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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving accidents resulted in over 11,000 fatalities in 2023. Alcohol impairs muscle coordination, critical thinking, and reasoning, all essential for safely operating a vehicle.
This is why driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
In densely populated areas like the Bronx, the risk of encountering a drunk driver increases. These drivers pose a significant threat on the road, often leading to severe accidents and tragic outcomes.
Our team of experienced Bronx car accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has witnessed the devastating impact of such incidents. If you’ve been affected by a drunk driving accident, we’re here to assist you in seeking justice.
Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm today to speak with our specialized Bronx personal injury lawyers. We will analyze your case to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
How Our Bronx Car Accident Attorneys Can Help?
If you’ve been a victim of a drunk driving accident, having the expertise of a Bronx car accident attorney can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining comprehensive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This includes coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, emotional distress, and other potential losses.
While it is possible to represent yourself in a lawsuit against a negligent driver, partnering with our skilled attorney can significantly improve your likelihood of securing a whole and just settlement. Our attorney will significantly reduce your stress by handling every aspect of your case, from dealing with court files and proceedings to talking with opposing counsel and insurance companies.
While our lawyer works to establish a strong case on your side, you may concentrate on getting better. If your loved one was involved in the accident, you could focus your efforts on their rehabilitation and assistance. Our experienced attorney will put in a lot of effort to make sure you get paid for personal injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, punitive damages, emotional stress, and any required ongoing care.
If the insurance company resists a fair settlement, our attorney will take your case to trial, asserting the opposing party’s liability and advocating for your rightful compensation.
Additionally, our attorney will provide crucial guidance on immediate steps to take following the accident, such as securing a police report, obtaining medical documentation, gathering photographic evidence from the scene, and collecting witness statements. We can also advise on holding other parties accountable, including the vehicle’s owner, the driver’s employer, the vehicle manufacturer, and even the establishment serving alcohol to the driver.
Moreover, our experienced car accident attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies may use to minimize their payouts and can counter these effectively. Our lawyer also ensures that you present a professional and prepared image should your case proceed to trial, potentially influencing jury perception in your favor.
Get Personalized Legal Support From Our Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm
After a drunk driving accident in the Bronx, you’ll be dealing with the consequences and the need to file an injury claim against the other driver’s insurance. Remembering that insurance companies often aim to minimize what they pay out for claims is essential.
In these situations, getting the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney can be quite beneficial. Our mission at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is to assist anyone injured in drunk driving accidents in getting the treatment and compensation they are entitled to.
A dedicated lawyer can assist you through the following steps:
- Medical Support: Ensuring you receive the necessary medical treatment for your injuries.
- Accident Investigation: Conducting thorough investigations to establish the other party’s liability.
- Evidence Collection: Compiling evidence that accurately reflects the extent of your damages and losses.
- Claim Valuation: Accurately determining the worth of your claim to ensure total compensation.
- Negotiation: Handling negotiations with the insurance company to advocate for your best interests.
- Legal Action: Initiating a lawsuit if negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement.
- Court Representation: Representing you in court to fight for your rights and entitlements.
To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today at our website. We’re here to help you in the legal process with expertise and care.
What Is the Process After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Having a drunk driving accident can be frightening, but understanding what measures to take next is essential for your health and future legal claims.
- Prioritize Safety: Immediately ensure your and others’ safety. Move to a secure location and activate your vehicle’s hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Seek Medical Help: Assess for injuries and call for medical assistance. Prioritizing health and obtaining a medical report can be crucial for insurance and legal purposes.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Notify the police to have them come to the scene. Their report is essential for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.
- Document the Scene: Capture photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any injuries. These can serve as important evidence later.
- Collect Witness Information: If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Witness accounts can corroborate your narrative.
- Exchange Contact Information: Swap contact details, insurance information, and vehicle specifics with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault or liability.
- Limit Discussion About the Accident: Avoid admitting fault or discussing details of the accident with the other party, as these statements could impact your claim or legal case.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Inform your insurer about the incident, sticking to the facts and without admitting fault.
- Keep All Relevant Documents: Store all pertinent documents, such as the police report, medical records, and any communication with your insurance company.
- Consult a Qualified Attorney: Consider speaking with a lawyer specializing in drunk driving cases in the Bronx. They can provide legal guidance and help protect your rights.
What Damages You May Recover After a Bronx Car Crash?
