Queens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
There are many causes of accidents in Queens, but drunk driving remains one of the most common. Drunk drivers do not only cause many accidents, but these crashes are also usually much more severe than other collisions on the road. Drunk drivers do not have good judgment, and they also struggle with perception issues and delayed reaction times. Due to these issues, they often lose control of their vehicle, or slam violently into other vehicles. Below, our Queens drunk driving accident lawyer explains more about these crashes and how you can hold the impaired driver liable.
What Types of Accidents Do Drunk Drivers Cause?
When a drunk driver causes an accident, it is rarely something as minor as a fender bender. These crashes often happen at high speeds, and when the impaired driver is acting erratically. These conditions result is some common types of drunk driving accidents and they include:
- Head-on collisions, particularly if an impaired driver crosses the median or center line,
- T-bone or side-impact collisions, especially if a drunk driver ran a stop sign or red light,
- Rear-end collisions when an impaired driver fails to brake for slow or stopped traffic, and
- Rollover accidents, which are a result of a collision at a high speed.
Regardless of the type of accident a drunk driver caused, you can hold them liable for paying for your damages.
Who is Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in Queens?
In the majority of cases, drunk drivers are held liable during an accident. New York recognizes ‘negligence per se,’ which essentially means ‘negligence in and of itself.’ Anyone can be held accountable under negligence per se if they broke the law and caused an accident that resulted in injuries. Drunk driving is a very serious offense and so, impaired motorists can be held liable for their actions.
Before filing a claim against a negligent driver, you must first obtain no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits from your own insurance company. While the drunk driver is to blame for your injuries, you must first always obtain benefits from your own insurer. You can claim up to the limits of your policy, which for most people is $25,000 for bodily injury of one person and $50,000 for bodily injury for the entire accident.
If your own insurance policy limits are not enough to fully cover the cost of your injuries, or you meet the serious injury threshold under state law, you can then file a claim against the drunk driver. When filing this type of claim, you are also eligible for additional types of damages, including pain and suffering.
Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Queens Can Help You Claim Full Damages
There is no excuse for drunk driving and if you have been hurt, you deserve compensation. At Cohan Law Firm, we can help you through the process, ensure your rights are upheld, and negotiate for the full and fair settlement that is justly yours. Call us now at 855-855-0321 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
