New York City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in New York City

Tragically, alcohol-related crashes remain far too common on New York City streets. In 2022, one-third of traffic fatalities statewide involved a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the .08 legal limit — a staggering 45% increase compared to 2019. These heartbreaking statistics reflect shattered families, derailed futures, and profound physical and emotional pain that often lasts a lifetime.

The Effects of Alcohol on Drivers

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a dangerous and reckless act that puts everyone on the road at risk. Even small amounts of alcohol can significantly impair a driver's abilities, as shown by:

• Slowed reaction times: Alcohol impairs the brain's ability to process information and respond quickly, making it difficult to react to unexpected situations.
• Impaired coordination: Alcohol affects balance and coordination, making it difficult to control a vehicle smoothly.
• Poor judgment: Alcohol clouds judgment and decision-making, leading to risky behaviors such as speeding and running red lights.

New York's Drunk Driving Laws

New York lawmakers and law enforcement agencies have adopted a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy for defining and punishing drunk driving offenses:

Types of Drunk Driving Accidents We Handle in New York

Our battle-tested New York City drunk driving accident attorneys leverage decades of experience to assist clients who have suffered life-altering harm in a wide range of alcohol-related crashes, such as:

• Head-on collisions caused by intoxicated drivers traveling the wrong way down one-way streets, entering highway exit ramps, or veering across the center line.
• High-speed rear-end crashes at stop signs, red lights, construction zones, and other locations where drunk drivers fail to notice slowed or stopped traffic.
• Sideswipe and lane-change accidents resulting from intoxicated motorists weaving between lanes, traveling on road shoulders, or attempting to pass other vehicles improperly.
• Pedestrian knockdowns and crosswalk collisions caused by impaired drivers violating walk signals, turning improperly, or failing to yield to individuals on foot.
• Catastrophic injuries to bicyclists and e-scooter riders who are struck by intoxicated motorists veering into bike lanes or barreling through intersections.
• Multi-vehicle pileups triggered by drunk drivers' unsafe maneuvers or sudden loss of vehicle control, such as spinning out across multiple traffic lanes.
• Single-vehicle wrecks where an intoxicated driver crashes into a fixed object or flips their vehicle, causing severe injuries to passengers.

No matter how a drunk driver has upended your life or how complex your situation may seem, you can count on our legal team to thoroughly investigate your case, assess the full extent of your losses, and tenaciously advocate for your rights.

Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident in NY

As a victim of a DUI crash in New York City, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses through various legal avenues, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Our knowledgeable New York car accident lawyers can thoroughly assess your case and help you understand all potential sources of compensation. We will advise you on the best strategy for maximizing your financial recovery based on your unique needs and goals.

Damages You Can Win for Your Drunk Driving Accident Injuries 

The damages available in your drunk driving accident case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the strength of the evidence supporting your claims. In general, however, our skilled NYC DUI accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical Bills: All past, present, and future medical costs, including emergency care, surgeries, medications, therapy, long-term care, and mental health treatment.
• Lost Income: Lost wages, benefits, and future earning capacity due to the inability to work. This includes the need for retraining or career changes.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged property, including the vehicle, personal belongings, and any other property affected by the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life due to injuries.
• Mental Anguish: Covers the psychological impact, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and the need for ongoing mental health care.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Addresses the long-term effects of injuries on daily activities, mobility, and overall well-being.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for your spouse for the loss of companionship and intimacy while you were injured and recovering.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Covers additional expenses like transportation to appointments, home modifications, and household assistance.

In cases of fatal drunk driving accidents, surviving family members may also seek compensation for final medical costs, funeral and burial expenses, lost income and inheritance, and the profound loss of love, guidance, and support through a wrongful death claim.

How We Build A Powerful Case Against Drunk Drivers in New York

To prevail in your drunk driving accident claim and recover the full and fair compensation you deserve, you must present clear, compelling evidence that the intoxicated motorist's actions were the direct and proximate cause of your injuries and losses.

Evidence may include:

• Official Documentation: Police reports, BAC test results, driver history.
• Witness Testimony: Statements from those who saw the drunk driver's actions.
• Visual Evidence: Video footage from traffic cameras, dashcams, or surveillance systems.
• Vehicle Data: "Black box" data and GPS records (if available).
• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries, treatments, and prognosis.
• Expert Analysis: Reports from accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and economists.
• Financial Documentation: Bills, receipts, and estimates for all claimed damages.

Armed with this comprehensive evidence, our battle-tested trial lawyers will craft a compelling case that tells your unique story, highlights the profound impacts of the drunk driver's misconduct, and fights back against any attempts to shift blame onto you.

When Will I Get Compensation for My Drunk Driving Accident Injuries?

While every case differs, most settlements arrive within 3-12 months. More complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability may take longer, sometimes up to 2 years, if a trial becomes necessary.

Several key factors influence the timeline:

1. Case Investigation Time: Gathering evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, and toxicology reports often takes 1-3 months.
2. Medical Treatment Progress: Your case value depends on understanding your whole recovery needs - rushing a settlement before your treatment is completed could leave you under-compensated.
3. Insurance Response Speed: While some insurers negotiate reasonably, others delay deliberately, requiring additional legal pressure.
4. Settlement vs. Trial: Most cases settle out of court within 6-9 months, but if the insurance company refuses fair compensation, trial preparation adds 6-12 months.
5. Court Scheduling: Trial dates depend on court availability and can extend timelines, especially in busy NYC courts.
6. Evidence Clarity: Clear proof of drunk driving typically speeds resolution, while disputed liability extends negotiation.

Remember: Quick settlements often mean smaller payouts. Our goal is to secure full compensation for all your losses, even if achieving the best outcome takes additional time.

Why Having a Skilled NYC Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Your Corner Is Essential

Trying to deal with the aftermath of a serious crash on your own can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters often exploit unrepresented claimants' lack of legal knowledge to pressure them into accepting lowball settlements. An experienced New York City drunk driving accident lawyer levels the playing field by handling all communications, paperwork, and negotiations on your behalf - allowing you to focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our New York Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Will Fight for You

After a drunk driver shatters lives, victims need dedicated legal support to pursue full compensation. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, we combine decades of courtroom success with personalized attention to transform strong evidence into meaningful recoveries.

Our approach for drunk driving accident cases includes the following:

• Immediate crash scene investigation and evidence preservation
• Full review of police reports and toxicology results
• Identification of all liable parties, including bars that overserved
• Partnership with accident reconstruction specialists
• Management of all insurance communication
• Detailed calculation of current and future damages
• Strategic settlement negotiation
• Trial preparation when needed.

We handle every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery.