Middletown DUI Accident Lawyer

DUI Accident Attorney in Middletown, CT

It is illegal for any driver to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol but driving under the influence (DUI) continues to be a common cause of serious accidents in Middletown and surrounding areas of Connecticut. When such an accident happens, injured victims are likely to have many difficult questions about their recovery options. A skilled Middletown DUI accident lawyer is the ideal resource to consult after such an accident.

Helping Victims of DUI Accidents Recover in Middletown, CT

The personal injury attorneys team at Bartlett & Grippe have more than 100 combined years of experience representing injured clients in Middletown and surrounding areas of Connecticut. We can help you understand the process you must complete in order to hold an intoxicated driver accountable for the harm they have caused. While the state will handle prosecuting them for breaking the law, an attorney will need to help you recover compensation for your damages.

Our firm excels at resolving difficult accident cases, and we know the various legal challenges you might encounter in the aftermath of a DUI accident compared to most other accidents. With our assistance you can approach your recovery process with confidence and peace of mind, and you will have a much greater chance of maximizing your recovery. Our goal for every client we represent is to help them recover from their damages as fully as Connecticut state law allows.

Building a DUI Accident Case in Middletown

In Connecticut, the fault rule applies to all vehicle accidents, meaning when multiple drivers are involved in a collision, the at-fault driver is liable for the resulting damages. When an intoxicated driver has caused a crash, proving fault may appear to be fairly straightforward. It is still possible to face complications when it comes to establishing liability, so you need to find an attorney who can help you build the strongest possible case.

Intoxicated driving is illegal in Connecticut, and the driver responsible for causing a DUI accident will likely face arrest immediately following the crash. While the state will prosecute them for breaking the law, the purpose of this criminal case is to punish breaking the law, not to compensate the victim of their actions.

A criminal case against a DUI driver may yield punitive damages for the victim, but a cohesive civil suit will be necessary in order for the victim to fully recover maximum compensation for all of the damages they suffered. Recovery from most accidents in Connecticut will require an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, but a personal injury suit may be required for some cases. Bartlett & Grippe are confident we can build a comprehensive case on your behalf.

Recovering Compensation for a DUI Accident in Middletown

Every driver in Connecticut is required to have auto insurance, and this insurance will pay for damages a covered driver inflicts on others in an accident. This applies to DUI accidents as well; the DUI driver’s insurance carrier will be required to honor their policy once the driver is proven responsible for the accident. However, an insurance company will almost always look for ways to fight a claim, even when their policyholder is clearly at fault for an accident.

Insurance companies will typically look for any justification they can find to deny or devalue a claim. Do not talk to insurance companies about your settlement until you consult an attorney. Some insurance company representatives will attempt high-pressure tactics to coerce claimants into accepting lowball settlements while some will engage in bad faith, hoping a claimant will give up their claim.

Having an experienced attorney representing you can prevent these issues and ensure you are treated fairly. The team at Bartlett & Grippe can help you file your claim and resolve any disputes raised by the insurance carrier. Once you receive your settlement offer, we will determine whether it is fair and reasonable.

If necessary, we will begin building a personal injury suit on your behalf to aim for maximum compensation for your damages. It is vital to start building your case as quickly as possible after your accident to have the greatest chance of success with your case.

Damages in a Personal Injury Case for a DUI Accident

The goal of any personal injury case is for the injured plaintiff to recover compensation for the damages the defendant caused. It’s possible for a plaintiff to secure compensation for economic and noneconomic losses inflicted by the defendant, and a Middletown DUI accident lawyer will be a valuable asset for maximizing your recovery. Damages in a DUI accident case are likely to include property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Economic damages are proven with documentation that shows they directly resulted from the defendant’s actions. Additionally, the plaintiff can claim compensation for projected future losses, such as lost earning capacity if they have been left disabled by their injuries. Along with these economic damages, a plaintiff also has the right to claim pain and suffering compensation that reflects the severity of the harm they suffered and the long-term effects they face.

When a defendant has caused a personal injury by breaking the law or through egregious negligence, it is possible for the injured plaintiff to receive punitive damages that reflect the severity of the defendant’s actions. This could come into play in your DUI accident case, and the team at Bartlett & Grippe will explain what you can expect and any other avenues of recovery that may enhance your total compensation.

Building a Wrongful Death Suit After a Fatal DUI Accident in Middletown

Unfortunately, DUI accidents often cause fatal injuries. If you have lost a family member in such an accident, the at-fault driver is likely to face significantly increased penalties for causing a fatal accident with their illegal misconduct, and they are also liable for the wrongful death of the victim. Bartlett & Grippe can provide responsive and compassionate legal counsel for your wrongful death case in Middletown, Connecticut following a DUI accident. Contact our experienced wrongful death lawyer today to discuss your case.

Find Your Middletown DUI Accident Lawyer Today

It’s important to start building your case quickly after a DUI accident in Middletown. The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe have the skills and experience you want on your side in the aftermath of such an accident and we are ready to help you pursue your recovery. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Middletown DUI accident lawyer you can trust.

Frank C. Bartlett, Jr.

Attorney Frank Bartlett, lead trial lawyer at Bartlett & Grippe LLC, is a top-rated Connecticut personal injury attorney with extensive experience handling drowning accident cases. With over 15 years of experience and more than $29 million recovered in verdicts and settlements, he is committed to helping injury victims secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

Know about Frank Bartlett