Drunk Driving Accidents
A motor vehicle accident where you or a family member is injured is a difficult situation to endure. When the accident is caused by another driver – due to inattention, mechanical failure, or some other reason – the pain can be even more acute. And if the other driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, then the injuries can be mixed with anger due to the negligence involved.
That’s why working with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney in the Bronx can bring you the peace of mind you need during this difficult time. The personal injury lawyers at Anthony L. Verrelli, Attorneys at Law, have worked with many Bronx families who have been victimized by drunk drivers and helped them receive compensation for their injuries and losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents In New York
Below, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding drunk driving accidents.
What are the first steps I should take after being hit by a drunk driver?
Your first focus should always be safety and medical care. Even if injuries feel minor, symptoms can appear later. New York treats drunk driving crashes as serious events, both criminally and civilly, so early steps matter.
Important actions include:
- Call 911 and request police and medical help
- Accept medical treatment at the scene if offered
- Confirm that the accident is officially documented
- Avoid arguing or discussing fault with the other driver
If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, roadway and visible injuries. Keep copies of all medical records and discharge papers. These early records often become key pieces of evidence later on.
How is intoxication proven in a personal injury claim?
The police report serves as your primary evidence. When officers suspect impairment, they typically conduct field sobriety tests and chemical testing. If the other driver refused testing, that refusal gets noted and can work in your favor.
Look for these key pieces of documentation:
- Police reports with officer observations of slurred speech, bloodshot eyes or alcohol odor
- Chemical test results showing blood alcohol content
- Witness statements describing erratic driving before the crash
- Toxicology reports from the hospital, if the driver was injured
- Bar or restaurant receipts if they were served before driving
New York takes drunk driving seriously, and prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. Criminal proceedings against the driver create additional evidence you can use.
What types of compensation can I recover after a drunk driving accident injury?
New York allows injured victims to pursue compensation beyond basic no-fault benefits when serious injuries are involved. Drunk driving crashes often meet this threshold due to their violent nature.
Compensation may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain, physical limits and daily disruption
- Property damage related to the crash
If the drunk driver acted with extreme recklessness, punitive damages may also be considered. However, every case depends on the facts, the injuries and the available evidence. But most importantly, remember, these claims are not simple and must be handled carefully under New York law.
Don’t Rely On The Courts For Satisfaction
It is true that someone responsible for a drunk driving accident may be convicted or plead guilty to one or more serious offenses: driving while intoxicated – better known as DUI – reckless endangerment, or vehicular homicide, for example. However, these criminal convictions are separate from any civil action that an injured person might bring against them.
We will aggressively protect your rights and take on the insurance companies on your behalf when you or a family member has been hurt.
We are eager to speak with you about your case. Please call us for a free, no-risk consultation today at 929-523-0869, or fill out and email us your information.