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Long Island Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Our Experienced and Knowledgeable Long Island Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Team Helps Individuals and Families Who Have Been in an Accident With a Drunk Driver in New York by Seeking Appropriate Compensation For Their Injuries and Expenses. With Offices in Melville and Elmhurst, We Protect the Rights of Injured Long Island Residents. We Understand You Want and Need To Be Heard. We Serve as Your Voice and Expression.

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OVER $450 MILLION IN SETTLEMENTS RECOVERED.

Long Island Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers | Harrison Law Group, P.C.

Knowledgeable Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Help Victims Seek Compensation in Suffolk County & Nassau County

Drunk driving accidents, unfortunately, remain a common occurrence on Long Island. If you or a loved one on Long Island have been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, your world may have unexpectedly been turned upside down. Our team of drunk driving accident attorneys understands the difficulties, the frustration, and the range of deep emotions you are feeling because we help people in similar situations every day. We can strategically address the issues caused by your drunk driving accident and help you put your life back together.

A study by the National Institute of Health found over 31 million incidents of drinking and driving on New York roads each year. The probability of being arrested for drinking and driving is 1 in 500, and the study supported that the penalties for first-time offenses and education on the dangers of drinking and driving are inadequate.

Sadly, other people’s poor choices seriously harm others on the road. Beyond criminal penalties for drunk driving, they are liable for the harm and losses they cause others. Our attorney team at The Harrison Law Group can represent you and be your voice if you or a loved one have been in a car crash with an impaired driver on Long Island.

Problems Created by Drunk Driving

Each day, 29 people die in an alcohol-impaired motor vehicle accident — one death every 50 minutes. Alcohol-related crashes cost $44 billion each year. In 2016, alcohol-related deaths accounted for 28% of all motor vehicle fatalities, accounting for more than 10,000 deaths. Of all the traffic-related deaths involving children ages 0-14, 17% involved an alcohol-impaired motorist. 

New York State has reduced its rate of drunk driving fatalities by 61% — and even though the state government’s approach has shown improvements, it still hasn’t put a dent in the overall problem. Drunk driving is a significant concern for safety on the highways, and about one out of every three accidents involves an alcohol-impaired driver. 

Because drunk drivers are on the road, we are here to help you and your family if you have been victimized by an intoxicated driver on Long Island. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and strategy session, where we will review the details of your case and build a plan to seek appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.

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What To Do If You Have Been in an Accident with a Drunk Driver on Long Island

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, take the following steps right away:

  • Dial 911: Always call the police immediately after an accident, especially if you suspect the other driver is intoxicated.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you think you’re not seriously injured, a medical professional must examine you. Some injuries may not appear right away. A physical exam also documents your injuries.
  • Document the Scene: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including any visible vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
  • Collect Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to collect their contact information. They might be able to provide crucial details about the accident.
  • Report the Accident: In New York, the law requires you to report the accident to the DMV if it caused injuries or significant property damage.
  • Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work on your behalf to seek the compensation you need.

How To Approach Expenses for Vehicle Repair and Medical Treatment Following an Accident with an Intoxicated Driver on Long Island

The intoxication factor in a car accident can impact your potential compensation. New York is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance company will cover your medical bills and lost wages up to a specific limit — regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Note that their insurance company may deny the drunk driver or offer a low settlement due to New York’s alcohol exclusion laws.

Emergency Medical Treatments For Drunk Drivers Are Required, But Their Coverage for Treatments Overall Can Be Limited

By law, insurers must cover emergency (life-saving) treatments for drunk drivers injured in an accident; however, they will not likely cover these drivers for much more than that. Note that motorcycle accidents are not covered under the No-Fault rules in New York.

Filing a Lawsuit Following a Drunk Driving Accident on Long Island

Your insurance may not cover all of your expenses. Still, if that happens, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the drunk driver who was at fault for the accident when your injuries meet certain criteria defined by state law. In contrast to New York’s no-fault insurance laws, drunk driving accident lawsuits in New York take fault into account.

Under New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d), as part of the criteria to file an accident lawsuit, one must either prove a basic economic loss of more than $50,000.00 or meet the threshold of a Serious Injury as one of the following:

  • Death
  • Dismemberment
  • Significant Disfigurement
  • Fracture
  • Loss of a Fetus
  • Permanent Loss of Use of a Body Organ, Member, Function, or System
  • Permanent Consequential Limitation of a Body Organ or Member
  • Non-Permanent Medically-Determined Injury or Impairment That Prevents an Injured Person from Performing Substantially All of Their Usual and Customary Daily Activities For Not Less Than 90 of the 180 Consecutive Days Immediately Following an Accident

You Only Have Three Years To File a Lawsuit for a Drunk Driving Case in New York

The statute of limitations is three years, so you must file a civil suit within three years of the date of the injury. Don’t delay; contact an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer at The Harrison Legal Group today to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Damages to Seek in a Long Island Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit

There are several general types of damages for which you can seek compensation in a Long Island drunk driving accident lawsuit.

