Fierce Advocates For Clients in New York
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving is a significant cause of traffic fatalities in the United States. More than 10,000 people lose their lives yearly in alcohol-related crashes; that is one person every 53 minutes. This is a tragedy for the families and friends of those killed. In addition to the loss of lives, these accidents cause an estimated loss of $44 billion annually. If you or a loved one has been injured, or worse- killed- by a drunk driver, then you need to call a drunk driving accident lawyer at Seelig, Dressler, & Ochani, LLC today.
Driving while intoxicated is a direct danger to the public. When a drunk driver causes harm, the drunk driver should be held responsible. In some cases, lawsuits may help hold drivers accountable for their actions.
Most people injured in a drunk driving accident suffer severe physical, emotional, and financial damages. These damages can be a basis for a personal injury lawsuit to bring restitution for losses. In addition, the drunk driver at fault could be held liable for the damages sustained.
An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer is essential when seeking compensation. Damages you can pursue in a drunk driving accident lawsuit are:
We work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is when we don’t get paid unless you get paid. We cover all the case expenses and only collect to cover those costs when we win a settlement for you. A contingency fee ensures we work hard for your case, and you don’t have even more out-of-pocket expenses.
When pursuing a lawsuit, it is essential to understand that the driver's insurance company will protect itself from financial liability. Therefore, finding a drunk driving accident lawyer who can navigate the insurance company's trickery will be vital.
It is also essential to consult a lawyer following an accident to ensure that all claims are promptly filed. A reasonable drunk driving accident attorney will provide a free consultation and explain your rights.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, there are a few steps to take to ensure a successful lawsuit.
The first step in this process is to collect all available information about the drunk driving accident. If a lawsuit is filed, more information will be needed for evidence. If you're able, gather the following for your lawyer:
Law enforcement is trained to recognize certain clues that may be evidence of DUI. They are also trained to mediate a crime scene. Police reports supporting the victim's recollection of the accident can be helpful in a lawsuit.
You will need to meet with a drunk driving accident attorney to explain your case and present it. The drunk driving accident lawyer will take everything you've gathered and ensure you have enough information, evidence, and witnesses for your case.
Victims and their lawyers must prove that the drunk driver was negligent. This means they must prove that the driver did something reckless that caused harm. Negligence can be established by showing that the driver was over the legal drunk-driving limit, which is 0.08 blood alcohol content.
If you win your case, it is up to the defendant to pay the damages ordered by the court. If they refuse or fail to make payments, collections may be necessary. .
In the United States, there are strict laws regarding drunk driving. However, the consequences and liability depend on the accident's severity and other unique circumstances. If, for example, someone is killed in a drunk driving accident, then the charges will be much more severe, and liability will be correspondingly increased.
First-time offenders may face penalties such as community service and fines. Repeat offenders may be charged with felonies, resulting in lengthy incarceration and steep fines or revoking driver's licenses. If a drunk driver causes serious injuries, they may even face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000. Impaired driving accidents are taken seriously by law enforcement officials throughout the U.S.
Drunk driving accidents are among the most unnecessary causes of death in the United States today. Despite laws against drunk driving and aggressive campaigns to keep people from drinking and driving, it continues to significantly contribute to car accidents and deaths in the United States.
Drunk drivers should be held accountable for their actions. Victims of these accidents are entitled to compensation for losses sustained because of an intoxicated driver's negligence or recklessness. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident resulting from a drunk driver, contact a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
"My experience was excellent. When I call the office and leave a message, my calls are returned expeditiously and my emails are acknowledged quickly. My questions are always answered in a way that is easy to understand. From the beginning, I was informed of the process and it truly was as expected."
Tina M. — Former Client