following an accident with an intoxicated driver.
Steps to Take After Being in a Drunk Driving Accident
- Ensure your safety! Check yourself and others for injuries. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately if anyone is seriously injured. Call 911. Even if the damage or injuries seem minor, you should still call 911. If the police suspect the other driver is drunk, they will conduct a field sobriety test on the driver and learn where the individual got the alcohol.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries might not be immediately apparent, so it’s a good idea to get a medical checkup to rule out any hidden injuries.
- DO NOT CONFRONT THE DRUNK DRIVER. Avoid confronting the drunk driver as this could escalate the situation. Focus on your safety and cooperating with authorities.
- Witnesses. If there were witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information in case their statement is needed later.
- Get legal assistance! Contact Attorney Raymond W. Ganim – Personal Injury Law to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
Why You Need Legal Assistance Immediately Following A Collision With a Intoxicated Driver
It’s imperative to seek legal counsel for you or your loved one promptly after an injury because failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of the right to recover from the vendor, seller or provider of alcohol who served or sold alcohol to the inebriated driver under Connecticut law.
The law in Connecticut is that in addition to the intoxicated driver who was the cause of the accident and injuries, the person who served the alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated driver may also be liable for damages. Sometimes referred to as liquor liability, Connecticut’s Dram Shop Act, C.G.S. Sec. 30-102, mandates that timely notice be served upon the seller or server of alcohol as a prerequisite to the claim. Failure to provide such notice within the prescribed timeframe may result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation from the seller of the alcohol under the Act.
The Act stipulates that any individual who sells alcohol to an intoxicated person, and as a result of such intoxication, the intoxicated person causes injury to any person or property is liable to pay damages up to $250,000.00. Evidence of perceivable intoxication at the time the alcohol was sold is necessary. The seller of the alcohol should also be put on notice to preserve all cash register receipts and video footage as these key pieces of evidence are crucial to establish the perceptible intoxication of the driver at the time the alcohol was sold.
In addition to damages under the Act, the injured party may also pursue legal action against the intoxicated driver under C.G.S. Sec. 14-227a and seek double or treble damages under C.G.S. Sec. 14-295 among other well-established violations under Connecticut common law.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists Benefit
Persons injured by an intoxicated driver may also be entitled to underinsured/uninsured motorists benefits in addition to recovery under the Act against the seller of alcohol and the drunk driver.
Wrongful Death Claims
Connecticut’s wrongful death statute is yet another avenue of recovery for those affected by the actions of an intoxicated driver when said actions result in death.
After an accident, Just Say Hey Ray!
Ray Ganim has helped many clients recover costs of injuries in a DUI case. If you’ve been injured and need legal representation, contact Attorney Raymond Ganim – Personal Injury Law – (203) 377-7700