Car Repair Expenses

Your expenses for repair or replacement following an accident may surpass what your insurance company is willing to pay on your policy. In that case, you can sue the at-fault driver for the remainder of these expenses.

Medical Treatment Expenses

Drunk driving accidents often lead to severe injuries. These can lead to significant medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation. Your insurance may not cover the full extent of these expenses. Your attorney can help factor these costs into the compensation you seek. 

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working — either temporarily or permanently — you could seek compensation for lost wages. It may include future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous line of work. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may not cover all of your lost wages, but you can seek the remainder through a lawsuit.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, you may also be able to seek non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are often higher in drunk driving cases due to the reckless behavior of the at-fault party.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, you might be entitled to punitive damages. These damages punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. Drunk driving is often considered grossly negligent behavior, which can increase the likelihood of punitive damages.

Insurance Payments Following an Accident with a Drunk Driver in New York

Navigating the aftermath of an accident in Long Island can be stressful, especially when dealing with vehicle repairs and medical treatment expenses. Fortunately, your attorney can guide you along the way and handle many of the processes on your behalf. Below are some general guidelines for vehicle repairs and medical treatments following an accident in New York.

Managing Insurance Companies

You should never accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and taking a low settlement offer can prevent you from seeking further compensation later on.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP coverage or no-fault insurance covers medical expenses regardless of who’s at fault. It can often include lost wages, too.

Medical Treatment Expenses

New York is a no-fault state, which means you will first file a claim with your insurance company to cover your medical bills up to a specific limit, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Beyond the limit of your insurance company, you could then pursue a case against the person at fault for the accident to cover additional medical treatment.

Vehicle Repairs

You may need to initially pay out-of-pocket and then seek reimbursement through a claim with your insurance company. If your damages surpass what your insurance will cover, you may seek additional compensation for repairs through a lawsuit against the driver who caused your accident.

Delayed Vehicle Repairs and Medical Treatment

It’s possible that disputes over fault or coverage limits could lead to delays in vehicle repairs or shortages of funds for medical treatment, which is why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney advocating for your rights. Your attorney will guide you and work to pursue your interests.

A Criminal Case Against the Intoxicated Driver Can Help and Inform Your Civil Lawsuit For a Drunk Driving Accident in New York

Intoxicated driving is a dangerously negligent act, so it can support your case if the other driver engaged in such irresponsible behavior when causing your accident. It is likely that an intoxicated driver who caused an accident in New York will be charged with a criminal violation.

Civil Lawsuits Only Require You to Prove the Other Driver’s Negligent Behavior was More Likely Than Not Responsible for Your Injuries

A criminal charge requires a higher burden of proof (beyond a reasonable doubt) than a civil lawsuit, which only requires a preponderance of evidence indicating it is more likely than not that the other driver’s negligent behavior caused your accident and injuries. Therefore, a criminal conviction may be a good indicator of the viability of a civil lawsuit. 

Collecting Civil Lawsuit Evidence During the Criminal Case

A criminal case against the other driver who was intoxicated will also help to gather evidence against them, and you can begin your civil lawsuit while a criminal case is still proceeding. A conviction or criminal charge against the other driver is not necessary for you to initiate a civil lawsuit. You can also bring a civil suit against them to pursue compensation for damages whether or not they were intoxicated — your ability to prove their intoxication at the time strengthens your case. 

New York Drunk Driving Violations

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other narcotics is a punishable offense according to the New York State Law. Impaired driving negatively affects your judgment, coordination, and ability to operate a vehicle with focus, attentiveness, and awareness. A driver’s level of impairment can and will be affected by the following conditions:

  • How much alcohol they drink
  • How much food they consume before and during their alcohol consumption
  • How long they were consuming alcohol
  • Their gender
  • Their body weight

There are several types of drinking and driving-related violations in the state of New York:

  • Driving While Intoxicated: Having a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher and 0.04 for commercial vehicle drivers.
  • Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated: Driving with a BAC of 0.18 or higher. 
  • Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol: Driving with a BAC higher than 0.05 but less than 0.07.
  • Chemical Test Refusal: Refusing to adhere to a breathalyzer test or blood or urine screen. 
  • Zero Tolerance: When a driver under the legal drinking age of 21 is operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 to 0.07.

