Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of a substance is illegal in all 50 states. Every driver knows that it’s wrong to get behind the wheel when they’ve had too much to drink. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop everyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 people in the U.S. die in car crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver each day. That’s a tragic rate of one drunk driving death every 50 minutes.

Drunk driving is also alarmingly common. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a staggering 28.7 million people admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol at some point. That’s more than the entire population of Texas. The fact that drunk driving is so common is the reason that alcohol-related crashes case more than $44 billion worth of damage each year.

What Are the Drunk Driving Laws in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) must be less than 0.08. The 0.08 standard applies to drivers over the age of 21. Underaged drivers must have a BAC under 0.02. Drivers of commercial vehicles must have a BAC under 0.04.

Drunk driving offenses, of course, have criminal penalties. In Connecticut, the drunk driving penalties for adults older than 21 are:

• First offense - A maximum six months in jail, $500-$1,000 in fines and 45-day license suspension

• Second offense - A maximum two years in jail, $1,000 to $4,000 in fines, a one-year license suspension, and the installation of an Interlock Ignition Device (IID) on your car.

• Third offense - A maximum three years in jail, $2,000 to $8,000 in fines, and a permanent license suspension

It’s obvious that the criminal laws in Connecticut take drunk driving very seriously. Victims of a drunk driver may also bring a civil lawsuit to seek damages for injuries caused by the accident. Call a Connecticut personal injury attorney to learn more about your rights.

How Can I Avoid a Crash by Spotting a Drunk Driver on the Road?

Because drunk driving accidents are so common, drivers should understand how to protect themselves on the road. There are signs that make it easy to spot a driver who might be under the influence. Warning signs include:

• Erratic acceleration or braking

• Aggressive tailgating

• Driving extremely slowly

• Weaving or swerving between lanes

• Driving outside of a lane designated for cars

• Hitting the curb, or nearly hitting other cars or objects

• Crossing the double yellow line

• Slow responses at traffic lights

• Driving on the wrong side of the road

If you suspect that you see a drunk driver, the best thing to do is to stay out of their way. If it’s safe, you can pull over to the right and wait for the drunk driver to pass, putting some distance between you and their car. While you’re pulled over, you can call 911 to let the police know the location where you saw a drunk driver and give the description of their vehicle.

It can be tempting to simply try to pass the drunk driver, but that is not a good idea. The best strategy is to hang back and try to stay out of their way as much as possible. Some drivers may also gesture at the drunk driver, or signal for them to pull over or get off the road. That’s also a bad idea, as it can make the drunk driver upset and lead to more aggressive driving.

What Should I Do After an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver?

If you’re in an accident with someone you suspect is under the influence, it’s important for your safety to know how to handle it. Some signs you are dealing with a drunk driver are that the person:

• Is slurring their speech

• Seems unsteady on their feet

• Shows confusion strange behavior

• Smells of alcohol

• Has watery, bloodshot eyes

If you determine that you are in fact dealing with an intoxicated person, here are a few important tips to remember:

• First, don’t panic. Keeping a level head will hopefully protect you from any possible threat of danger from the drunk person.

• Don’t get out of the car and accuse the driver of being drunk. This could frighten the other driver into fleeing the scene of the crash to avoid a drunk driving charge.

• If the driver does flee, try to get as much of their license plate number as you can, along with the description of the driver and vehicle.

• Don’t engage in conversation with the other driver. Be polite, but don’t talk while you’re waiting for the police to arrive

What Compensation Am I Entitled to if a Drunk Driver Hits Me?

If you’re in an accident with a drunk driver, you are entitled to recover financial damages to compensate you for your physical and property damages. You may seek damages for:

• Personal injury - Medical costs associated with injury or illness caused by the crash

• Property damage - Damage to the car or any other property as a result of the accident

• Lost wages - Lost income during recovery or other subsequent aftermaths of an accident

• Pain and suffering - Recovery may be available for past and future pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life’s activities.

Double or triple damages are available when a plaintiff is able to prove that the drunk driver was acting with deliberate, reckless disregard for the safety of others.

Don’t Wait to Contact a Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Who Understands Your Situation

No one deserves being hit by a drunk driver. But if you’re unlucky enough to become a victim of an impaired or intoxicated driver, know that you have rights. You should contact a Connecticut car accident attorney who knows how to handle cases against drunk drivers as soon as possible after your accident.

The Connecticut attorneys at Leighton, Katz & Drapeau can help you understand your rights and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Car accidents can cause a huge physical and financial strain on a victim of a drunk driver. Don’t wait to get legal help. Call (860) 875-7000 today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.