Manhattan Drunk Driving Accident Attorney: Get Justice and Compensation

Were you or a loved one injured by a drunk driver in Manhattan?

A drunk driving accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. At Veridian Legal, our compassionate and experienced Manhattan drunk driving accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims like you seek justice and get the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens these accidents cause, and we're here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving in Manhattan

Drunk driving is a reckless act with tragic consequences. Despite strict laws and public awareness campaigns, it continues to plague our streets. In New York State, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher is illegal. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is unacceptable.

According to the New York State Police, there is also an injury every 2 minutes associated with drunk driving. These statistics highlight the urgent need for strong legal representation for victims of drunk driving accidents in Manhattan.

New York’s Drunk Driving Laws Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

In New York State, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of.08% or higher. This is known as Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

Other Drunk Driving Offenses

• Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI): A driver can be charged with DWAI if their BAC is between.05% and.07%. This means their ability to drive is impaired by alcohol, even if they are not legally intoxicated.

• Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated: This charge applies if a driver's BAC is.18% or higher. It carries harsher penalties than a regular DWI.

• Zero Tolerance Law: Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol in their system is illegal.

Penalties for Drunk Driving

If convicted of drunk driving, a driver can face a range of penalties, including:

• Fines

• License suspension or revocation

• Jail time

• Ignition interlock device installation

• Alcohol treatment programs

These penalties increase in severity for repeat offenders or those who cause accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities.

Types of Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

• Spinal cord injuries

• Broken bones and fractures

• Internal injuries

• Wrongful death

Our attorneys understand the profound impact these injuries can have on your life. We'll work with medical professionals and other experts to ensure you receive the best possible care and that your claim reflects the full extent of your damages.

Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Losses

We'll fight to recover compensation for all your losses, including:

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs related to your injuries.

• Lost wages: Income lost due to your inability to work.

• Loss of earning capacity: Compensation for diminished future earning potential.

• Pain and suffering: For the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.

• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.

• Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the drunk driver and deter similar conduct in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Manhattan

• What if the drunk driver who hit me didn't have insurance?

  Even if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options to recover compensation. We can explore other avenues, such as your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or filing a claim against other responsible parties.

• Can I sue the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?

  Yes, in some cases, you may be able to file a claim against a bar or restaurant that overserved the drunk driver under New York's Dram Shop Law. We can investigate whether the establishment acted negligently in serving alcohol to the driver.

• How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident?

  In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions, so it's crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

• What should I do if I'm contacted by the insurance company?

  It's important to be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters. They may try to get you to make statements that could harm your case. It's best to consult with an attorney before speaking to the insurance company.

• How much is my case worth?

  The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, and the strength of the evidence. We'll work with experts to accurately assess your damages and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

• What are the penalties for drunk driving in New York?

  Penalties for drunk driving in New York can include fines, license suspension, jail time, and mandatory alcohol treatment programs. The severity of the penalties increases for repeat offenders or those who cause accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities.

• How can a lawyer help me prove the other driver was drunk?

  Our attorneys can gather evidence to prove the other driver's intoxication, such as police reports, blood alcohol tests, witness statements, and any available video footage.

• What if I was also drinking at the time of the accident?

  Even if you were drinking, you may still be able to recover compensation if the other driver was more at fault for the accident. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Why Choose Veridian Legal?

When you're facing the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, you need a legal team you can trust. Here's why Veridian Legal is the right choice for you:

• Experience: We have a proven track record of success in handling drunk driving accident cases in Manhattan.

• Dedication: We are dedicated to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to each and every client.

• Resources: We have the resources and expertise to take on even the most complex cases.

• Compassion: We understand the challenges you're facing, and we're here to provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.

• No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.

How Our Manhattan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help

After a drunk driving accident, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering. Our dedicated legal team at Veridian Legal is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for your rights. We will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation: We'll gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any other relevant evidence to build a strong case.

• Determine liability: We'll identify all responsible parties, including the drunk driver, bars or restaurants that may have overserved the driver (dram shop laws), and any other negligent parties.

• Calculate your damages: We'll work with experts to accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.   

• Negotiate with insurance companies: We'll handle all communication with insurance adjusters and aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement.

• Litigate your case: If necessary, we'll take your case to court and fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Don't Wait to Seek Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Manhattan, it's crucial to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear, and witness memories can fade.

Contact Veridian Legal today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Call us now at (212) 706-1007 or fill out our online contact form to get started.