Drivers in Connecticut have been warned repeatedly for decades now that it is irresponsible and dangerous to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Sadly, drunk driving is still a problem in this state. As just one example, recently, a young pregnant mom lost her life in a multi-vehicle accident. Police have arrested the driver of one of the vehicles for operating under the influence.
The man posted bond, but both police and the victim’s family suggested the possibility of more charges.
While drunk drivers who kill others deserve criminal punishment, jail and fines will rarely if ever lead to victims getting fully compensated for their losses.
Moreover, there is also the tricky step of collecting money from the responsible driver. Drunk drivers may not have much or even any money or other property to their own name, especially if they wind up going to prison for several years.
What are my options after a drunk driving accident?
The good news is that victims, including grieving family members, can pursue a civil lawsuit against those responsible for the accident. In a civil lawsuit, a victim can recover out-of-pocket costs like their medical bills and their lost income.
Moreover, victims can also recover non-economic damages for their pain and suffering and other losses that are very real for victims, even if it is hard to put an exact dollar figure on them.
Usually, the driver’s insurance company will step in to pay all or part of a civil lawsuit, depending on the amount of insurance the driver purchased.
Punitive damages may be available after certain accidents. The law in Connecticut about punitive damages is complicated, and whether these damages are available after a particular drunk driving accident will depend on the circumstances.
Victims of drunk drivers will want to make sure they understand their legal options with respect to recovering compensation. Often, people accept settlements from insurance companies that turn out to be too low to cover all their losses and expenses. This happens when people do not know their alternatives.