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Last Modified on Jan 22, 2026
Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Connecticut each year, and rear-end collisions are some of the most commonly reported collisions statewide. If you have been rear-ended by a drunk driver, settlements in Connecticut often include compensation for economic and non-economic damages, but you may also receive additional compensation due to the illegal nature of the at-fault driver’s actions. Understanding the specifics of Connecticut car accident laws is an essential first step in ensuring your rights are protected during this process.
Recovering From a Rear-End Collision Caused by a Drunk Driver in Connecticut
Connecticut follows a fault rule for vehicle accidents involving multiple drivers. This means that whichever driver caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. If you believe your accident was the result of another driver’s actions, you must prove fault before you can claim compensation for your damages. A skilled attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove fault for a rear-end collision, but fault may seem obvious if a drunk driver hit you. Our skilled Connecticut car accident lawyer can assist you in documenting the scene and securing the evidence necessary to build a strong liability case.
The Connecticut Crash Data Repository recorded 104,405 vehicle accidents statewide in 2024. According to crash data from the National Safety Council, rear-end collisions accounted for about 17% of vehicle accident deaths and almost 37% of accident injuries nationwide in 2024. When a rear-end collision occurs, the rear driver is almost always liable because drivers are expected to leave adequate room between their vehicle and the one in front of them. If the impact occurred from the back, a skilled Connecticut rear impact accident lawyer can explain how the presumption of fault typically applies to the trailing driver.
It is illegal for any driver to operate their vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most commonly prosecuted criminal offenses in Connecticut each year. If your rear-end collision was caused by a drunk driver, they not only face civil liability for the damages they caused, but also criminal prosecution from the state. You should hire a drunk driver accident lawyer who can explain what to expect in your case. A dedicated Connecticut DUI and criminal defense lawyer can help you understand how the criminal charges against the other driver may influence your civil settlement.
Securing Compensation for a Rear-End Collision Caused by a Drunk Driver
Every Connecticut driver is required to have auto insurance, and when a driver causes a collision, their insurance policy can pay for resulting damages. This also applies to drunk driver accidents, but filing your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company could be difficult in several ways.
If you hire a drunk driver accident lawyer before filing your claim, they can ensure you receive a fair settlement offer and will resolve any disputes you encounter. You may need to file a personal injury case to recover your losses, and if so, you have a much greater chance of success with your case if you have skilled legal representation on your side. Knowing what to do after a car accident in Connecticut—such as calling the police and seeking medical attention—is critical for the success of your insurance claim. It’s possible to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Beyond these damages, the victim of a rear-end collision caused by a drunk driver may also receive punitive damages. In some cases, punitive damages are awarded when a defendant’s actions exceeded the scope of typical negligence, or if they broke the law in causing the plaintiff’s injury. Your attorney can explain what to expect if this is a factor in your case.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Rear-End Collision With a Drunk Driver
If a family member died in a rear-end collision caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death case against the drunk driver. This type of personal injury case seeks compensation for the damages the victim could have claimed if they had survived. Additionally, the defendant is likely to face far worse criminal penalties for their DUI offense since their actions resulted in a fatal injury. Working with a skilled Connecticut wrongful death lawyer allows families to focus on healing while legal professionals handle the pursuit of justice.
Ultimately, drunk driving accidents in Connecticut can lead to extensive and complex legal proceedings in both civil and criminal courts. You need to hire a drunk driver accident lawyer at your first opportunity so they can help you determine your most viable path to recovery. Bartlett & Grippe are ready to help with your case, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.
FAQs
What Damages Can I Claim for a Rear-End Collision Caused by a Drunk Driver?
The damages you can claim for a rear-end collision caused by a drunk driver include your vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, lost wages, and lost earning capacity if you will not be able to work for an extended time due to your injuries. Additionally, you can also seek compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced, and punitive damages could be awarded to reflect the illegal nature of the defendant’s actions.
Will the Defendant Go to Jail for Causing a Rear-End Collision While Drunk Driving?
Yes, it is possible for the defendant to go to jail for causing a rear-end collision while drunk driving. Penalties for DUI in Connecticut can include heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, and jail time. Additionally, these penalties increase when a defendant has a history of past DUI convictions and/or they cause an accident resulting in serious bodily harm or death.
Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a drunk driver accident lawyer to have a better chance of maximizing your recovery. While fault for the accident may appear obvious, the formal process of holding a defendant accountable for the damages they caused could be far more difficult than you expect. A skilled local attorney can help you explore every available avenue of legal recourse and resolve your case efficiently, helping you secure as much compensation as possible.
How Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Calculated in a Drunk Driver Accident Case?
In a drunk driver accident case, pain and suffering compensation is usually calculated based on the overall severity of the victim’s injuries and their anticipated recovery time. Generally, the more serious the victim’s injuries, the more pain and suffering compensation they are likely to obtain if they succeed with their case. Your attorney can help you seek maximum pain and suffering compensation from the defendant who caused your accident.
Schedule a Consultation With a Connecticut Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Bartlett & Grippe can provide comprehensive legal support for a Connecticut drunk driver accident claim. If you are rear-ended by a drunk driver, settlements in Connecticut vary greatly depending on the specific details of the case. Our team will work closely with you to help you maximize your compensation, so contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation with a Connecticut drunk driver accident lawyer.
