Queens Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

How Are Drunk Driving Accident Claims Different from DUI Cases?

In New York, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, sometimes referred to as “driving while intoxicated,” or DWI, is a crime. A person found guilty of driving drunk can be charged with DUI and may face several harsh criminal and administrative penalties. These penalties include steep fines, possible jail or prison time, driver’s license suspension or revocation, and mandatory ignition interlock device installation. While the purpose of these penalties is to both punish offenders and deter others from driving while intoxicated, they do little to help victims of drunk drivers.

A drunk driving accident claim, on the other hand, allows victims to recover financial compensation for both economic and non-economic losses caused by the drunk driver’s conduct.

A successful drunk driving accident claim or lawsuit can allow you to recover the following types of damages:

• Emergency medical care
• Medical treatments, including surgery and rehabilitation
• Future medical expenses and ongoing care costs
• Medications and medical equipment/devices
• In-home assistance and care costs
• Lost income, wages, and employment benefits
• Lost future earnings and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Disfigurement and inconvenience
• Counseling and/or therapy services

When an individual dies in a drunk driving accident or due to injuries sustained in such a collision, their surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for related damages in a wrongful death claim or lawsuit.

The outcome of a criminal DUI case has no bearing on the outcome of a civil lawsuit. This is true whether the drunk driver pleads guilty, is convicted, or has their charges dropped. However, a DUI conviction may be used as powerful evidence in a civil drunk driving accident lawsuit, as it serves as proof of the drunk driver’s negligence.

Why Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney?

If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you are likely dealing with severe injuries and extensive time off work. The overall extent of your damages may be significant, meaning the insurance company may be more likely to dispute or deny your claim. By putting an experienced attorney on your side, you put yourself in the best possible position to recover the full, fair compensation you are owed.

At the Harris Firm, LLC, our Queens drunk driving accident attorneys are well-versed in complex motor vehicle accident claims, including cases involving intoxicated motorists. We have helped victims of all types of drunk driving collisions, including cases involving multiple vehicles, uninsured motorists, commercial truck drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. We are known for our aggressive approach to negotiation and litigation, and our attorneys have earned a hard-won reputation for securing every last cent our clients are owed.

As your legal team, we will handle every last detail so that you can focus on healing. We understand the importance of working quickly to secure a favorable settlement on your behalf, but we are also prepared to go to trial if that is what it takes to maximize your recovery. We invite you to reach out to us today to learn more during a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.