subject: Drunk Driving Accidents In Stamford: Who Is Responsible? [print this page] Drunk driving is one of the main causes of car accidents in Stamford. Statistics reveal that in 2009 from a total of 223 fatal car accidents in Connecticut, 114 were alcohol related, meaning 51 percent.
A driver is considered legally intoxicated if his blood alcohol concentration is .08 or above. If he is under 21 he will be considered intoxicated at a .02 BAC or higher. But any amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.
The authorities in Connecticut have taken new measures to combat driving under the influence, including high penalties and mandatory sentencing. Yet, drunk driving accidents still happen, and they are especially tragic and senseless.
The consequences of an accident
The most tragic consequence a car accident can have is obviously the loss of someone loved. But even if the victims survive the crash there are many different issues they will have to deal with.
Getting immediate medical treatment is the most urgent task, followed by the concerns regarding the repairs of the car, or other property damage that could happen.
After the accident victims cannot return to work immediately, a situation which will leave them without the wages they need to take care of their families. But car accidents can also result in permanent injuries, like brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, which will cause not only loss of income but also the loss of earning capacity.
In these conditions, considering that medical care is always expensive, victims may not be able to afford paying for the treatment, unless they obtain the right amount of compensations for their losses.
Who can be held liable?
In order to obtain the compensation victims should hire an experienced Stamford auto accident attorney, especially because insurance companies might not want to offer the right amount of compensation. If that is the case, the lawyer will be able to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver and his insurance company.
It is also important to know that the law in Connecticut makes it possible for victims to sue the bar or host where the drunk driver was served with alcohol, although he was already intoxicated. But before doing that, research is needed and evidence has to be gathered, which might be impossible for the victim to do, without a lawyer.
So if you suffered a car accident caused by a drunk driver, dont hesitate to call a local lawyer for immediate help.
