Unfortunately, it is all too easy to become the victim of drunk driving accident in New Haven, Connecticut. A victim who suffers serious injuries at the hands of a drunk driver might be entitled to financial compensation, but notice the use of the word “might.” Being in an accident with a driver who is intoxicated does not automatically establish negligence on the part of that person.
Drunk driving is a criminal offense under state law. An intoxicated driver can be arrested and, if convicted of the charges, sentenced to imprisonment, fines and the loss of driving privileges. The blood alcohol content level of a driver obtained as part of the criminal investigation might be used by someone who has suffered serious injuries in a drunk driving accident to prove that the individual’s abilities to maintain control over his or her vehicle was compromised by the alcohol.
It is still possible to prove that the conduct of a drunk driver amounted to an act of negligence even when the driver refuses to take a breath test to measure blood alcohol content levels. Eyewitness testimony about the accident or evidence gathered at the scene may help to establish that a drunk driver did not keep a proper lookout for other vehicles or failed to operate his vehicle in a safe manner that did not put others at risk.
Proving that a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs was negligent requires the knowledge of the law and courtroom skills possessed by a personal injury attorney. If you have suffered serious injuries as a victim of drunk driving, you might benefit from a consultation with an attorney.