When you’re involved in a car accident in the Bronx caused by another party’s negligence, you have the right to be compensated for all your losses—not just your financial ones. This concept of being “made whole” includes recovering from emotional and physical impacts, often as significant as monetary damages.
In legal terms, these recoverable losses are known as compensable damages, divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent direct monetary losses, such as:
- Lost income and employee benefits
- Diminished vehicle value
- Rental car expenses
- Higher auto insurance premiums
- The gap between your vehicle’s remaining loan balance and its post-accident value
- Future earning capacity losses
- Medical expenses, including prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs
- Costs related to medical devices and necessary equipment
- Expenses for home modifications due to injuries
- Transportation costs and medical co-pays
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address the broader impacts of an accident on your life, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
- Loss of love, support, and an intimate relationship with a spouse
- Physical pain and suffering
- Inconvenience, embarrassment, and indignity
- Reputational damage
- Disfigurement and scarring
Furthermore, if the defendant’s actions were especially reckless or malicious, like a history of DUIs, you might also be eligible for punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate for a loss but to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
An experienced Bronx personal injury attorney can be important in evaluating the full extent of your damages and ensuring your compensation claim or lawsuit reflects the true impact of the accident on your life.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect After a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a drunk driving accident, compensation generally depends on the insurance coverage of the involved parties and the extent of your damages. Due to the no-fault insurance law in New York, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage initially handles your medical expenses and lost wages up to its limit.
Beyond PIP, you may pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance, especially if your damages exceed your PIP limits.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of compensation you might expect:
- Medical Expenses: You should claim all medical costs related to the accident—from emergency services like ambulance rides and ER visits to long-term needs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any necessary medical equipment or home modifications for disabilities caused by the accident.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This includes the income you’ve lost and may also extend to cover the period you’re expected to be out of work.
- Lost Earning Potential: If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from returning to your previous job or a similar-paying job, you can claim compensation for lost earning capacity. This considers the future earnings you will miss due to your new physical or cognitive limitations.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the accident. It covers the impact on your lifestyle, including limitations on activities you enjoyed before the accident and an overall decrease in quality of life.
To ensure you receive fair compensation, it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney who can help determine your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent your interests in court.
New York Dram Shop Laws
In New York, laws known as Dram Shop and Social Host Liability hold establishments and individuals accountable for providing alcohol to someone who subsequently causes harm due to intoxication.
Dram Shop Liability applies to businesses like bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. These establishments can be held legally responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or underage, and that individual goes on to cause an accident or injury.
Governed by Section 11-100 of the New York General Obligations Law, the criteria for dram shop liability include:
- The establishment sold or provided alcohol to the person causing harm.
- The establishment knowingly served someone who was visibly intoxicated or not of legal drinking age.
- The provided alcohol was a direct cause of injuries or damages.
Social Host Liability extends to private individuals who serve alcohol in their homes or at events. Unlike dram shop liability, social host liability must be demonstrated to establish liability in detailed statutes. To establish liability, the following must be demonstrated:
- The host served alcohol to the person who caused harm.
- The host knew, or should have known, that the guest was intoxicated or underage.
- The alcohol served was a direct cause of the injuries or damages incurred.
These laws are intended to encourage responsible serving practices and reduce alcohol-related harm by holding providers of alcohol legally accountable.
How Much Will a Lawyer Cost You for a Drunk Driving Case?
Hiring a skilled and knowledgeable drunk driving accident injury attorney in the Bronx typically requires no upfront payment. These lawyers generally work on a contingency basis, meaning they are compensated with a percentage of the settlement or award they secure for their clients.
This arrangement avoids hourly billing and upfront fees, aligning the attorney’s goal with the client’s—to obtain the maximum possible compensation for the injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been severely injured in a drunk driving accident in the Bronx, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance immediately to safeguard your rights. Contact a reputable firm like the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for a free, confidential, no-obligation case evaluation.
Reach Out to a Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in an automobile accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, get in touch with a Bronx car accident attorney right once.
Our Bronx personal injury law firm has a track record of providing careful attention and achieving outcomes. We work hard to obtain you the cash you deserve, and there is no fee unless you win.
We know that being struck by a drunk driver is a harrowing experience that no one should have to endure. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our experienced Bronx personal injury attorneys are prepared to discuss your case and explore how we can assist you in maximizing your accident settlement or lawsuit.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (516) 689-1132. You can call the number displayed on your screen or use our contact form to send an email. All initial consultations are complimentary.
Discover your legal options and protect your right to compensation by partnering with our experienced team.