Fairfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Fairfield Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk driving is one of the easiest things to avoid. Despite this, driving under the influence is still prevalent in 2025. If you or someone you love has suffered from such a crash, get in touch with a Fairfield drunk driving accident lawyer to understand what legal options are available.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer to Represent Your Unique Case

The team at Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law is proud to be legal advocates for our Connecticut neighbors and community members. We know the physical and emotional pain involved in the recovery from a car crash and are here to provide empathetic legal care. Our attorneys fight tirelessly for our clients to secure them the justice they need to move forward in life.

We offer free consultations to new clients at our Bridgeport or Milton office. If you’re struggling after your accident, we’re happy to travel to meet you.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Fairfield residents use I-95 and the Merritt Parkway for daily commuting. Because of Merritt Parkway’s two-lane system, traffic isn’t as fast as I-95 and other interstate highways. These roads see thousands of drivers every day, making the likelihood of a crash high, especially for those driving under the influence.

In 2024, there were 2,744 crashes in Connecticut due to driving under the influence. A person’s alcohol level is called their blood alcohol concentration, which measures how much alcohol is in their blood.

When a person’s blood alcohol concentration reaches .08, the likelihood of a crash is high. Because of this, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. However, even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving and risk lives. In 2023, there were 12,429 deaths in the United States due to drunk driving.

Connecticut’s Car Accident Laws

During a car crash case, courts determine fault by assigning everyone involved a percentage of fault. If the filing party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they’ll be barred from pursuing compensation. Any compensation awarded to the filing party will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example:

• If you were texting and driving, you may be assigned 30% at fault for the incident.
• If the other driver was drunk and hit you, they may be assigned 70% at fault.
• If you’re awarded $100,000, it would be reduced by 30%, making your final compensation $70,000.

Before filing your case at the Bridgeport Judicial District Superior Court, located at 1061 Main Street in Bridgeport, be sure to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer. They’ll be able to factor in your estimated percentage of fault when determining how much compensation can be requested in your unique case.

What Types of Damages Can You Request

The compensation awarded in a car accident case is never random; it is based on the real losses suffered after the incident. There are two main types of damages that can be requested:

1. Economic damages. These damages are calculated based on your financial losses. They can include your medical bills, lost income due to missing work from your injuries, and property damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings, like a cell phone or bag.
2. Non-economic damages. These damages are more subjective, as they’re based on your emotional losses. However, they’re equally important as economic damages. They can include compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life.

The third type of damages is punitive damages, which can only be requested in unique cases where the guilty party acted with extreme malice or negligence. Many drunk driving accident cases can request punitive damages, as driving under the influence can be considered extreme negligence.

FAQs

What Steps Should I Take After Getting Into a Drunk Driving Accident?

After getting into a drunk driving accident, be sure to call 911 and seek medical attention. Collect the insurance and contact information of the other driver, as well as the contact information of any witnesses. Don’t admit fault or apologize at any point. Take photos and videos of the crash site, your injuries, and damage to your belongings and car. Then, hire a drunk driving accident lawyer.

What Should I Do if the Other Driver Doesn’t Want to Cooperate?

If the other driver doesn’t cooperate with you or provide you with the information, don’t argue. It may be tempting, but it’ll only escalate the situation and make things worse for your case. Instead, wait for the police to arrive, and they will gather that information themselves. If the other driver flees before law enforcement shows up, get a picture of their license plate, car make, and model to give to the police.

What Evidence Can Help Strengthen My Legal Claim?

Extensive and diverse evidence can help strengthen your legal claim. Courts rely on evidence to make their decision, so having more than one type is crucial. Your lawyer can get eyewitness and professional testimony, while you get copies of your medical records and the incident report. Include the photos and videos taken at the time of the crash. Dashcam, traffic camera, and surveillance footage from surrounding homes and businesses can be key.

What’s the Deadline for Filing My Car Accident Case in Connecticut?

Most car accident cases have to be filed within two years of the crash. However, if the crash was caused intentionally, victims have three years to file. This deadline may seem long, but the longer you wait, the harder it is to secure a successful outcome. Your financial and emotional losses will continue to pile up, and evidence can fade or disappear entirely.

Work With a Trusted Car Accident Law Firm in Connecticut

Reach out to the legal team at Sorrentino Legal – Injury & Accident Law today to learn how we can help you. We offer free consultations to those living in Fairfield and the surrounding cities in Connecticut. After surviving a car crash, you need a strong support system to help you recover. We’re honored to be a part of our clients’ support systems during difficult times. Let’s work together to secure the justice you deserve.