In the state of New York, anyone driving with a blood alcohol content level (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered over the legal limit; therefore, they are breaking the law by operating a motor vehicle. When someone makes the choice to drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, they are risking the safety and lives of everyone on the road with them. Unfortunately, DUI accidents occur in the state, as well as the country, on a daily basis. Despite harsh penalties for those caught drinking and driving, the trend continues. Irresponsible drunken drivers are constantly taking lives and leaving their victims to pick up the pieces.
Each day in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 28 people die in an automobile accident because of a drunken driver. This amounts to a person dying once every 53 minutes.
While there are harsh penalties out there, they are not designed to compensate the victim. Victims may find relief in knowing that the individual who caused their accident is in jail, but this does not cover the financial losses that most car accident victims encounter.
What Can Victims Do?
Car accidents can often occur due to random or genuine errors. While they are accidents, they are still costly. The injuries and misfortune of those who experience car accidents can be devastating – even more so when the accident is caused by reckless and careless behaviors. Auto accidents that involve drunk drivers are not held to the same standards as typical accidents. Instead, the driver is committing a crime.
Victims in car accidents must take action. If they have been seriously injured by a drunken driver – even if there are only material damages – holding that driver accountable for his or her actions is critical.
Victims Should Not Pay for Someone’s Reckless Behavior
If you are a victim of a drunken driving accident, you do have options for compensation. You will first need to meet with a car accident attorney in New York to explore your options. You may be able to recover damages just by sending a demand letter to the driver’s insurance company. Other times, your attorney may need to file a personal injury claim against that driver. If your claim is successful, you could receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes future medical expenses based on your physician’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Property damage: This can include the damage to your vehicle, as well as your personal belongings that were inside it.
- Pain and suffering: An accident can lead to serious physical and emotional trauma. You can be compensated for that pain and suffering through a personal injury claim.
Contact the NYC Car Accident Advocates
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident – caused by a drunken driver or not – do not think that you need to shoulder the costs. Instead, let our attorneys work to seek the compensation that you deserve. Get started by scheduling a free consultation at 1-516-342-2200, or fill out our online contact form with your legal questions.
