You’re cruising down the Staten Island Expressway, the radio playing your favorite song, windows down, enjoying the fresh air. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another car swerves across the lanes and crashes into yours.
Your world is turned upside down in a flash; you’re hurt, scared, and confused. Maybe you’re wondering, “What happened?” or “Why me?”
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a drunk driving accident on Staten Island, you’re not alone. Sadly, drunk driving is a serious problem on Staten Island roads, including busy highways like the West Shore Expressway, Richmond Parkway, and the Staten Island Expressway.
Statistics show that around 1.4% of people admit to driving after drinking too much, but that number might not tell the whole story. Many people who drink and drive might be afraid to admit it.
The consequences of drunk driving accidents are devastating. Over 160 alcohol-related car crashes occur on Staten Island each year.
These accidents cause more than just crumpled metal and broken glass. Tragically, they can take lives.
In recent years, drunk driving accidents have claimed the lives of innocent people on Staten Island, leaving families and communities heartbroken. Even if there’s no fatality, drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries that require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages.
The emotional toll can be just as severe, leaving victims with anxiety, fear, and PTSD.
Here at the CEO Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial hardship a drunk driving accident can cause. We believe drunk drivers should be held accountable – not just in court but also for the financial burdens they inflict on their victims.
Our experienced Staten Island personal injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents recover the compensation they deserve from all responsible parties.
We know that dealing with a car accident, especially one caused by a drunk driver, can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the legal process every step of the way.
Our team of compassionate and skilled Staten Island personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident on Staten Island, don’t hesitate to contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. We’re here to stand up for you and your rights.
Call us today at (516) 689-1132 or reach out to us online for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story and answer all your questions.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Staten Island Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
Drunk driving is a national epidemic with devastating consequences. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm understands the heartbreak and hardship caused by drunk driving accidents.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver on Staten Island, you deserve justice and compensation.
The Staggering Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
The statistics on drunk driving are alarming. Millions of people admit to driving under the influence each year, and countless accidents are a direct result. These accidents cause:
- Over 10,000 deaths annually nationwide.
- Nearly 300,000 serious injuries occur every year.
- Financial costs exceed $130 billion in medical expenses, damages, and other losses.
Beyond the numbers, there’s a human cost. Drunk driving accidents shatter lives, leaving families to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one or the overwhelming burden of serious injuries.
The emotional toll can be immense, causing grief, anxiety, and PTSD.
The Role of a Staten Island Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Drunk driving accident cases can be complex. Our experienced Staten Island personal injury attorneys will work tirelessly to:
- Investigate the accident scene thoroughly.
- Gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
- Hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions.
- Explore all avenues for compensation, including pursuing claims against the bar or establishment that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver.
New York’s Dram Shop Act
New York’s Dram Shop Act allows victims of drunk driving accidents to hold establishments that serve alcohol liable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. Our knowledgeable attorneys will investigate this possibility and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardship caused by drunk driving accidents. We believe drunk drivers should be held accountable for their actions.
Our compassionate and skilled legal team is dedicated to helping victims on Staten Island recover the compensation they deserve.
Legal Liability for Staten Island Drunk Driving Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident on Staten Island, the legal system offers options to hold those responsible accountable. Our experienced car accident lawyers will fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
This compensation can come from several parties who might share legal liability for the accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- The Drunk Driver: In most cases, the drunk driver will be found liable for any damages caused by the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
- The Drunk Driver’s Employer: Under New York law, employers can be held liable for accidents caused by their employees while on the job. If the drunk driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might share liability.
- Bars or Restaurants that Serve Alcohol: New York’s Dram Shop Law allows victims to sue bars or restaurants that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who then cause accidents. This law is especially important because it holds establishments accountable for over-serving alcohol.
- Those Who Provide Alcohol to Minors: Similarly, anyone who provides alcohol to a minor who then causes a drunk driving accident can be held liable for the damages. In New York, the legal limit for minors is a BAC of just 0.02%.
Finding All Responsible Parties
Our team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm will go beyond the obvious and investigate all parties who might share liability for the accident. This could include:
- Other Drivers Involved: If other drivers’ actions contributed to the accident, they might also be held liable.
