When a drunk driver chooses to get behind the wheel, the consequences are almost always devastating to others in the Boston community. A drunk driving accident can result in catastrophic injury or death that leaves victims and their families with significant—and unexpected—damages. From medical expenses to loss of income, these damages are possibly recoverable with the help of a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer. If you suffered serious injuries or lost a close loved one due to a drunk driver, Contact a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer today for a free case evaluation.
New York Drunk Driving Laws and Driver Negligence
Most drivers know that drunk driving is both illegal and risky. Despite this knowledge, far too many drivers drive under the influence of alcohol. The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drunk drivers in New York is .08 percent. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reports that a driver with a BAC level of 0.08 percent is four times more likely to crash than a sober driver. A driver with a BAC level of 0.05 percent can receive criminal charges for driving while ability impaired (DWAI). No matter the legal limit of the driver responsible for your injuries, hold them accountable with help from a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer. Any criminal charges they may face won’t result in you recovering compensation. If you suffered life-altering injuries due to a drunk driver, New York law allows three years for pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. This time can pass in a blur as you deal with your injuries and medical care. Delayed action in contacting a Bronx personal injury lawyer can cause you to miss the deadline for filing your lawsuit. Accident victims generally have no further recourse to pursue compensation if they fail to file their case within the statute of limitations. With a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer, you can rest assured that the intricate details of your case are in good hands that can manage the details of your case so you can concentrate on your healing and recovery.
Common Types of Injuries in Bronx Drunk Driving Accidents
The violent impact of two motor vehicles colliding happens in a second and generally, without warning. It is not until you receive a medical evaluation that you learn the extent of your injuries. Severe injuries require extensive treatment and procedures. Specialized medical care is expensive and the costs can quickly exceed your ability to pay your growing medical bills. Your Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer will understand that drunk driving accident victims sometimes face a daunting recovery. Common types of injuries due to drunk drivers typically include: Brain injury: From a serious concussion to a traumatic brain injury, a victim’s brain functions change. For loved ones, caring for a loved one with a severe traumatic brain injury is more than they can handle. Placing a loved one in a skilled nursing facility is expensive yet sometimes necessary. Spinal cord injury: The spinal cord sends and receives messages from the brain regarding movement and sensation. A spinal cord injury is either complete or incomplete, leaving accident victims with some or total paralysis. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation reports show that the lifetime costs of such an injury can easily reach millions. If your spinal cord injury is the result of a Bronx drunk driving accident, the responsible driver—and not you—should pay your associated costs. Bone fractures: Multiple bone fractures can require extensive surgery, physical therapy, and a long recovery. Broken limbs, for example, can result in the need for assistance with personal care such as bathing and dressing. Home health care or time in a rehabilitation center is generally cost-prohibitive for many accident victims. Internal injuries: Internal bleeding can cause serious harm if left untreated. Organ damage and even death can occur when an accident victim suffers serious harm. This type of injury is often hard to detect without immediate medical care, making a trip to the hospital imperative for survival. These are just a few examples of the types of serious injuries possible in a Bronx drunk driving accident. If you suffered catastrophic injuries due to another driver’s recklessness, Contact us today. A Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer should stand ready to put their skills to work for you. If your lawyer can’t secure a fair settlement, they may decide to take your case to trial. When and if this occurs, your attorney should keep you informed every step of the way. The decisions you make following an accident caused by a drunk driver are too important to leave to chance. While there is no guarantee of the outcome of your case, fighting for the compensation you both need and deserve is easier with a lawyer by your side.
Drunk Driving Accident Damages Worth Fighting For
A traumatic drunk driving accident brings life, as you know it, to a stop. The physical, psychological, and emotional pain you suffer can forever alter your ability to work and to provide for your family. Pursuing compensation for your damages is your right and crucial for protecting your future healthcare needs. The injuries you suffered may require an extensive hospital stay or lengthy rehabilitation. Catastrophic injuries may result in a permanent disability that makes returning to your job impossible. Your Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer may fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: from transport to the hospital or a trauma center to the costs associated with your care once admitted
- Extended and continuous medical expenses: medical costs that are ongoing due to the severity of your injuries
- Lost wages: the wages possible had you not suffered harm and missed time from work
- Future earning capacity: the income you are unable to make due if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Pain and suffering: the punitive damages relating to the overall impact on your quality of life and your mental anguish
No amount of compensation can rewind the clock or bring a quick fix to your situation. Practicing patience is essential for pursuing a personal injury claim and lawsuit. Patience is why you should also never accept an insurance settlement without a lawyer present.
