In Connecticut and elsewhere, drunk driving is a major problem. Drunk driving accidents are responsible for numerous deaths and injuries every year. Those who have been negatively affect by such incidents may have legal recourse.
On average, 28 people across the United States die in car accidents with drunk drivers every single day. In 2014, that totalled up to just under 10,000 lives that were lost. Of those, 209 were children.
It is believed that younger drivers are most at risk of being involved in alcohol-related collisions. In fact, in 2014, drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 accounted for 30 percent of all crashes resulting from impaired driving. The 25 to 34-year-olds came in second at 29 percent.
Across the country, law enforcement officials and lawmakers are working diligently to reduce or even end drunk driving accidents. Certain laws are in place regarding allowable blood alcohol levels, and police are often out in force initiating traffic stops or conducting sobriety checkpoints in an effort to catch impaired drivers before accidents occur. At the end of the day, though, it comes down to drivers choosing not to drink and drive, which does not always occur.
Drunk driving accidents do happen. They are incredibly unfortunate when they do, as they are highly preventable. Sadly, the victims or — in the event of fatality — surviving family members are left trying to cope and move forward, which is never easy. In Connecticut, those who have been negatively affected by impaired drivers may be able to seek relief for their losses. Civil claims may be filed against the drivers believed responsible in an effort to seek compensation for any and all damages that are deemed recoverable in accordance with laws of the state.
Source: cdc.gov, “Impaired Driving: Get the Facts“, Accessed on March 30, 2016
