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Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

James Alexander Law
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Being hurt or losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident is devastating. At James Alexander Law, our DUI lawyers in New York are dedicated to holding reckless parties responsible for their actions and helping victims and their families find the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a drunk driver, our local, dedicated attorneys can help.

Types of DUI Accidents in New York

In New York, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Even stricter limits apply to commercial truck drivers and those under the age of 21. Alcohol and other drugs may slow a driver’s reaction times, impair their ability to make decisions, and lead to erratic, unsafe behavior on the road.
Some of the most common types of DUI-related crashes include:
Head-on collisions – Drifting into oncoming traffic or traveling the wrong way on one-way streets or the highway can lead to deadly high-impact head-on accidents.
Rear-end collisions – Poor depth perception and slowed reaction times may cause a drunk driver to hit the back of stopped or slow vehicles.
.Side-impact crashes – Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or failing to look when turning left can lead to violent T-bone collisions.
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents – A motorist driving under the influence may be less likely to notice pedestrians or cyclists, especially at night. Drunk drivers may also fail to watch for motorcyclists, which can result in serious motorcycle crashes.
Hit-and-run accidents – Unfortunately, many drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs flee the scene of an accident to avoid being arrested or getting a DUI. Even if someone who hit you is facing criminal charges, our DUI lawyers can help you file an injury claim against them.

Sadly, these types of preventable crashes make up about 30% of all traffic accident fatalities in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our DUI attorneys approach your case with compassion and tenacity, and fight to make things right for injured victims and their families.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Drunk Driving Accidents

While texting and driving is one of the most common types of distractions, there are countless ways in which a driver can be diverted from the task at hand, including:
  • Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
  • Head, neck, and back injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Broken bones
  • Facial or dental injuries
  • Burns and lacerations
Some less common injuries include psychological conditions such as PTSD, tinnitus, hearing loss, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which can result in long-term pain, swelling, and decreased mobility.

Recovering Damages in Drunk Driving Injury Cases

Although a drunk driver will likely face criminal charges, you can also file an injury claim for damages against them. Under New York dram shop law, you may even have a claim against a bar, restaurant, or social host if they served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated. Our DUI accident attorneys may be able to help you recover damages such as:
  • Past and future medical costs
  • Wage loss
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death damages
If a person’s behavior was particularly egregious, you may be able to file a claim for punitive damages as well. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter them and others from committing similar acts. If you’ve lost a loved one to a drunk driver, a DUI lawyer can assess your case and determine whether a wrongful death claim may be appropriate.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in New York

If you’re involved in a crash and suspect that a driver is drunk, it’s critical to know what to do to protect your rights. Call 911 right away, and let the operator know you suspect that the other motorist is under the influence. Make sure to tell the police as well when they arrive on the scene.

Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, go to the emergency room or urgent care. Some injuries don’t appear right away, and this ensures any injuries are diagnosed and properly treated. Medical records also provide valuable documentation of the accident and your injuries, which is essential for a successful injury claim.

If you can, take photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and anything else you think is relevant. Get contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses. Jot down notes about everything you remember about how the accident happened and the other driver’s behavior and demeanor.

If an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not give a statement or accept a settlement. Instead, contact our DUI accident lawyers as soon as possible. Our experienced injury attorneys can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and handle all communications and negotiations with insurers.

Why Choose our DUI Accident Lawyers?

DUI accident cases often involve complex legal issues, including criminal liability and dram shop claims. Our DUI attorneys are your local defenders who have the experience and resources to build a strong case and work toward the best possible outcome for you. We work with respected medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and toxicologists who help us establish liability and prove your case.
James Alexander Law is your local, experienced law firm with a proven record of success obtaining substantial settlements and awards for injury victims. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped injury victims in New York get the maximum compensation they deserve after an accident. We negotiate aggressively on your behalf, and if a fair settlement can’t be reached, we will take your case to trial.
Our DUI lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t incur any up-front costs, and you’ll pay attorneys’ fees only if we win your case. Our DUI attorneys offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse East Syracuse and Rochester, and serve clients in central New York, the Southern Tier, and surrounding areas.

Contact Our DUI Lawyers in New York

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident, you don’t have to face it alone. Our injury lawyers at James Alexander Law have helped more than 10,000 clients in New York get the compensation they need and deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a DUI accident attorney in central New York, contact us or call 1-800-529-1333.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

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