Thousands Of Injury Claims, Millions Won

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Experienced Handling Of DUI Accident Claims

At the Gillis Law Firm, we have handled thousands of claims for drivers, passengers and pedestrians injured in car accidents in Connecticut. In our experience, we have found that only few cases require more care than those resulting from drunk driving.

Handling Accident Cases Caused By Drunk Drivers Since 1978

Drunk driving cases are often publicized, and victims and their families need confidential, caring and supportive legal help from lawyers who understand their frustration and concerns regarding DUIs. At Gillis Law Firm, we have handled dozens of car, truck and motorcycle accident cases involving drunk driving. Our ability to provide the legal assistance needed following DUI accident cases is indicated by:

  • Our numerous high-value settlement and jury verdict awards
  • Our long history of referrals from satisfied clients

Have you been injured or have you lost a loved one in a DUI accident? Contact a law firm that has served New Haven, Connecticut, and surrounding areas for more than 35 years. Call Gillis Law Firm at 866-603-9810.

Drunk Driving Accidents Cause Injuries

Drunk driving accidents cause a wide range of injuries because the accidents occur in a wide range of circumstances. Drunk drivers drive the wrong way down the highway, turn into pedestrians, run red lights, fail to signal their turns, cross over lanes of traffic, and take other actions that endanger the lives of others.

And when “it won’t happen to me” turns into “I’m guilty,” the victims are left picking up the pieces from injuries such as:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Back injuries and spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Soft tissue injuries/whiplash
  • Amputations

Our attorneys also represent the families of fatal accident victims who wish to take legal action after the wrongful death of their loved one.

Connecticut Dramshop Laws

Many state legislatures throughout the country, including Connecticut, have responded to the danger posed by drunk drivers by passing dramshop laws. These laws attempt to decrease drunk driving accidents by holding bars and other establishments that serve liquor responsible for serving alcohol to someone who is:

  • Obviously intoxicated
  • Underage
  • Requesting alcohol after hours

If a bar or club negligently served alcohol to the driver who caused your accident, we may be able to pursue compensation from that establishment under Connecticut’s dramshop laws. We have ample experience handling such claims.

Drugged Driving Just As Dangerous As Drunk Driving

By now, everyone is familiar with the dangers of drunk driving. Yet increasingly, drivers are using other mood-altering substances and getting behind the wheel, with equally tragic results.

For example, many drivers in Connecticut consider marijuana to be a safe alternative to driving drunk. Yet it is illegal and dangerous to drive while affected by any impairing substance, including marijuana. It is possible to be criminally prosecuted while driving under the influence of marijuana. Similarly, an impaired driver is treated the same in car accident cases regardless of whether the impairing substance is heroin, marijuana or alcohol.

At Gillis Law Firm, our attorneys are here to ensure that all impaired drivers must pay for the damages, both physical and emotional, that their reckless behavior causes.

Even Legal And Prescription Drugs Cause Accidents

Driving impaired is not limited to illegal substances. It is true that many people need pain medication, for example, and marijuana is legal for certain approved medical conditions. Other prescriptions, including Ambien and other sleep aids, may be necessary for some people to get a good night’s sleep. Yet just because a drug is legal – and even used as directed – does not mean it is safe to drive while taking them.

That is why many prescription medications warn against operating motor vehicles or dangerous machinery while using them, even if taken as directed.

In a car accident case, Connecticut law does not distinguish between legal and illegal mind-altering substances. The point is that a driver is impaired and caused an injury, and is therefore liable for the financial costs of that injury.

Your injuries are just as devastating, whatever drug caused the other driver to injure you. You deserve compensation for that loss.

Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable And Get The Compensation You Need

Motor vehicle accident cases involving impaired driving are tragic in that they could have been prevented. Unfortunately, even though the driver will be charged in the courts, the criminal justice system won’t get you the money you need to pay for your injuries. You must also bring a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance company or the driver him/herself to recover compensation.

That is where we come in. We help clients hold all negligent parties responsible for injuries or for the death of a loved one. We have handled thousands of car accident cases and recovered a combined tens of millions of dollars for injured clients. We will carefully investigate your case and aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation. If the insurance company or driver is unwilling to give you what you deserve under the law, we will bring them to court.

Seeking Punitive Damages

In some cases involving impaired driving, it may also be possible to pursue compensation above and beyond normal compensatory damages. In a normal car accident case, a plaintiff can pursue medical expenses, lost wages and damages for pain and suffering. Because of the serious nature of drunk driving accidents and the high level of negligence on the part of the driver, it may be possible to seek punitive damages in addition to the damages you would normally receive.

Contact Our Firm

Schedule your free consultation with the Gillis Law Firm, or call us today at 866-603-9810. We believe in accessible legal assistance — we offer evening and weekend appointments, employ a Spanish-speaking paralegal and have a “no fee, no recovery” policy. We also offer free parking at our office, which is conveniently located in downtown New Haven.