Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Enfield
Over 45 Years of Experience for Enfield Drunk Driving Victims
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 32 people in the United States die every day in drunk driving collisions, or approximately one person every 44 minutes. While not every drunk driving accident is fatal, the aftermath can be catastrophic. Someone made the choice to get behind the wheel after drinking, and in an instant, your health, job, and family life can be turned upside down. If this happened to you in Enfield, you don’t have to face the consequences alone.
At David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC, we draw on more than 45 years of personal injury practice to guide people hurt by impaired drivers. Our firm has handled over 3,000 cases for the wrongfully injured and recovered over $10 million for our clients. We prepare every case for trial, so insurers know we won’t simply accept a low offer.
Your civil injury claim is separate from any criminal case the state may bring against the driver.
We offer free consultations, 24/7 support, and contingency fees, which means you don’t pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you under the applicable fee agreement. You can call us at any time to find out how the law applies to your situation and what steps can help protect your future.
Don’t handle your case alone. Let our drunk driving accident lawyer in Enfield, CT, investigate your situation. Schedule a free consultation by dialing (860) 528-4567.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash
Your first priorities after a collision are safety, medical care, and preserving evidence.
Steps to follow after a drunk driving accident include:
- Move to a safe location and call 911: You should get to a safe area if possible and report the crash so emergency responders can assist.
- Seek medical care: Get evaluated as soon as possible, even if injuries don’t seem serious at first. Some injuries develop or worsen over hours or days.
- Exchange information: Collect names, insurance details, and contact information from all involved parties. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries when it is safe to do so.
- Obtain the police report: Request a copy of the official report for your records and potential claim.
- Be careful with insurer communications: Report the collision to your insurer promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any release before you understand what you’re agreeing to.
- Consult a drunk driving accident attorney in Enfield: Speaking with a lawyer early can help you identify potential claims, understand evidence needs, and clarify deadlines that may apply.
Our firm can manage communications with insurers, help you document medical expenses and missed work, and advise you about each offer. Early involvement also gives us more time to preserve evidence while you focus on healing.
Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident in Enfield
Many people are unsure what their claim may be worth after being hit by an impaired driver. The law doesn’t offer a simple chart or formula, but there are common categories of compensation we evaluate in every case.
These typically include:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Connecticut law may also permit double or treble damages under General Statutes § 14-295 when specific statutory requirements are met. These requirements include proof that the driver deliberately or with reckless disregard violated one of the traffic statutes listed in the law and that the violation substantially caused the crash. Enhanced damages aren’t automatic and depend on the facts of the case. An arrest, charge, or conviction alone doesn’t guarantee that enhanced damages will be awarded.
If a drunk driving crash results in a fatality, eligible survivors may pursue a wrongful death claim for losses recognized under Connecticut law, including loss of financial support and other related damages. Our attorneys are available around the clock to explain what compensation may be available based on the circumstances.
Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident in Enfield? Call Us
What sets our representation apart:
- Decades of experience: Our firm has represented injured individuals since 1978 and has handled more than 3,000 cases.
- Trial readiness: We prepare every case for trial. When an insurer disputes fault, injury severity, or the value of your losses, that preparation matters.
- 24/7 availability: You can reach out at any time, including weekends and holidays, for support and guidance.
- Personalized guidance: We explain how liability, medical evidence, lost income, property damage, and insurer communications may affect your case.
- Contingency fee structure: Legal fees are only collected if compensation is recovered in your case, under the terms of the applicable fee agreement.
Contact us online to discuss your case with our Enfield drunk driving accident attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Other Driver Was Drunk?
You aren’t required to hire a lawyer, but it’s often helpful. Even when fault seems clear, insurers may dispute the extent of your injuries or the value of your losses. We can handle insurer negotiations and evaluate whether an offer accounts for your documented losses, so you’re not pressured into an unfair settlement. A free consultation can also help you identify potential claims, evidence to preserve, and deadlines that may affect your case.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Your Firm?
We offer free consultations, and contingency fees are available. That means you don’t pay legal fees upfront, and our fee is collected as a percentage of the recovery if we obtain compensation for you. We can explain the fee agreement in detail during your free consultation so you can understand the applicable terms.
Will the Criminal DUI Case Affect My Injury Claim?
The criminal prosecution is brought by the state, while your civil claim seeks compensation for your injuries and losses. They are separate proceedings. A criminal conviction or plea can sometimes provide relevant evidence in the civil case, but it doesn’t establish every element of a civil claim or guarantee compensation. We review available police and court records to assess how they may affect liability in your civil claim.
How Long Will My Drunk Driving Case Take?
Timeframes depend on factors like injury severity, the length of medical treatment, disputed liability, and how willing the insurer is to negotiate fairly. Some claims resolve through negotiation in a matter of months, while others require filing suit and going through discovery, which takes longer. We prepare for trial from the start and update you regularly about important developments.
Why You Can Always Count on Us
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Free Initial Case Evaluations
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Over 3,000 Cases Successfully Handled
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40+ Years of Legal Experience
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You Don't Pay Unless We Win!
At David A. Zipfel & Associates, LLC, I personally handle each case and can provide the experience and knowledge necessary to build a strong case.
I have been in practice for over 40 years, so you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands should you choose to retain me as your Hartford car wreck lawyer. Learn more by calling one of my two convenient offices in the Hartford area today to speak with an attorney about your case.
Talk to a Drunk Driving Lawyer About Your Next Steps
If a drunk driver has turned your life upside down, you deserve clear answers and a focused plan. Speaking with our Enfield drunk driving accident lawyers can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes that could reduce your recovery.
Call (860) 528-4567 now to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to investigate the collision and explain your options.
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"They will go the extra mile."They will go the extra mile for you and your family on what ever legal situation you bring them. Call them for a consultation today.- Catherine T.
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"I will refer anyone I can to him."I watched Dave take on the insurance company and aggressively pursue and protect all my interests.- Jeffrey J.
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"He is a talented and skillful lawyer."Attorney Dave Zipfel is a super lawyer and I would refer him to any person of color. He is a talented and skillful lawyer.- Ronald J.
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"A real top shelf firm."I have used David A. Zipfel & Associates many times over the years and every time their service was very informative, they took care of details, and your procedures were right on point. A real top shelf firm.- Marc O.
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"Professional, polite, and very considerate of my needs."I would highly recommend the law office to friends and family. 5 stars!- Patricia N.
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"They are honest, straightforward people."They are honest, straightforward people who put in the extra effort to make sure their clients get satisfactory results.- Paul A.
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"They are extremely good at what they do."Thank you so much and will recommend this firm to family and friends should the need be. Five stars!- Former Client
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"very knowledgeable and easy to work with."They settled my case even when I thought things were looking bleak but they kept me informed and did everything in their power to have the case be resolved in my favor! Thank you!- Deja V.