Drunk driving is illegal, irresponsible, and puts others at risk of serious injury and death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving crash, you could be facing significant medical expenses, lost time from work, and other losses. As bills pile up and you are unable to work, who can you turn to as a trusted legal advocate?

This is where The Saul Law Firm, LLP comes in. When you retain us, you have not only considerable legal experience backing you but also the commitment it takes to work for the best possible outcome for you. Find out why Garden City, NY drunk driving victims trust us to serve them.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been in a Drunk Driving Wreck

An automobile accident can happen in the blink of an eye. However, the risk of serious injury and a hit-and-run driver are much more pronounced when drunk driving is involved. We recommend you take the following steps after being in a collision:

  • Get to safety and call 911: Make sure you are out of the flow of traffic and report the accident immediately to emergency personnel. Inform the dispatch of any injuries that you or your passengers are experiencing.
  • Make note of the driver and vehicle, if possible: Many drunk drivers flee the scene of the crash to attempt to avoid criminal prosecution. To the extent possible, make note of the driver’s and the vehicle’s features. You may also wish to record video or take pictures of them.
  • Do not confront the driver: The drunk driver may be agitated or angry, or attempt to intimidate you into not calling the police, so you may need to avoid them. However, if the driver is calm and offers you their name, contact, and insurance information, you should exchange this with them. Otherwise, let the police handle it.
  • Do not admit fault or apologize: Some drunk driving accident victims are instinctively sympathetic and may inadvertently apologize, even if the wreck was not their fault. The general rule is that the less you say, the better.
  • Speak with police and get an accident report: The responding officer can take your name and other basic details and learn from you about how the accident occurred. Ask the officer how to get a copy of the accident report later, which your personal injury attorney will need.
  • Speak with witnesses and gather evidence: If there were witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. Take pictures, record videos, and write down your own personal recollection of the accident while the details are fresh in your mind.
  • Get medical attention: If the emergency personnel did not take you to the hospital, you still need to see a doctor. Failure to do so could jeopardize your health and legal rights. See a doctor, even if you don’t think you were injured or your injuries are minor, and follow all medical recommendations.
  • Speak with an attorney: You may be contacted by the at-fault driver or the insurance company or lawyers representing them. Refer all such communications to your own car accident attorney.

Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Garden City, NY tend to experience moderate to severe injuries. These may include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Lacerations
  • Burns
  • Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Concussion
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Paralysis
  • Amputation
  • Internal organ damage and bleeding

These and other injuries may require months or even years of recovery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Inform your doctor of all pain and symptoms you experience, and be sure to update your doctor as your condition changes. Your attorney will work to win compensation to cover your medical needs now and into the future.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

Although the drunk driver is the one who is immediately at fault for the crash, this is not necessarily the only party who can be held liable. Other potential defendants include:

A bar or restaurant who served the driver: New York’s dram shop law allows victims of drunk driving accidents to hold bars and other establishments liable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron or to someone under the age of 21.

Vehicle manufacturers and repair shops: Although these businesses are not directly responsible for accidents, they could be liable if the vehicle or parts of the vehicle (such as safety features) failed to operate properly or aggravated the victim’s injuries.

Other parties: Depending on the circumstances, additional liable parties may include other drivers, construction road crews, and even governmental entities. Your attorney will work to identify all individuals and entities who may have played a role in your accident.

Possible Damages in a Garden City, NY Drunk Driving Accident

The nature and amount of compensation will vary from one New York drunk driving accident to another, but available damages usually include:

  • Past, present, and future medical expenses
  • Disability
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages, in some cases
  • Wrongful death damages if the victim dies from their injuries

How an Attorney Can Help You

New York’s drunk driving laws are complicated, and insurance companies and their lawyers are usually reluctant to pay victims a reasonable amount of compensation. Our law firm can help you by:

  • Investigating the facts surrounding your accident
  • Gathering evidence, including through the formal discovery process after a lawsuit is filed
  • Speaking to witnesses and others who may testify on your behalf
  • Identifying all parties who should be held liable
  • Determining the value of your case
  • Working with expert witnesses who can help calculate future damages, reconstruct the accident, and more
  • Negotiating with the insurance companies and lawyers for a fair settlement
  • Representing you during mediation
  • Taking your case to court if necessary

Contact Our Garden City, NY Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

We understand the frustration and anxiety you are experiencing in the wake of a drunk driving accident. Let the Saul Law Firm, LLP handle your case from start to finish by fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call or fill out our online contact form to get started.