Bronx Drunk Drivers

Drunk drivers are among the most dangerous hazards on our roads today. In 2008, alcohol-related accidents caused 341 fatalities in New York, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
Drunk driving is a crime, and the law in New York is very clear on the prosecution of drivers found to be under the influence or intoxicated. However, a criminal court case in the Bronx or anywhere else in New York does not provide a civil remedy for the victim or victim's family impacted by drunk driving. The importance of jail time and other punishments for convicted drivers cannot be diminished, but if you've suffered serious injuries from a drunk driving accident, you are entitled to money.

Because drunk driving is already illegal and has been established as a leading cause for injury, anyone found guilty of drunk driving in the Bronx is also automatically guilty of negligence and recklessness. You don't have to “prove” that a drunk driver acted irresponsibly in your accident case; the criminal conviction establishes that negligence.

Many drunk driving injury victims in the Bronx never consider a personal injury suit against the driver; often victims assume drunk drivers won't be able to pay for damages, or they are reluctant to bring charges against a minor if the driver was a teenager. However, there are different sources for compensation in a drunk driving accident, depending upon the circumstances. You may file suit against the driver's insurance company or your own insurance company – but you can also file suit against a Bronx restaurant, bar, or club if the business served your driver after he or she was already drunk. You can also file suit against a Bronx business that sold or served liquor to a minor. These laws are known as “dram shop” laws.

Regardless of the circumstances of your Bronx auto accident, if you were injured by a drunk driver, you may have grounds for legal action. If you are suffering and struggling to pay for necessary medical care – or even to get your life back on track, you deserve justice. Damages awarded following a Bronx car accident vary according to the unique circumstances, but may include: pain and suffering (both past and future), payment of medical costs (both past and future), lost wages, loss of annuity or pension, loss of household help and non-economic damages, such as loss of consortium (harm to a family relationship). 

When you’ve suffered serious injury as a result of an accident with a drunk driver, you need the Bronx, New York lawyers of Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. at your side. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well-prepared to handle all your legal needs.

Call our Bronx, New York car accident attorneys today at 1-800-966-4999 or use our convenient online contact form for a free case evaluation. You can also reach our office by calling 1-718-537-7070 or click here for a map to our Bronx, New York office, located at 888 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451. At Schwartzapfel Partners P.C.,we will fight for you!