- Car Manufacturers: If a defective car part played a role in the accident, the manufacturer could be liable. You can find information on car recalls through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Local and State Governments: Poor road design or maintenance can sometimes contribute to accidents. In these cases, government agencies might share responsibility.
By thoroughly investigating all potential sources of liability, we can maximize your chances of recovering full compensation for your injuries.
Drunk Driving and the Law in New York
In New York, driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a crime. A person is considered DUI if:
- Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (21 years old or older)
- Their BAC is 0.02% or higher (under 21 years old)
- They are impaired by alcohol, regardless of BAC
Drunk Driving Causes Serious Injuries
Drunk drivers often drive recklessly, putting everyone on the road at risk. These accidents can result in severe injuries, such as:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries can be life-threatening and cause lasting impairments.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in car accidents and can take months to heal.
- Chest Contusions: These bruises can damage internal organs and require hospitalization.
- Neck Injuries: Neck injuries can cause pain, numbness, and even paralysis.
- Back Injuries: Back injuries can be debilitating and limit mobility.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent paralysis or loss of sensation.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, here’s what to do:
- Call 911: If anyone is injured, get medical attention immediately.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, insurance information, and contact details of all involved drivers.
- Report Intoxication: Tell the responding officer if you suspect the other driver is drunk.
- Gather Evidence: Take pictures of the scene, damage to vehicles, and any injuries. Get witness statements if possible.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor to ensure there are no hidden injuries.
- Contact a Lawyer: Don’t speak to insurance companies or discuss fault with anyone until you speak with a lawyer. An experienced Staten Island personal injury attorney can protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’re committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and helping victims recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Obtaining Compensation for a Drunk Driving Accident
Being injured in a drunk driving accident shouldn’t leave you facing a mountain of medical bills and lost wages. We help victims recover the full compensation they deserve for all their losses.
This compensation can cover both financial and non-financial damages.
Recoverable Damages in Drunk Driving Accidents
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight to recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Bills: This includes all past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injuries. This covers everything from ambulance rides and emergency room visits to doctor appointments, physical therapy, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Property Damage: The drunk driver is responsible for repairing or replacing your vehicle if it’s totaled in the accident. This can also include damage to other personal property, such as your phone, glasses, or clothing.
- Lost Wages or Self-Employment Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you deserve compensation for lost wages. This includes salary, hourly wages, commissions, bonuses, and tips. We can also help self-employed individuals recover lost income due to their injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Drunk driving accidents can cause immense physical and emotional pain and suffering. This includes pain from your injuries, as well as emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, drunk drivers may be liable for punitive damages. These are intended to punish the driver for their outrageous and reckless conduct and deter others from drunk driving.
Staten Island Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
Being the victim of a drunk driving accident can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. This FAQs section is designed to answer some of the most common questions our clients ask.
If you don’t see your question addressed here, don’t hesitate to contact our Staten Island personal injury law firm for a free consultation.
What should I do after a drunk driving accident?
- Call 911: If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical attention.
- Gather Information: Exchange contact information with all involved drivers, including names, insurance details, and license plate numbers.
- Report Intoxication: Tell the responding officer if you suspect the other driver is drunk.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor to rule out any hidden injuries.
- Contact a Lawyer: Don’t speak to insurance companies or discuss fault with anyone until you speak with a lawyer.
How much is my case worth?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, lost wages, medical bills, and other factors.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and provide a more accurate estimate.
Do I need a lawyer for a drunk driving accident case?
Drunk driving accident cases can be complex. An experienced lawyer can handle the legal legwork, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?
There may still be options for recovering compensation. An attorney can explore all avenues, such as pursuing a claim against the bar or establishment that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver or seeking compensation under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in New York?
The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in New York is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines.
Contact the Staten Island Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident on Staten Island, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help. Our compassionate and skilled team of attorneys will fight tirelessly to hold the drunk driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Call Now for a Free Consultation
Contact the CEO Lawyer, Ali Awad, today for a free consultation. Ali is the founder and managing attorney of one of the fastest-growing law firms in the United States.
With a social media following of over one million, Ali is a trusted source for personal injury advice. The CEO Lawyer’s team of experienced attorneys has handled cases just like yours and boasts a success rate of over 99.5%.
Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. (516) 689-1132 or reach out to us online.
