Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Victims of Intoxicated Driving in the Five Boroughs

At Kelner & Kelner, we understand the devastating impact a drunk driving accident can have on you and your loved ones. When you're navigating the aftermath of a collision caused by an intoxicated driver on New York City streets, you need dedicated legal representation that knows how to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our team of NYC drunk driving accident lawyers has successfully represented countless New Yorkers who have suffered injuries due to the reckless actions of impaired drivers. From Brooklyn to the Bronx, Queens to Staten Island, and throughout Manhattan, we've built a reputation for tenacious advocacy and meaningful results.

How Prevalent is Drunk Driving in New York City?

Despite New York's extensive public transportation system, drunk driving remains a serious problem throughout the five boroughs. According to NYPD data, alcohol-impaired driving contributes to hundreds of crashes annually, many resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

As NYC drunk driving accident lawyers, we've witnessed firsthand how these preventable collisions change lives in an instant. The congested streets of our city become even more dangerous when drivers choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

Financial Compensation You Can Pursue in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit

As your NYC drunk driving accident lawyer, Kelner & Kelner will aggressively pursue every form of compensation you're entitled to under New York law.

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapy, and long-term care necessitated by injuries sustained in the drunk driving accident.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost while recovering from your injuries, including salary, bonuses, commissions, and other employment benefits you missed due to your NYC drunk driving accident.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for diminished ability to earn income in the future if your injuries result in permanent limitations that affect your career trajectory or employment options.
• Pain and Suffering: Monetary damages for the physical pain and discomfort experienced due to injuries caused by the intoxicated driver on NYC streets.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and sleep disturbances resulting from the traumatic drunk driving collision.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the NYC drunk driving accident.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Additional compensation for permanent physical changes that affect your appearance and may require cosmetic procedures following the drunk driving crash.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for inability to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, and other pleasures of life that were part of your routine before the NYC accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on relationships with spouse or family members due to your injuries from the drunk driving incident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extremely reckless behavior, additional compensation designed to punish the drunk driver and deter similar conduct by others on NYC roads.

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC car accident lawyer team has extensive experience calculating and documenting these damages to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your drunk driving accident case. Our drunk driving accident lawyers understand the full impact these injuries have on your life, and we're committed to securing the financial recovery you need to move forward.

How a NYC Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Compensation

At Kelner & Kelner, our legal team employs proven strategies to secure the highest possible compensation for victims of alcohol-related crashes throughout the five boroughs.

• Thorough Investigation: Our NYC drunk driving accident lawyer team conducts comprehensive investigations, collecting police reports, breathalyzer results, surveillance footage, and witness statements to build an airtight case against the intoxicated driver.
• Expert Testimony: Our drunk driving accident lawyers collaborate with accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and financial analysts who can provide compelling testimony about the cause of your accident and the full extent of your damages.
• Documentation of All Damages: Your NYC drunk driving accident lawyer will meticulously document every aspect of your losses, including medical bills, future treatment needs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
• Identification of Multiple Liable Parties: Our NYC car accident law firm will pursue all potential sources of compensation, including the drunk driver, bars or restaurants that over-served them (under New York's Dram Shop laws), vehicle owners, and employers in cases involving company vehicles.
• Negotiation Experience: Our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies and know how to counter tactics they use to minimize settlements for NYC drunk driving accident victims.
• Trial Preparation: By preparing every case as if it will go to trial, your NYC car accident lawyer strengthens your negotiating position and ensures readiness if courtroom advocacy becomes necessary.
• Understanding of Local Courts: Our familiarity with judges and procedures in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island courts provides strategic advantages when pursuing your drunk driving accident claim.
• Calculation of Future Needs: Our drunk driving accident lawyers work with medical and economic professionals to accurately project your long-term costs, ensuring your settlement accounts for all future expenses related to your injuries.
• Countering Comparative Negligence Claims: Your NYC drunk driving accident lawyer will vigorously defend against any attempts to assign partial blame to you under New York's comparative negligence rules.
• Timely Filing: drunk driving accident lawyers ensure all documents are filed within New York's statute of limitations and other procedural deadlines, protecting your right to pursue full compensation.