The High Cost of Accepting Less Than You Deserve
Negotiating with insurance companies requires experience and skill. Hiring a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer protects you from insurance company tactics designed to confuse you. The aftermath of a serious car accident is one of confusion and uncertainty. While it may seem tempting to accept an insurance company settlement offer, doing so now can cause you financial difficulty later. Insurance companies are businesses that seek to protect company profits. If they can get an accident victim to accept an initial settlement offer—before they hire an attorney—the insurance adjuster can close the claim quickly and for a small amount. What many accident victims do not realize is that, by accepting the settlement offer, no further options for compensation remain. It is generally impossible to pursue a civil lawsuit once you accept a settlement offer. This is why the steps you take soon after your accident are vital for protecting your best interests. Your injuries require your full attention and leave you no time to negotiate with an insurance company.
Drunk Driving Deaths and Liability
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. The devastating reality is that drunk driving deaths are preventable. The driver responsible for your loved one’s death made a dangerous decision to drive. Instead of hailing a taxi, summoning a rideshare, or calling a friend, the driver chose to drive, causing the fatal accident that claimed your loved one’s life. Your Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer should understand the complex Estates, Power, & Trust Law (EPTL) that governs New York wrongful death cases. If you lost a close loved one due to the careless actions of a drunk Bronx driver, we can help you fight for compensation and justice. Wrongful death is sometimes possible for such family members as surviving spouses, children, and other close relations. A Bronx wrongful death lawyer from our team can determine if your relationship with the victim qualifies you for legal action. The time allowed for pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit is very clear: two years. Twenty-four months seems like plenty of time for pursuing your case. However, when you suffer a loss, time can pass very quickly. Do not miss your opportunity to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Hiring a Lawyer Helps You
Hiring a lawyer to represent your best interests is essential for the following reasons:
- It provides you more time with family and to mourn your loss.
- It prevents you from dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters during such a difficult time.
- It protects your right to pursue compensation for the driver’s negligence.
Leave the legal challenge of your Bronx drunk driving case in the hands of a lawyer whose caring team will work hard to ensure families receive the best possible outcome in their case. Times of the essence, so act now. Contacting a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer for a free case evaluation today is the first step toward seeking justice on behalf of your loved one.
Bronx Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyers: Experience that Matters
You need a Bronx personal injury accident lawyer that knows how insurance companies operate and the skills to present your case before a judge and jury if necessary. Time is not on your side when it comes to pursuing a claim. The sooner you Contact us for a free case evaluation, the faster your lawyer can get to work building a strong case for fair compensation. An insurance adjuster may tell you that you do not need a lawyer; that they can help you. The truth of the matter is that insurance companies only want to help themselves, leaving accident victims with no or as little compensation as possible.
Get Help for Your Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Injuries or Loss Today
If your lawyer can’t secure a fair settlement, they may decide to take your case to trial. When and if this occurs, make sure they will keep you informed every step of the way. The decisions you make following an accident caused by a drunk driver are too important to leave to chance. While there is no guarantee of the outcome of your case, fighting for the compensation you both need and deserve is easier with a lawyer by your side. Protect your interests and alleviate your anxiety with a trustworthy Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer. If you are the victim of a drunk Bronx driver, an attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve. Most Bronx drunk driving accident lawyers collect no attorney fees unless they win compensation for you. A free case evaluation is a great opportunity for you to learn more about your legal options. No one should pay out-of-pocket for injuries or a loss that results from the actions of an irresponsible drunk driver. Contact a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer who will hold the responsible driver accountable for the major changes in your life. Driving drunk is a careless choice that changes lives. If your life changed forever due to another driver’s negligence somewhere in Boston, Contact a Bronx drunk driving accident lawyer near you without delay.