In Queens, the impact of drunk driving accidents is devastating and far-reaching. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers specialize in representing victims of drunk driving accidents in Queens.
Car accidents happen every day, but if you are in a drunk driving car accident, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Then, contact our car accident lawyer to discuss your case. Our drunk driving accident lawyers can work with the insurance company and pursue the other driver to assist you in recovering compensation for your medical bills and property damage. Contact our car accident attorney to schedule a free consultation.
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You Deserve an Experienced and Dedicated Queens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer To Review Your Case
At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have a team of experienced and dedicated lawyers specializing in drunk-driving motor vehicle accidents in Queens. We acknowledge the physical, emotional, and financial toll of these crashes. Our car accident attorneys are dedicated to offering you the highest legal representation and personalized attention.
We take the time to thoroughly review your motor vehicle accident case, exploring every angle to build a strong claim. Our goal is to ensure you receive total compensation for your injuries and losses. Our experienced car accident attorney will pursue the negligent driver on your behalf. If you have suffered a serious injury, call us.
Queens Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Drunk driving car accidents in Queens are alarmingly frequent and often result in severe consequences. These accidents not only endanger the lives of drivers and passengers but also pose a significant risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
A few key stats about drunk driving in New York include:
- Drunk drivers are responsible for more than 17,000 deaths every year;
- About 30% of all crashes in New York are tied to alcohol;
- 16% of drivers at night have drugs in their system; and
- Someone is injured by a drunk driver every two minutes.
For these reasons, drunk driving must be taken seriously.
Overview of Relevant Laws and Regulations in Queens
Like the rest of New York, Queens has strict laws and regulations regarding drunk driving. These laws are designed to deter impaired driving and hold offenders accountable. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in New York is 0.08%, and surpassing this limit can lead to severe legal consequences.
Drunk drivers can face civil lawsuits for any harm they cause. Victims of drunk driving accidents in Queens can seek compensation for their injuries. Our law firm is well-versed in these laws and regulations, ensuring that we hold the responsible parties fully accountable.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol impairs a driver's judgment, making it difficult to make safe decisions.
- Reduced Reaction Time: Drunk drivers have a slower reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Poor Coordination: Alcohol affects coordination, which is essential for operating a vehicle safely.
- Risk-Taking Behavior: Alcohol consumption often leads to risk-taking behavior, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals.
- Visual Impairment: Alcohol can blur or cause double vision, impacting a driver's ability to see clearly.
Common Injuries Suffered by Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries are common in drunk driving accidents. These injuries can vary from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Victims may experience long-term cognitive and physical impairments, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are a frequent result of the force and impact of drunk driving accidents. These injuries could demand surgery and long-term physical therapy. They can also result in temporary or permanent disability, affecting the victim's ability to work and perform daily activities.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs, are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries can have lasting effects and require prolonged medical treatment and care. The severity of internal injuries can also trigger numerous financial bills.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries from drunk driving accidents can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are life-altering, often requiring lifelong medical care and assistance.
Death
Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents can lead to a wrongful death. The loss of a loved one in such a senseless and preventable manner is devastating. Families left behind face not only emotional anguish but also financial hardships, mainly if the deceased was a primary breadwinner.
Legal Consequences for Queens Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents in Queens carry serious legal consequences. Drivers proven guilty of driving under the influence face criminal charges, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. These penalties are designed to punish the offender and deter others from drunk driving.
Victims of drunk driving crashes have the right to pursue civil action. This allows them to seek compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses. Our legal team at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers focuses on ensuring that these victims receive justice and fair compensation for their hardships.
What To Do if You're a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident in Queens
- Contact 911 promptly to report the crash and request medical assistance.
- Ensure you get a medical evaluation, even if you think you're not seriously injured.
- Document the crash site with photos and notes.
- Gather contact and insurance information from the driver and any witnesses.
- Don't discuss fault or make detailed statements until you have legal representation.
- Contact a qualified Queens drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
- Save records of all medical treatments, invoices, and any lost wages due to the accident.
Legal Process for Queens Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Filing a lawsuit and initiating legal proceedings
This first step initiates formal legal proceedings, signaling the seriousness of your claim. Our team at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers handles all aspects of the filing process, ensuring that every legal requirement is met.
Discovery phase and evidence gathering
During the discovery phase, both sides exchange information and evidence. This stage is crucial for gathering the facts and building a solid case. We meticulously collect and analyze evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
Negotiations with insurance companies
Negotiating with insurance providers is a critical part of the process. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who advocate for your best interests. We work to secure a fair settlement that adequately covers all your damages and losses.
