The sad reality is that almost all of us have been impacted by drunk driving. Approximately one in three traffic deaths in our country involve a drunk driver. Connecticut is in the top five states with the highest percentage of fatal accidents involving drunk drivers.
Drunk driving is a criminal offense. Connecticut has an Implied Consent Law. Every person who operates a motor vehicle is presumed to have given consent to take a test to determine his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This law is found in the Connecticut General Statutes (Conn. Gen Stat.) § 14-227b. Police officers measure BAC by testing the driver’s breath, blood or urine. Legal intoxication is a BAC of .08 or above (if you are under 21 years of age or operating a commercial motor vehicle, this number is lower, meaning you can face penalties for being less intoxicated than you need to be otherwise). For someone who weighs 140 lbs., three drinks will result in a .08 BAC. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a.
Civil Remedies
The civil remedies (money damages) for victims of drunk driving accidents look to the drunk driver’s insurance company for damages to compensate for losses, injuries, and damages. The losses associated with drunk driving are often life-changing: loss of life, limb, paralysis, and permanent loss.
Is Drunk Driving Reckless?
Yes! Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-295, in a civil action where the at-fault party has deliberately or with reckless disregard operated a motor vehicle in violation of such statutes as the one prohibiting drunk driving, the plaintiff may be entitled to double or treble damages. Driving under the influence is considered reckless driving, beyond the standard of mere negligence. Contact Buckley, Wynne & Parese to know your rights by calling 203-776-2278 or visiting www.bwplaw.com. Protect your family!
Who is Paying for all this?
One study estimated that the cost to the public is $114.3 billion, including economic and life losses. As for the offender, there are numerous costs associated with a DUI, as well. These costs can add up quickly, totaling more than $20,000 even for a first offense with no property damage or injuries. This includes fines, bail, towing and impound of the driver’s vehicle, higher insurance premiums, an attorney, alcohol education programs, licensing fees, chemical testing fees, probation supervision, installation of the ignition interlock device and maintenance, license reinstatement fees, community service fees, alternate transportation during the license suspension, and more.
Know your rights! Contact Buckley, Wynne & Parese!
RESOURCES
https://www.bactrack.com/blogs/expert-center/35042565-the-high-cost-of-a-dui
https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pdf/impaired_driving/drunk_driving_in_ct.pdf
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/rpt/2012-R-0279.htm
https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm
http://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=813&q=249562
https://www.nysdwi.com/dui-foundation/support/financial/
Client Reviews of Our Personal Injury Attorneys
Friendly, professional and VERY responsive!
Attorney John Buckley was highly recommended to me by quite a few people and upon my first meeting to discuss my case, I knew immediately that I was in good hands. He took his time to explain everything to me in great detail and stayed in communication throughout my entire case. His staff was also extremely friendly, professional and VERY responsive! I actually never had to reach out about my case because they over-communicated with me from beginning to end. My accident was very unfortunate, but I’m extremely grateful I was working with Attorney Buckley through it all! I highly recommend this law firm!!!
- Jamie B.
Respectful, extremely knowledgeable, & understanding
Recently engaged BWP concerning a motor vehicle accident. From the initial consult, and continuing throughout the entire process, John Parese and the entire staff were respectful, extremely knowledgeable, understanding of my goals and supportive to work towards achieving the best possible outcome. It was a very seamless, friendly relationship and a firm that I would highly recommend to anyone.
- Robert T.
Couldn’t have been happier with the services I received!
I contacted BWP in June 2019, after I was hit by a drunk driver. John Wynne was my attorney. I couldn’t have been happier with the services I received. Everyone I dealt with was very professional and made sure I had all the help I needed. I highly recommend this law firm.
- Valerie
Quick and consistent.
John Buckley was quick and consistent in relaying information to me regarding litigation, and he and his staff were always very supportive of any requests I made. John’s experience and strategic expertise made the difference in dealing with the insurance company, and we achieved the best possible outcome thanks to his vigilance. Cannot recommend BWP highly enough!
- Richard
Thorough, caring, and patient.
I don't have the words to describe how wonderful John Parese was to work with. He took my family and I under his wing during a difficult time. He was by our side for 3 years while I was treated. He was thorough, caring, and patient. He was always there to answer questions and made us feel that he was in our corner. John explained our options and walked us through the process many times. It was WAY outside of my comfort zone to go to litigation, but he believed in me and my case. He was phenomenal in court and I was very proud to be part of his team. We are forever thankful and would recommend him to anyone!
- The Yanellis
Kind, patient, honest and extremely knowledgeable.
John Parese is an excellent attorney who provided care that was needed at an extremely difficult and a long period of time. He and his team are very dedicated and gave professional guidance in various aspects. I am very grateful for having received a degree of release for the painful accident, and trauma which was unfortunate and terrifying. Mr. Parese is very kind, patient, honest and extremely knowledgeable. I'd highly recommend his help to people in need.
- Xueping Q.
Two thumbs up!
John Parese is an amazing attorney! He constantly checked in with me to make sure I was feeling better after my accident and gave me updates on where we were in the process. I never doubted that I was in good hands. Thank you John and also to your team! Two thumbs up!
- Kristen R.
Wonderful staff.
Wonderful staff. They gave the impression that they really care for their clients. I will call on them again if I need in the future.
- Kelly B.
Excellent attorney who always fights to protect his clients.
John has assisted me with several issues. He is an excellent attorney who always fights to protect his clients. I was able to recover medically knowing John was fully handling the insurance and issues with my case. I will continue to use him in the future.
- Danielle Q.
Very professional and his team is wonderful!
Attorney Parese helped me with my car accident. He is very professional and his team is wonderful. I highly recommend his services for car accidents!!! Thank you John.
- Walter P.