The State is Serious About Preventing Drunk Driving in New York

In New York State, the legal consequences for drunk driving include fines, loss of driving privileges, and possibly jail time. Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (ADWI) fines can range from $1,000 to $10,000 and possible jail sentencing of up to seven years, depending on how many times you’ve committed the offense. An ADWI can also lead to your license being suspended anywhere from 1 year to 18 months.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can lead to a mandatory fine from $1,000 to $10,000, up to seven years imprisonment. Your license may also be revoked for at least six months to a year with a DWI charge. 

If a driver under the age of 21 violates the Zero Tolerance Law one or more times, then they are subject to fines up to $500 and could have their license revoked for up to 18 months. Refusing a chemical test can lead to fines of up to $750 and also having your license revoked for up to 18 months. 

The New York Government has outlined policies to prevent its citizens from being victims of drunk driving, including the following:

  • Sobriety Checkpoints
  • Ignition Interlock Devices
  • Interventions with Multiple Components
  • Mass Media Campaigns
  • Laws that include fines, sentencing, and license suspension
  • Alcohol Screening with brief interventions conducted by law enforcement
  • School-Based Instruction

Though the state of New York is doing a lot to prevent drunk driving car accidents, many people unfortunately still choose to drive while over the legal limit. Impaired drivers cause many fatal car accidents, but traffic crash fatalities are not the only drunk driving victims. Many people needlessly suffer severe injuries when drunk drivers are behind the wheel.

The drunk driving statistics reflect that they may not be doing enough. These aren’t only numbers — they represent drunk driving crashes that often involve serious injuries and/or deaths. Beyond safety checkpoints, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer test usage by police officers, and criminal charges that often include felony offenses, individuals choose to drive drunk, and fatal crashes often continue.

Drunk driving accident lawsuits serve as another way to discourage both first-time offenders and repeat offenders. You can discourage drunk driving and help reduce drunk driving deaths by holding drunk drivers responsible for their actions.

Drunk driving accidents can be tragic and earth-shattering situations for one or both parties involved, as well as for their loved ones. If you or a family member have been a victim of a preventable drunk driving accident, contact an attorney adept in the intricacies of New York Drunk Driving Law.

Contact The Harrison Law Group Today To Schedule a Free Initial Case Consultation and Strategy Session For Your Drunk Driving Accident Case

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident caused by the carelessness of a drunk driver, we understand the range of emotions and deep frustration you are dealing with. In circumstances involving drunk driving deaths, we extend our heartfelt compassion.

We help individuals and families every day who are seeking to recover following severe accidents on Long Island. At The Harrison Law Group, P.C., we are here to be your voice and seek appropriate compensation on your behalf. 

We know accidents don’t happen at convenient times, and we are available when you need us — including weekend and weeknight appointments. We are available to meet over Zoom for your convenience.

Schedule your free initial case consultation and strategy session to learn more about how we can advocate for you.

We understand you need to be heard, and we are prepared to listen, guide you, and be your voice — The Harrison Law Group, P.C.

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Why Choose The Harrison Law Group, P.C.?

For over 30 years, The Harrison Law Group, P.C.’s ability, and desire to actively listen to you and deeply understand your experiences has set us apart. We aggressively pursue fair and appropriate compensation for our clients who have been injured in New York.

  • We listen because we care about your recovery and maintain consistent, clear communication to effectively express your voice on your behalf.
  • We relieve the pressure so you can exhale — while we inhale your case details and engage with the insurance company.
  • We’re not casual about your case or your representation; we are intentional and strategic, based on your needs and our experience. 
  • We don’t stop when we’re tired. We stop when the job is done.

You get better. We’ll take care of the rest.

Questions or to Schedule a Consultation : Call (631) 465-9797

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What is Personal Injury?

If you’re injured as a result of a negligent third party, you may be entitled to compensation due to the damages you’ve experienced — either directly through the responsible party or their insurance company. An experienced New York personal injury lawyer will focus on tort law while seeking economic and non-economic damages for their clients — whether or not the target is a multi-million dollar award.

Personal injuries are classified as injuries to the body, mind, and emotions of an individual. When you suffer an injury because of another party, you experience turmoil, and your quality of life will change. Some victims experience loss of enjoyment of life, and even depression.

It’s important to speak with mindful attorneys who have the wisdom to handle your case effectively. Personal injury suits are filed against individuals or entities that cause harm due to recklessness, negligence, misconduct, or liability.

What Sets Us Apart?

Our attorneys and staff are competent, compassionate, and committed to seeking the maximum fair and appropriate compensation for all of our clients. We fight to win, not to quickly settle and move on to the next case. Our firm will make sure that you are properly advised of all of your options while giving you the proper legal advice to make the right decision for yourself and your family. We are willing to go above and beyond to meet your expectations, whether it’s meeting with you after hours, on the weekends, at your home, in the hospital, or at the office. We will make ourselves available for you 24/7.

