Work with a Connecticut DUI Attorney
Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. When an intoxicated driver chooses to get behind the wheel of a car, they are putting people's lives at risk and they should be held accountable for any injuries or deaths that occur as a result.
If you have been seriously injured, or if a loved one has been killed in a drunk driving accident in Ridgefield or anywhere in Connecticut, our experienced DUI victim attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP can help you pursue the justice you deserve. We proudly serve Bridgeport, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, and surrounding communities.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
Injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents are often more serious than in other car accidents since impaired drivers have a higher likelihood of losing complete control of their vehicles. Unfortunately, although our legal system will punish drunk drivers, injured victims are frequently left without any assistance, which leaves them at the mercy of insurance companies that are more concerned with protecting their bottom line than paying victims what they are owed.
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Connecticut, make sure you know your rights. Our experienced Ridgefield personal injury attorneys can help you prove the drunk driver's liability and fight for the compensation you need to recover from your losses. Even if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may have the ability to obtain compensation.
Connecticut Dram Shop Liability
Connecticut has a law called the Dram Shop Act that authorizes victims of drunk drivers to potentially sue the bar, tavern, or store that sold liquor to the drunk driver. In order to pursue compensation through the Dram Shop Act, you must be able to prove that the seller knew the person was intoxicated and sold them alcohol anyway.
There are two points to note about dram shop liability in Connecticut:
- If the intoxicated person is 21+ years of age, the injured party can only sue the seller for claims under the Dram Shop Act, not for negligence.
- If the intoxicated person is under 21 years of age, the injured party can sue the seller for both negligence and claims under the Dram Shop Act.
Proving a seller's liability can be challenging. They may state that the person they sold liquor to was not obviously intoxicated. To fight this sort of denial, you need the help of an experienced Ridgefield personal injury lawyer.
We have offices located in or near Norwalk and many other adjacent communities. If you are ready to take action and seek legal representation for your case, contact our Ridgefield personal injury attorneys today and schedule a free initial consultation with Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP.