Sharing the road with others means exposure to different risks and circumstances. If a driver on the road is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, tired, or with a known medical condition, it may lead to a terrible car accident.
If you were involved in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, look for legal advice from an experienced attorney right away. The process of dealing with physical injuries caused by a car accident can be overwhelming, and navigating the hoops to receive compensation from insurance companies and negligent parties can be stressful and frustrating.
Therefore, it’s essential to have an experienced attorney to guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand the difficulties you face after an accident caused by an impaired driver. Our team works hard to fight for the compensation your case rightfully deserves.
If you experienced such an accident, don’t wait; call us today. You may reach us by calling (203) 590-9169 or visiting us online to schedule your free consultation.
Bridgeport Impaired Driver Attorney Works for You
Accidents involving impaired drivers create extremely hazardous roadway situations. Intoxicated drivers are unable to make good judgments, are sluggish to react, and have poor cognitive abilities. The aftermath of an impaired driver crash can be confusing, as suddenly, there are a lot of questions from the police, a probable arrest, and substantial damages to personal health and property that might be difficult to process.
Impaired drivers put themselves and others at risk of severe injuries, property damage, and even death. Unfortunately, not all drivers consider these risks and negligently choose to drive despite knowing their state. Victims of these accidents are sometimes passengers of the impaired driver’s vehicle, and when a crash occurs, they face brutal injuries and damage to their personal property.
What started as a moment of sheer negligence has become a true nightmare, where victims are forced to cope with painful injuries, costly property damage, and astronomical medical expenses.
Filing a claim against the at-fault driver without the use of an attorney is possible, but it can be challenging and less likely to result in a favorable settlement for all damages suffered. Insurance companies are not often forthcoming to pay for a car accident caused by their policyholder under normal circumstances, let alone ones where there was an impaired driver.
In addition, the insurers do whatever is possible to indemnify or deflect the blame from the negligent party. They go as far as attempting to misconstrue statements, rush settlements, and provide offers that do not fully compensate for all damages.
Choosing an experienced car crash lawyer is essential to navigate the challenges. Lawyers know the complexities surrounding these incidents, know how insurance companies often behave, and use practical strategies to fight for a satisfying settlement for their clients.
You can expect that a qualified impaired driver lawyer is knowledgeable in handling cases of a similar nature, including finding ways to resolve them, even if that means fighting for their clients in the courts.
Your attorney will provide services that:
- Let them guide you as you navigate the claims process
- Identify the kinds of damages you are entitled to, given the circumstances of your claim
- Calculate the total medical bills and lost working hours because of your injuries
- Create a main point of contact and give you an ally and your own legal representative throughout the process.
Understanding Impaired Driving
Impaired driving does not come only from an overindulgence of alcohol. One can be under the influence of recreational drugs as well as prescription drugs because of an existing medical condition.
Impaired driving can also stem from a lack of sleep and driving a vehicle while drowsy. No matter which of these is the cause, it is all considered impaired driving.
The Connecticut Crash Data Repository reveals that impaired driving was the cause of 3.54% of car accidents from January 2020 to October 2023, with a total of 21,826 incidents reported. Impaired driving can have severe consequences, but it is preventable if appropriate measures are taken.
Local authorities have established initiatives to help reduce impaired driving occurrences through police enforcement, education, and providing warning labels on medication not to operate machinery while in use. However, these measures are not perfect, and accidents caused by impaired driving still happen.
Causes of Impaired Driving Accidents
Impaired driving accidents can occur due to various factors, with the most common causes being:
- Alcohol Consumption — Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a leading cause of impaired driving accidents. Laws regarding impaired driving vary by state, but they typically involve strict rules and severe penalties to discourage drivers from getting behind the wheel while under the influence. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Connecticut is .08.
- Drug Use — Drugs or certain prescription medications will render a driver unable to operate a car safely. Drugs can affect cognitive functions, perception, and motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Drowsy Driving — A tired driver will make mistakes while on the road. They are not operating at their best, increasing the chances of switching lanes incorrectly, missing a sign to slow down, or being aware of those around them. Drowsy driving is a known contributor to car accidents, especially late-night or early-morning hours.
- Medical Conditions — Certain medical conditions, such as seizures, strokes, or other disorders, can cause sudden inability to drive. Other conditions, such as poor vision and mental health disorders, may also play a role in car accident numbers. Drivers with a known medical history that possibly causes the inability to drive should not drive while they are facing these medical conditions.
Substance abuse results in what is called a DUI or driving under the influence. Driving while intoxicated because of drugs or alcohol — even prescription drugs — is illegal and carries serious legal consequences as a result.
Identifying an Impaired Driver on the Road
Impaired driving increases the chance of an accident due to impaired judgment, compromised coordination, slowed reaction times, and diminished cognitive functions. Other drivers may look out for these actions to identify dangerous drivers on the road:
- Swerving — Moving from one lane to another without regard for others is negligent and dangerous. An impaired driver will move quickly and haphazardly from one lane to another and between traffic.
- Quick Acceleration and Deceleration — Impaired drivers will make mistakes and show signs of erratic movement when driving, especially when moving and stopping.
- Delayed Traffic Responses — Impaired drivers may linger after a light turns green or fail to stop when it turns red. Lack of awareness and processing signals creates an ideal environment for running a stop sign or red light, causing an accident.
- Slow Driving and Speeding — Impaired drivers are often seen doing one or the other; at times, they may speed at one point and drive significantly slower at another.
Although impaired drivers may not always be obvious to identify, drivers should always keep their eyes on the road and focus on driving, as a quick reaction may be what prevents a crash from occurring.
Possible Losses From Impaired Driving
Victims affected by a car accident caused by an impaired driver should reach out to an attorney right away. Accidents involving these circumstances tend to have significant damages for which a typical person may not understand they are entitled to claim compensation.
When you hire an impaired driver lawyer, they will review the evidence and identify losses you can claim.
Medical Costs
Medical bills will become unbearable quickly. Yet, the only way to heal properly is through medical care and treatments that may last for many weeks, if not months.
For accidents that create more significant injuries, victims may need life-saving surgery that the negligent party is responsible for paying for.
Managing the costs associated with an injury sustained after an accident can be discouraging, as hospitals want to collect quickly, and victims will find that they are unable to pay these large medical bills.
In addition, victims will need physical therapy, medications, and possible medical equipment that will further create additional expenses.
Lost Wages
Bodily injuries and property damage from a car accident are enough to create financial strains. These lost wages have value and become part of your claim.
Especially in cases where the victim has dependents or is the sole earning income of a household, losing time at work may result in taking unpaid time or completely losing their job. In the worst of accidents, victims cannot keep doing their jobs, rendering them unable to grow within their company or work in the field.
Property Damage
Your claim may cover car repairs, replacement costs, and other property damage after an accident. Your car, clothes, and personal property, like a cell phone, have value and may need replacement or repair after a crash.
Hire a Local Bridgeport Impaired Driver Law Firm
Impaired driver accidents can be devastating to all involved. They create substantial property damage to cars and personal items and unnecessary yet painful injuries to all involved.
Although it is impossible to completely prevent impaired driving accidents from happening, know that if you are involved in one, you are not alone.
Bert McDowell Injury Law is a reliable and experienced Bridgeport personal injury law firm that has successfully handled many impaired driving cases in the past. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you reach a satisfying settlement for your case.
Call us at 203-590-9169 or contact us online to schedule your free case review today.
(203) 690-1030