Immediate Action

We understand the immediate concerns you will have, which include paying your bills, traveling to and from work and doctors’ appointments, and taking care of your daily responsibilities. We want you to know that here at The Harrison Law Group we understand and can help. We will take immediate action on your case and begin to work as soon as we are retained.

A Commitment to Excellence & Solutions For You

Our reputation is built on a record of attentiveness and diligence in pursuit of our clients’ interests. We fight hard for all of our clients with outstanding creative approaches and individualized solutions in personal injury and accident cases to seek the maximum fair and appropriate compensation. Time after time, The Harrison Law Group, P.C. has taken cases that other attorneys either wanted to drop or would have settled for small amounts, and we turned them into million-dollar cases. We have been dedicated to Personal Injury and helping our clients pursue justice for over 30 years.

Constant Communication

Our office sets itself apart because we do not only return phone calls; we call our clients at least every 30 days to provide a status update on your case — and if there is no update, we call to see how you are doing. Happy clients are informed clients, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. We are available 24/7 to all of our clients via email, text, or phone to answer questions and give updates. While we have a big firm reputation, we have a small firm dedication to each client.

Types of Personal Injury

Personal injuries can refer to injuries sustained due to dental malpractice, product liability, or assault claims, but they more commonly involve the following types of injuries:

Car Accidents

When your vehicle collides with another vehicle, a pedestrian, an animal, debris, or another stationary obstruction such as a tree, pole, or building, you may face significant injuries and expenses that often include medical treatment and vehicle repairs. Following a car accident that was no fault of your own, it is important to immediately begin working with a New York personal injury lawyer to seek fair and appropriate compensation.

Truck Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents involving a truck or tractor-trailer and caused by the recklessness of others will present additional complex factors that are not present in a regular car accident case. You can be certain that there will be attorneys representing the truck driver, which is why you should partner with a New York personal injury lawyer at our law office immediately.

Motorcycle Accidents

When your motorcycle is involved in a motor vehicle accident at no fault of your own, you will need help in your fight to be fairly compensated in your case. As a client of our law firm, you can be confident that we are bringing the fight to the insurance company.

Premises Liability

An injury from an accident caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property often involves a fall on a slippery or uneven surface. Other types of negligence or dangerous circumstances may also lead to an injury or death. In some cases, your accident could amount to a multi-million dollar settlement. Our law office of NY accident attorneys will be happy to guide you through this process as our client.

Dog Bite

Dog owners are generally determined to be liable if their dog hurts you or anyone else. New York personal injury law in this situation provides a means to seek compensation for your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, & much more.

Slip and Fall

A property owner could be liable for damages if you slip, trip, and fall on their property due to their negligence. Working with a qualified New York personal injury lawyer in this situation is important because the Queens, Nassau County, Suffolk County, or Long Island property owner that you file a claim against will certainly be represented by law firms who are trying to dismiss or settle your case for as little as possible.

Construction Accidents

An injury sustained due to working on a construction site can be life-changing or deadly. In many cases, such an injury will prevent your ability to continue working for some duration of time. Workers’ compensation is available for these types of accidents. Depending on the details of your case, you may also be able to file a lawsuit.

Wrongful Death

Death caused by negligence or intentional actions of another party is known as wrongful death. The NY accident attorneys at our law office are experienced in these cases and are ready to help you fight for the money you need.

Medical Malpractice

When you work with a licensed medical professional, you have every right to expect that they will take prudent and cautious steps to help you work towards a successful recovery. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The New York personal injury attorneys at our law firm are ready to help you fight for fair compensation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Law

What types of compensation can be received in a personal injury case?

There are several types of compensable damages that can be received including money for lost wages and career change, property damage compensation, health aids, and home rehabilitation to accommodate for the injuries sustained.

What is the difference between a “personal injury claim” and “personal injury lawsuit”?

A personal injury claim is when you or the law firm you have retained and the at fault party’s insurance company try to come up with a settlement to resolve your claim. Most cases generally do settle out of court. If a settlement can not be reached, a law firm will go ahead and commence a personal injury lawsuit, which simply means taking the at fault party to court.

How much is my case worth?

The value of your case depends on multiple factors such as liability, injuries, insurance coverage, venue, medical bills and etc. Here at The Harrison Law Group, P.C., we will evaluate your case and give you the most comprehensive answer as far as what you can expect regarding compensation.

What should you do after a personal injury accident?

Seek medical attention. Take photos of your injuries, defects and property damage. Keep track of everyone you speak with, take the names, phone numbers and addresses of all witnesses, as this will be useful information for when you hire an attorney. Finally, call The Harrison Law Group, P.C. to see how we can help.

What if I am part responsible for the accident?

Even if you are partially responsible for the accident you may still be entitled to compensation and you should not wait and speak to an attorney right away.

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