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New York Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers

What to Do If You Are Injured by a Drunk Driver

Every year, drunk drivers injure and kill hundreds of thousands of people. As a result of someone else’s negligence, victims of drunk driving crashes and their families face life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and unimaginable losses.

At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, we believe that there is simply no excuse for getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol. People who choose to drive while intoxicated are not only acting unlawfully; they are also acting negligently, and they can be held liable for this negligence. A drunk driving injury claim is a civil action that allows injured parties to recover compensation for their losses. It is entirely separate from any criminal proceedings that may occur, and the outcome of a criminal case has no effect on the outcome of your personal injury claim.

To learn more, schedule a free, confidential consultation with our New York drunk driving injury lawyers today. Call (212) 684-1880 or contact us online to get started.

Damages in Drunk Driving Injury Cases

As previously mentioned, drunk driving injury cases are not the same as criminal proceedings. A successful civil action will not result in the drunk driver facing criminal penalties, like jail time or fines, but, rather, it will allow the victim(s) of the crash to recover financial restitution. The point of these types of cases is to compensate victims for their financial losses, as well as the non-economic harm they have suffered as a result of the accident.

While every case is different, many victims of drunk driving accidents are able to recover compensation for the following damages:

  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Ongoing care and rehabilitation services
  • Surgeries and other treatments
  • Medications and medical equipment
  • Modifications to a home
  • Lost wages/income
  • Lost or reduced earning ability
  • Loss of future earnings and other benefits
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and trauma
  • Counseling services

Sadly, many drunk driving accidents are fatal. When this is the case, certain surviving family members can seek compensation and hold the drunk driver accountable by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Damages in wrongful death cases often include compensation for things like medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship and love, loss of financial support, and lost inheritance.

What to Do If You Were Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident

If you were hit by a drunk driver, you may have a lot of questions about what to do next. After ensuring that you have seen a doctor and received proper medical attention for your injuries, the next step is to reach out to an experienced New York drunk driving accident attorney. Refrain from speaking to anyone from the drunk driver’s insurance company until you have sought the assistance of a qualified lawyer.

Although their insurance adjusters may attempt to contact you, never provide any sort of written or oral statement (including talking to these adjusters on the phone) to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. All too often, the liable insurance company will try to get you to admit fault (even if you weren’t to blame) or downplay your injuries, which can later be used to dispute or deny your claim.

Instead, reach out to our legal team for the answers and guidance you need. We are ready to help you understand your legal rights and options and devise a personalized strategy to maximize your claim.

Request a Free Consultation Today

If you or someone you love was injured by a drunk driver, we want to help. Reach out to Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP today to learn more. We offer free initial consultations and there are no attorneys’ fees unless/until we successfully recover compensation for you.

Contact us online or call (212) 684-1880 today to get started with your free initial consultation.