Avon Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

After a crash, it is important to take the right steps to protect your health and your rights. If you were involved in a drunk driving accident, follow these steps:

• Call 911 — If you or anyone else involved in the crash is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, call the non-emergency police number and report the accident. If you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, let the dispatcher know.
• Seek Medical Attention — If you are injured, seek medical attention right away. If you do not believe you are hurt, see a doctor as soon as you can for a full evaluation. Some car accident injuries may not be immediately apparent, but a medical professional can help identify and treat these injuries.
• Document the Accident — If you can, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and your visible injuries. Write down everything you remember about the accident, including what the other driver said and what you saw.
• Get the Other Driver's Information — Make sure you get the other driver's name, contact information, and insurance information. If they are intoxicated, they may become uncooperative or even try to leave the scene.
• Never Admit Fault — Even if you believe you may have been partially at fault, never admit fault at the accident scene. This can have a negative impact on your ability to recover compensation.
• Do Not Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company — After the accident, the other driver's insurance company will likely reach out to you. They may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, but they are not on your side. Do not give a statement or accept a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney.
• Contact a Lawyer — An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

In addition to the drunk driver, there are several other parties who may be held liable for a drunk driving accident:

• The Driver's Employer — If the driver was “on the clock” at the time of the accident, their employer may be liable for the resulting damages.
• The Bar, Restaurant, or Store That Sold the Alcohol — If the driver was visibly intoxicated at the time they were served alcohol, the establishment that sold them the alcohol may be held liable.
• The Party Host — If the drunk driver was a minor, the adult who provided them with alcohol may be held liable.

Connecticut has a dram shop law, which allows for an accident victim to sue a business that sold alcohol to the at-fault driver if the following is true:

• The business sold alcohol to a minor, or
• The business sold alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, and
• The sale of alcohol was a proximate cause of the accident.

These cases can be complex, but our Avon drunk driving accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and determine if you have grounds for a claim.