Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

At Kelner & Kelner, we understand the devastating impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the reckless actions of an intoxicated driver, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses. With over 75 years of experience handling personal injury cases in New York, our dedicated team of attorneys has successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable and helping victims rebuild their lives. Contact Kelner & Kelner today for a free consultation—call us at [phone number] or fill out our online form. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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Injured in NYC? Contact Kelner and Kelner today at (212) 235-1027 or through our website.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a DUI Accident?

If you've been injured in a drunk driving accident, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Drunk driving accidents often involve complex legal and insurance challenges that can be overwhelming for victims trying to navigate the process alone.
At Kelner & Kelner, our dedicated drunk driving accident attorneys understand the devastating impact these incidents can have on victims and their families. We know that beyond the immediate physical injuries, these accidents can cause long-term financial, emotional, and personal hardships.

Why Legal Representation is Essential:

Comprehensive Damage Assessment

Our lawyers thoroughly evaluate all potential damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and potential future medical needs. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but we fight to ensure you receive full compensation.

Proving Liability

Drunk driving cases require detailed evidence gathering. We work with accident reconstruction experts, obtain police reports, secure breathalyzer and toxicology test results, and collect witness statements to build a strong case establishing the driver's negligence.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance providers are notorious for attempting to reduce settlements. Our experienced attorneys handle all communications, negotiate aggressively, and are prepared to take your case to court if necessary.

Criminal vs. Civil Proceedings

While criminal charges against the drunk driver are separate from a civil lawsuit, the criminal case can provide critical evidence for your personal injury claim. We coordinate with prosecutors and understand how criminal proceedings can support your civil case.

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Every drunk driving accident is unique, and the compensation you may be entitled to depends on specific circumstances. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Kelner & Kelner are committed to helping victims obtain justice and the financial support needed to rebuild their lives.

Common Injuries from a Drunk Driving Accident

Drunk driving accidents are often catastrophic, leading to severe injuries that can alter lives in an instant. The reckless and impaired behavior of an intoxicated driver can cause high-impact collisions, leaving victims with devastating physical, emotional, and financial burdens. At Kelner & Kelner, we have extensive experience representing victims who have suffered a wide range of injuries in these tragic accidents, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in drunk driving accidents and can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: High-speed crashes often cause multiple fractures that may require surgery and extensive recovery time.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to vital organs, such as the liver or lungs, may not be immediately apparent but can have life-threatening consequences.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even seemingly minor accidents can result in significant neck and back injuries, causing chronic pain.
• Severe Burns or Lacerations: Victims may sustain deep cuts, burns, or disfigurement, requiring reconstructive surgeries and long-term care.

These injuries can dramatically impact your quality of life, limiting your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy everyday activities. At Kelner & Kelner, we fight tirelessly to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Who May Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Car Accident?

When a drunk driving accident occurs, multiple parties may bear legal responsibility for the damages and injuries caused. While the intoxicated driver is often the primary party at fault, there are other individuals or entities that could also be held liable, depending on the circumstances. At Kelner & Kelner, we thoroughly investigate every case to identify all potential sources of liability, including:

• The Drunk Driver: The impaired driver is typically held accountable for their reckless actions, which caused the accident and resulting injuries.
• Bars, Restaurants, or Social Hosts: Under New York’s Dram Shop Law, establishments or social hosts who serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors may be held liable if the intoxicated person causes an accident.
• Employers: If the drunk driver was working at the time of the crash (e.g., a delivery driver or commercial driver), their employer may be held responsible under the legal theory of vicarious liability.
• Vehicle Owners: If the at-fault driver was borrowing someone else’s car, the vehicle owner might be partially liable under New York’s negligent entrustment laws, particularly if they knew or should have known the driver was intoxicated or unfit to drive.

Determining liability in a drunk driving accident can be complex, requiring a careful analysis of evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and alcohol service records.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation to help cover the costs of your injuries and losses. At Kelner & Kelner, we work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your case. While each case is unique, victims of drunk driving accidents often qualify for the following types of damages:

• Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatments related to your injuries.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income, as well as any future loss of earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident and your injuries.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the crash, you may be entitled to reimbursement for repairs or replacement.
• Punitive Damages: In cases involving particularly egregious behavior, such as extreme intoxication or reckless driving, you may be entitled to additional punitive damages designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has impacted your relationship with a spouse or family member, you may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship and support.

Our Philosophy as Your Lawyers

At Kelner & Kelner, our philosophy is simple: we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation while relentlessly pursuing justice for our clients. When you choose us as your lawyers, you are not just another case—you are a valued individual, and your well-being is our top priority.

We understand that being injured in a drunk driving accident can be an overwhelming experience. Beyond the physical pain and emotional trauma, there are financial burdens, legal complexities, and an uncertain future to contend with. That’s why we take a hands-on approach, offering support every step of the way. We listen carefully to your story, fully understand the details of your case, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.

With over 75 years of experience, our team is committed to fighting for your rights with the knowledge, skill, and dedication that has earned us a reputation as one of New York's leading personal injury law firms. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we will not rest until we have secured the justice and compensation you deserve.
When you choose Kelner & Kelner, you gain a trusted ally in your recovery journey. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us show you how our unwavering commitment to your case can make all the difference.

Free Consultation - Act Now

Injured in NYC? Contact Kelner and Kelner today at (212) 235-1027 or through our website.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer FAQs

1. What should I do immediately after a drunk driving accident?

After a drunk driving accident, seek medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Contact the police to file a report, gather as much evidence as possible (photos, witness information, etc.), and consult with an experienced attorney to understand your legal rights and options.

2. How can a lawyer help with my drunk driving accident case?

A lawyer can help by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and fighting for fair compensation. They can also guide you through the legal process and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

3. What types of compensation am I entitled to after a DUI accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. An experienced lawyer can help assess the full extent of your damages and ensure you receive the maximum compensation.

4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and ensure your case is handled timely.

5. Do I have to prove the driver was intoxicated to win my case?

While proving that the driver was intoxicated can strengthen your case, it is not always necessary to secure compensation. If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may still be able to recover damages even if the driver was not charged with DUI.

6. Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault.

7. What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil case in a DUI accident?

A criminal case involves the government prosecuting the drunk driver for breaking the law, which may result in penalties like fines or jail time. A civil case, on the other hand, is a lawsuit where you seek compensation for injuries and damages caused by the drunk driver’s actions.

8. What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?

If the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help navigate this process and explore other potential sources of recovery.

9. How long will it take to resolve my drunk driving accident case?

The length of your case depends on its complexity, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company or at-fault party to settle. While some cases settle within months, others may take longer, especially if they go to trial. Your attorney will work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.

10. What should I do if I suspect the other driver was drunk but wasn’t arrested?

If you believe the other driver was intoxicated, it’s crucial to gather evidence, such as witness statements, photographs, and a police report. Even if the driver wasn’t arrested, you may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim based on their negligence or recklessness. An experienced attorney can help investigate and build your case.