If you were involved in a crash with a drunk driver, you have the right to take legal action. A Manhattan car accident lawyer can help you file a claim and recover damages.
Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers has won over $100 million for our clients. If you were hit by a drunk driver, a drunk driving accident lawyer in Manhattan can help you obtain compensation for your losses.
How a Manhattan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
A drunk driving accident can cause serious injuries. A Manhattan personal injury lawyer can help with your case while you recover by:
- Investigating the accident: A lawyer can gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence to establish liability.
- Calculating damages: An attorney can evaluate your economic and non-economic damages to determine the value of your claim.
- Negotiating a settlement: A lawyer can handle communications with insurers and pursue a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a settlement can’t be reached, an attorney can file a lawsuit and argue your case before a judge or jury.
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What Types of Damages Can You Recover?
You may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of losses after a crash with an impaired driver, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost income: You can recover wages you missed out on while recovering from the accident.
- Loss of future earnings: You can recover additional compensation if your injuries compromise your ability to earn a living in the future.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You can recover compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the overall impact the crash has had on your quality of life.
- Emotional distress: You can recover damages related to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects of the crash.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can recover additional damages if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, recreational activities, or normal daily routines.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, you can seek punitive damages that are intended to punish particularly reckless conduct from the other party.
A Manhattan drunk driving accident lawyer can help you build a comprehensive claim.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Claim in New York?
Per NY CPLR § 214, you typically have three years from the date of a drunk driving accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed.
Certain car accident claims, such as those involving government entities or wrongful death, may have different filing deadlines. Our Manhattan drunk driving accident lawyers can help make sure you meet your case’s deadline.
Who Is Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
Liability in a drunk driving accident case is not always limited to the impaired driver. Potentially liable parties may include:
- The drunk driver: The impaired motorist is typically the primary party responsible for the injuries and other damages caused by the crash.
- Bars and restaurants: Under New York’s Dram Shop laws, establishments that unlawfully serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals may be held liable if those individuals later cause an accident.
- Social hosts: In certain situations, individuals who provide alcohol to minors may face liability if the minor subsequently causes a crash.
- Vehicle owners: A vehicle owner may share responsibility if they knowingly allow an intoxicated person to operate their vehicle.
- Employers: An employer may be liable when an impaired employee causes an accident while acting within the scope of their employment.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents in Manhattan
Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, coordination, and decision-making abilities. Drivers under the influence may:
- Fail to stop at red lights or stop signs
- Drift between lanes
- Drive the wrong way on one-way streets
- Speed excessively
- Tailgate other vehicles
- Ignore pedestrians in crosswalks
- Make unsafe turns
- Fall asleep behind the wheel
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving collisions often occur at high speeds. Victims can suffer a variety of injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Facial injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Manhattan
Everything you do after a drunk driving accident matters. It’s important to:
- Call law enforcement and file a police report.
- Document the accident scene and your injuries (if possible).
- Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- See a doctor immediately.
- Notify your insurance company, but refrain from discussing fault.
- Keep copies of your medical records and other bills related to the crash.
- Speak to a Manhattan drunk driving victim lawyer as soon as you can.
Consult a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Manhattan
It can take months to recover from a crash with a drunk driver. If you were injured in this type of accident, an experienced Manhattan drunk driving accident attorney from Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers can assist with your claim, deal with insurance companies, and help you obtain a fair settlement.
Book a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
