New York Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Drunk drivers cause roughly one out of three traffic fatalities in the U.S. and tens of thousands of serious to catastrophic injuries. As the victim of a drunk driver, you are entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver, including your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and much more. The New York drunk driving accident lawyers at Cohan Law Firm will handle everything from communicating with the other party, to filing a lawsuit if they do not cooperate.
Damages in Drunk Driving Crash
Damages in a drunk driving crash are awarded to the victim based on the severity of their injuries and how those injuries impact their ability to earn an income, care for their children, participate in their daily activities and passions, and more. Compensation can be for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of joy of life
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
- Lost ability to earn
- Property damage
- Punitive damages, which can be up to 15 times the value of your other damages, may also be awarded.
Common Injuries Sustained in New York Drunk Driving Collisions
Drunk drivers are often speeding at the time of the crash, and are less likely to apply the brakes due to their level of inebriation. As such, drunk driving collisions are often more extreme than other types of traffic collisions. Due to the violent nature of drunk driving crashes, victims are often left with life-altering injuries. Examples of common injuries our clients have sustained include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussion
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple broken bones
- Fractured pelvis
- Facial lacerations
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Burn injuries
- Whiplash
- Fractured vertebrae
- Punctured lung
- Internal organ damage
- Lacerations and contusions to large parts of the body
The Civil Versus Criminal Case Against the Drunk Driver
A personal injury claim is a demand for compensation sent by the plaintiff (you) to the defendant (the other driver). If this claim is denied or the other party counters with a lower offer that you do not approve of, and negotiations have not gone anywhere productive, your attorney may then file a lawsuit. Negotiations can continue taking place until the court date and hearing in which your case will be argued before a judge and jury. This civil case is completely separate from the criminal case that the district attorney’s office will bring against the drunk driver for intoxicated driving. While you may provide testimony at the criminal hearing and tell the judge your wishes, many victims feel an equal or even greater sense of justice after a victorious civil case, as the penalties in traffic violence criminal cases, including DUIs, are almost always too lenient.
Call a New York Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Everyone has a choice when they get behind the wheel to be responsible or to be selfish. If an irresponsible, drunk driver hit you, we can help you seek maximum compensation. Call the New York drunk driving accident lawyers at Cohan Law Firm at 855-855-0321 today for a complimentary consultation.
