Connecticut DUI Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Connecticut, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries and property damage. Drunk drivers rightfully face criminal penalties for their actions, but this is small comfort when you are coping with serious injuries and overwhelming financial losses.
Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. can help you hold the drunk driver accountable through a civil lawsuit so you can receive financial compensation for your injuries. Call 203-865-8430 and schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Connecticut DUI accident lawyers today.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Connecticut?
- How Can Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Help You?
- Types of Compensation You Can Receive in a DUI Accident Case
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for DUI Accident Claims in Connecticut?
- Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accidents in Connecticut
- Contact a Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Key Takeaways
- You may be entitled to compensation for your short-term and long-term medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses if you are injured in a drunk driving accident.
- You only have two years to file a civil lawsuit in most cases, so it is important to contact an experienced Connecticut DUI accident lawyer immediately to protect your claim.
- Our award-winning DUI accident attorneys in New Haven have over 35 years of experience with a proven track record of securing just outcomes in complex Connecticut car accident claims.
Why Choose Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Connecticut?
By choosing KJSR, you choose an ally with a proven history of client satisfaction and outstanding results in complex and high-exposure claims. Since 1988, we have successfully represented Connecticut clients with all types of motor vehicle accident injuries, from minor to severe, including the following:
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Broken bones
- And more
Our attorneys are regularly recognized among the most elite lawyers in the country, with all of our partners and many of our attorneys receiving national recognition. In 2025, Best Lawyers recognized John Kennedy Jr., Stephanie Roberge, Robert Schwab, Louis Annechhino, Michael Kennedy, and Patrick Kennedy among the Best Lawyers in America.
John Kennedy Jr.
Founding Partner
John J. Kennedy, Jr., is the founding partner of Kennedy, Johnson, Schwab & Roberge, P.C. In 1988, John formed Kennedy & Johnson, along with David Johnson. John is an accomplished trial attorney, spending most of his more than 42 years practicing in Connecticut, representing injured clients before juries.
Our Track Record
These recognitions stem from our consistent results for clients, who often become clients for life. Here are a few examples of our top results in motor vehicle accident claims:
- $16.5 million for a bicyclist who suffered an amputation from a truck accident
- $7.9 million for a truck accident victim with serious injuries
- $2.1 million for a client seriously injured in a collision with a street sweeper
- $2 million for the wife of a 38-year-old man killed by an elderly driver
- $1.42 million for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk, resulting in a traumatic brain injury
What Sets Us Apart from Other DUI Accident Lawyers in Connecticut?
We have over 35 years of experience helping injured DUI accident victims in Connecticut secure just outcomes. We only focus on Connecticut cases, so we have a deep understanding of the ever-changing laws and procedures throughout the state. We have earned the respect of local judges, insurance adjusters, and medical professionals. Our track record and reputation help us secure significant financial recoveries for our clients.
We are not a large law firm, but we have the resources, experience, and tenacity to handle complex claims against multi-million dollar corporations with outstanding results. Unlike larger law firms, our Connecticut car accident lawyers offer a human touch. Whether your case is large or small, you will receive compassionate support and intelligent representation customized to your needs.
Client satisfaction is our top priority, and we work as a team to provide the best experience possible. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
How Can Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Help You?
Our knowledgeable DUI injury lawyers in New Haven are here to handle your entire claim while you focus on resting and recovering. We will stay in constant contact with you until your case is resolved and handle the following:
- Investigate the accident with the help of accident reconstructionists
- Interview eyewitnesses and locate video surveillance footage
- Identify other parties that may be liable for the accident
- Retrieve your medical records and calculate your damages
- File your insurance claims and demand full compensation
- Negotiate the settlement you deserve and refuse to accept less
- Represent you in court if the insurance companies refuse to pay fair compensation
With thousands of satisfied clients who refer their friends and families to us, you can count on our attorneys to provide the support you need during this difficult time and secure a result that truly reflects your losses.
Types of Compensation You Can Receive in a DUI Accident Case
You may be entitled to economic, non-economic, and punitive damages for injuries caused by a drunk driver in Connecticut. Economic damages cover your current and future financial losses, while non-economic damages cover your subjective losses. The most common types of economic and non-economic damages include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Housekeeping assistance
- Childcare expenses
- Pain and suffering
In egregious cases, Connecticut may allow punitive damages, which are meant to penalize the driver for displaying deliberate and reckless disregard for the safety of others. They are generally limited to litigation costs and attorney’s fees, but in very rare cases, can be two or three times the total of your economic and non-economic damages.
Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs
Covered medical expenses after a drunk driving accident can include the following, whether they are occurring now or projected over the course of your lifetime:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital bills
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Therapy
- Medications
- Assistive devices
- Durable medical equipment
- Transportation to the doctor
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If you miss time at work because of injuries caused by a drunk driver, you are entitled to compensation for your lost hourly pay, salary, and benefits. If you are unable to work in the future or return to work at full capacity, you are also entitled to compensation for your loss of earning capacity. Your damages could include the following:
- Lost salary or wages
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of promotions
- Loss of business opportunities if you were self-employed
Pain and Suffering Damages
Serious injuries can rob you of your quality of life for a lifetime. They can reduce life expectancy and prevent you from participating in activities you used to enjoy. You are entitled to compensation for these types of losses, which may include the following:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of bodily functions
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impairment
- Inconvenience
- Humiliation
- Loss of society
- Loss of consortium
What Is the Statute of Limitations for DUI Accident Claims in Connecticut?
The statute of limitations in Connecticut generally gives you up to two years to file a drunk driving car accident injury claim. However, you should contact a skilled Connecticut drunk driving accident attorney at Kennedy Johnson as soon as possible. Your attorneys will need to build your case before filing, and it can take time to retrieve medical records and obtain expert witness reports.
In addition, the insurance companies will investigate the accident immediately, when the best evidence is available. Some evidence, such as video footage, skid marks, and wrecked vehicles, may only be there for a short time. Involving an attorney early on prevents the insurance company from gaining an advantage and allows your attorney to build the strongest case possible. Act now—secure your rights and get legal help today by calling 203-865-8430.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accidents in Connecticut
What Should I Do if I’m Injured by a Drunk Driver in Connecticut?
Call 911 to dispatch law enforcement and request an ambulance. Exchange information with the driver, and go to the hospital to check for injuries, even if you do not feel hurt. Contact an experienced Connecticut DUI accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
Can I Sue a Bar for Serving Alcohol to a Drunk Driver in Connecticut?
Yes, the dram shop laws in Connecticut allow you to sue a business for up to $250,000 if the business served alcohol to a customer who was already visibly drunk, and the customer caused the accident after leaving the establishment. However, dram shop liability only applies if you serve the establishment notice of your intent to sue within 120 days. Additionally, you must file your lawsuit against the establishment within a year.
What Are the Penalties for DUI Accidents In Connecticut?
For a first offense, a drunk driver generally faces a fine of $500 to $1000, up to six months in prison or probation with 100 hours of community service, license suspension for 45 days, and installation of an interlock ignition device on every car they operate for a year. These penalties can increase with repeated offenses. A third offense typically results in permanent license revocation.
Contact a Connecticut Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Being struck by a drunk driver can have a devastating effect on your finances and quality of life for years to come. When your injuries are serious, you are already paying too high a price in the form of physical pain, disabilities, and lost opportunities. Your life may never be the same. You should not be the one left holding the bill, too.
Our experienced Connecticut drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated to helping you get justice through a civil lawsuit. We charge no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win. The initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by reaching out to our compassionate team today. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case, or call 203-865-8430.
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15 N. Main Street #100 Suite 217
West Hartford, CT 06107
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