Potential trial proceedings and court appearances
The case may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our experienced trial lawyers stand ready to defend you in legal proceedings. We present your case compellingly, aiming to achieve a favorable verdict.
Responsible Parties for Drunk Driving Accidents in Queens
The Driver
The driver who caused the crash due to being under the influence of alcohol is primarily responsible. They face both criminal charges and civil liability for the harm caused. Holding the driver accountable is crucial in seeking justice and compensation for the victim.
Drunk drivers must face the consequences of their actions. Our legal team ensures that these drivers are held responsible in civil court. We seek compensation for our clients.
The Drunk Driver's Employer
In cases where the intoxicated driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes, their employer might also be liable. This is particularly true if the employer was negligent in supervising the employee or failed to enforce safe driving policies.
Our lawyers investigate whether employer negligence contributed to the accident. We determine whether any hiring practices, supervision, or safety protocol lapses contributed to the incident. Holding employers accountable can be vital to securing total compensation for our clients.
The Store, Bar, or Restaurant Who Sold Alcohol to the Drunk Driver
Establishments that sell alcohol have a responsibility not to serve intoxicated individuals. If a bar, restaurant, or store overserved the driver, they might be liable under New York's Dram Shop laws. These laws aim to prevent alcohol-related accidents by holding sellers accountable.
We examine the role of alcohol sellers in contributing to the accident. If they irresponsibly served the driver, we pursue legal action against them. This helps secure compensation and enforce responsible alcohol service practices.
Social Host That Provided Alcohol to a Non-Related Minor
Hosts who provide alcohol to minors can be held liable for accidents caused by those minors. This is especially true if the minor was not a family member. New York law recognizes the role of social hosts in preventing underage drinking and drunk driving.
Our team investigates the involvement of social hosts in the accident. If a host provided alcohol to a minor who then caused an accident, we pursue legal action against them. Holding these hosts accountable is essential for the safety of our community and for providing justice to the victims.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Strategies for Negotiating With Insurance Providers
Negotiating with insurance providers requires skill and experience. Our attorneys know how to communicate with insurers to protect our clients' interests effectively. We use our knowledge of insurance laws and policies to advocate for fair compensation.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters often use tactics to minimize payouts. They might downplay the severity of injuries or dispute liability. Our lawyers know these tactics and counter them with solid evidence and legal arguments.
Maximizing Compensation for Clients
Our chief goal is to maximize compensation for our clients. We consider all aspects of the case, including current and future medical bills, lost pay, and emotional distress. Our thorough approach ensures that our clients receive the comprehensive compensation they deserve.
Queens Statute of Limitations on Drunk Driving Accidents
The statute of limitations in New York for personal injury claims is usually three years from the date of the crash. It would help if you met with an attorney as soon as possible. This ensures your lawsuit is filed within this timeframe. Our team at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers guides you through this process, ensuring all legal deadlines are met.
Types of Damages and Compensation You Can Recover
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Queens may be eligible for various types of compensation. This compensation covers the wide range of damages that result from such accidents.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include tangible losses like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are quantifiable and cover the direct financial impact of the accident. We meticulously document all economic losses to ensure you receive total compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the intangible impacts of the accident. This includes pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment. These damages are more subjective but are crucial in understanding the full extent of the harm caused.
Punitive Damages
In some instances, punitive damages can be granted. The purpose of these damages is to punish the offender for particularly outrageous behavior.
How Our Queens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Legal consultation and case evaluation
We offer a comprehensive legal consultation and case evaluation for victims of drunk driving accidents in Queens. During this consultation, we'll discuss the particulars of your case and give you an honest evaluation of your legal options.
Investigation and evidence gathering
Our law firm completes a comprehensive investigation into the accident. We gather all relevant evidence, including police documents, witness testimony, and electronic medical records.
Negotiation and settlement expertise
Our lawyers possess extensive experience in negotiating settlements with insurance companies. We use our expertise to ensure that any settlement offer adequately covers all your damages and losses.
Trial representation, if necessary
We are prepared to represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our experienced trial lawyers present a compelling case, and we will ensure the judge and jury understand the harm you've suffered.
Contact Our Queens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today!
If you or someone close to you has suffered from a drunk driving incident in Queens, don't hesitate to seek legal help. Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers are here to support you during this challenging time.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process.
