When you are hit by a drunk driver, it can be a life-changing event. One minute you are going about your normal day, and the next you find yourself dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, police officers, and lawyers. You may be eligible for compensation, but filing a claim can be a complicated process that you should leave to an experienced lawyer. A New York injury attorney with experience representing drunk driving accident victims can help you get the money you deserve.
Drunk drivers are a danger to everyone on the road. Their reckless actions put the lives, livelihoods, and families of others at risk. They often cause head-on collisions, wrongful deaths, and serious injuries. These are some of the worst types of accidents that can occur on our roads. These individuals have no tolerance for the damage they do to others, and it is essential that they are held accountable for their actions. A New York drunk driver accident lawyer can help you take legal action against the negligent driver to recover damages for your injuries and losses.
The first thing you should do after a drunk driver lawyer accident is seek immediate medical attention. It is vital to document all of your injuries and treatment-related expenses for financial compensation. After your medical needs have been met, it is important to get in contact with a personal injury lawyer to discuss filing a civil claim against the drunk driver who caused your accident.
Your lawyer will work with the insurance company to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. In addition to your medical and property damage, you should be awarded money for your pain and suffering. In some cases, you may also be able to receive punitive damages from the drunk driver. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for his or her negligent behavior and deter others from committing similar crimes.
In some situations, it may be possible to file a claim against the establishment that served the drunk driver alcohol that led to the accident. These claims are known as dram shop cases. It is necessary to have evidence, such as eye witness testimony, video footage, or a strong circumstantial case to successfully pursue these claims. An experienced attorney can conduct an investigation to gather this information for you.
A successful claim against a drunk driver can result in financial compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more. However, the insurance company will fight your claim and try to reduce or deny your payouts. This is why you should not speak with the insurance company without your lawyer present.
A good attorney will help you negotiate with the insurer to increase your settlement amount. They will also help you determine non-economic damages, which are more difficult to quantify. These include the loss of your quality of life and the loss of enjoyment of activities that you used to be able to participate in. In most cases, these non-economic damages will be worth several times the amount of your economic losses.