Taking Legal Action After a Car Accident with a Drunk Driver

 Posted on July 27, 2026 in Car Accidents

If you were in an accident with a drunk driver in Connecticut, you may have a strong legal claim to compensation. Connecticut law treats drunk driving as a serious offense and has strong protections for people injured by drunk drivers.

A Monroe car accident lawyer can explain in detail what the process is for seeking damages after an accident with an intoxicated driver in 2026.

What Should I Do Right After a Drunk Driving Accident in Connecticut?

The moments after a crash are overwhelming, but if you can safely do so, you should take a few simple steps:

• Call 911 and get medical help, even if you feel fine at first.
• Make sure the police are notified. Get the police report number and the other driver's insurance information.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries.
• Get contact information from witnesses and note any cameras in the area that may have captured footage.
• Notify your own insurance of the accident promptly.
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer. You may have a duty to cooperate with your own insurer, but you can still ask a lawyer for advice before providing a recorded statement.

Injuries from accidents, especially soft-tissue injuries like whiplash, don't always show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can also mask pain for some time, even for severe injuries. Getting seen by a provider quickly protects your health and also creates a record of your injuries after your accident.

Can I Get Extra Damages From a Drunk Driving Accident in Connecticut?

Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-295 allows a judge or jury to award double or triple damages when a driver deliberately or recklessly violates certain traffic laws, including the law against driving under the influence, and that violation substantially causes another person’s injuries or property damage. This means compensation could be two or three times the damage otherwise awarded in the case.

To seek these additional damages, the injured person must specifically include the reckless conduct and statutory violation in the complaint filed with the court.

What Compensation Can I Get After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver?

Depending on your situation, a claim after a drunk driving crash may cover medical bills, both past and future, and property damage to your vehicle. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if you have a long-term injury may be covered as well.

Other less tangible damages can also be compensated. These may include pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of daily life.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Car Accident in Connecticut?

Connecticut generally requires a personal injury lawsuit to be filed within two years after the injury was first sustained or discovered, or reasonably should have been discovered. In most car accident cases, that period begins on the accident date. The law also generally prevents a lawsuit from being filed more than three years after the conduct that caused the injury. Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is important to speak with a lawyer promptly.

Call a Bridgeport, CT Car Accident Lawyer Today

You shouldn't have to negotiate with a drunk driver's insurance company while also trying to recover from your injuries. An experienced lawyer can help make sure you receive a truly fair settlement for your case.

Our team of Shelton personal injury attorneys has more than 100 years of combined experience and over 65 years serving Connecticut families. More than half of our new clients come as referrals from other clients who have already been helped by our firm. Over 150 five-star reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau speak to our empathy and care for clients. Our firm has recovered over $750 million in verdicts and settlements, handled more than 12,000 cases, and represented clients in over 6,000 accident cases specifically.

Tremont Sheldon P.C. offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless the firm recovers money for you. Calls are answered 24/7. You’ll never be routed through a call center, but rather will speak with an attorney who knows your name and case. Staff members are also available to help in Spanish and Portuguese. Call 203-335-5145 to set up your first appointment today.