Connecticut DUI Laws
A person is considered legally intoxicated if they have a Blood Alcohol Level of .08 or higher. If the person is under 21, the limit is .02. However, law enforcement may arrest someone with a lower BAC level if their driving or reaction skills have been impaired. A DUI accident with bodily injuries is a second-degree assault, according to Conn. Gen. Stat § 53a-60d. First offenders could receive up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a one-year license suspension.
Damages to Recover After a DUI Accident
DUI accidents cause serious injuries that can affect your daily life. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-572h describes the type of damages DUI accident victims can recover, such as:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the cost of medical care, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, property damage, and lost wages. You can also recover compensation for your diminished earning potential due to your injuries. They also cover expenses for household services you can’t perform because of your injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are compensation based on the emotional toll the accident had on you, your family, and your lifestyle. It includes pain and suffering, as well as mental and emotional suffering. They also include enjoyment of life damages, compensating you for the activities you can no longer enjoy because of your injuries.
Factors Determining Case Value
The value of your case is determined by several factors, including:
Injury Severity
The most integral factor in determining your potential case value is the severity of your injuries. Severe injuries require intense care over a substantial period, which includes hospital stays, medical equipment, medications, transportation, and other expenses.
Total Damages
Along with the severity of your injuries, the total amount of your damages is another essential factor in determining your settlement. It’s important to keep track of all expenses related to the accident. You can use receipts, bills, and banking statements to prove the expenses related to the accident, which are the basis of your settlement amount. Keep track of missed work days for hospital stays, surgeries, and doctor’s appointments. Also, keep receipts and records of household services you need to outsource while you recover.
Insurance Coverage
Connecticut is an “at-fault” insurance state. The at-fault driver’s car insurance covers your medical expenses and vehicle damage. If the driver only carried minimum car insurance, your damages may exceed their coverage. When this happens, you’ll need to pursue other means to be fully compensated for your injuries. Your auto accident attorney in Waterbury, CT, can help you recover eligible damages even if the at-fault driver was underinsured.
Determine Your Case Value with Moore, O’Brien & Foti
There isn’t one answer to what your case is worth after being injured in a DUI accident. That’s why working with experienced auto accident attorneys in Waterbury, like our team at Moore, O’Brien & Foti, is important. We’ll investigate your case and determine all your eligible damages. View our recent cases and verdicts to see what we’ve been able to recover for our clients. Call us today at 203-586-0022 for a free consultation to discuss your case.