Choosing Kelner & Kelner as your personal injury lawyer means having dedicated advocates who understand both the legal complexities of drunk driving cases and the profound impact these accidents have on victims' lives. Our commitment to personalized representation and proven results makes all the difference in maximizing the compensation you receive and supporting your recovery.

Injuries Associated with Drunk Driving Accidents

As NYC drunk driving accident lawyers, we've witnessed how intoxicated drivers often cause catastrophic collisions that result in severe, life-altering injuries to innocent victims.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries: Ranging from mild concussions to severe damage, these injuries can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability requiring extensive rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Damage: Drunk driving crashes frequently result in partial or complete paralysis when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to permanent mobility limitations and lifetime medical care.
• Multiple Fractures: The extreme force in NYC drunk driving accidents often causes complex bone fractures requiring surgical intervention, metal implants, and lengthy physical therapy.
• Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma from these collisions can rupture or damage vital organs, resulting in internal bleeding, organ failure, and emergency surgical procedures.
• Facial Injuries: Broken facial bones, dental trauma, and severe lacerations are common in drunk driving accidents, potentially leading to permanent disfigurement and multiple reconstructive surgeries.
• Amputation: In catastrophic cases, extremities may be so severely injured that surgical amputation becomes necessary, resulting in lifetime adaptation challenges and prosthetic requirements.
• Severe Burns: Vehicle fires following drunk driving crashes can cause devastating burns that require skin grafts, create permanent scarring, and cause extreme pain during recovery.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions that require professional treatment.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even in less catastrophic collisions, neck and back injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and ongoing medical treatment needs.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic NYC drunk driving accident cases, victims succumb to their injuries, leaving surviving family members to pursue justice through wrongful death claims.

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC car accident lawyer team has extensive experience representing clients with all these injury types. We understand the medical complexities, long-term implications, and appropriate compensation values for each, allowing us to serve as effective advocates for your personal injury case throughout the recovery process.

Who Is Liable For Your Injuries After a Drunk Driving Accident?

At Kelner & Kelner, our NYC drunk driving accident lawyer team investigates all potential sources of liability to maximize the compensation available for your injuries.

• Intoxicated Driver: The most obvious liable party is the person who chose to drive while impaired, violating their duty of care and New York laws prohibiting driving under the influence.
• Bar or Restaurant Owners: Under New York's Dram Shop Act, establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons or those under 21 may share liability for damages caused in subsequent drunk driving accidents.
• Social Hosts: Private individuals who provide alcohol to intoxicated guests knowing they will drive may face liability under certain circumstances, particularly when serving minors at New York residences.
• Vehicle Owners: Even if not present during the accident, vehicle owners who knowingly lend their cars to intoxicated drivers may be held liable under New York's permissive use statute.
• Employers: When drunk driving occurs in company vehicles or during work hours, the employer may share responsibility, especially if they knew or should have known about the employee's impairment.
• Rideshare Companies: If a drunk driving accident involves an Uber or Lyft driver, the rideshare company's insurance policies may provide coverage depending on the driver's status at the time of the NYC crash.
• Government Entities: In some cases, poorly designed or maintained roadways may contribute to accident severity, potentially making city or state agencies partially liable for your injuries.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: When vehicle defects combine with drunk driving to cause or worsen injuries, manufacturers may bear partial responsibility for the resulting damages.
• Third-Party Social Media Promoters: Establishments that encourage excessive drinking through promotional events may face additional liability when patrons subsequently cause drunk driving accidents.
• Construction Companies: Improperly marked construction zones that confuse even sober drivers can create additional hazards when encountered by intoxicated drivers, potentially adding another liable party to your claim.

As your NYC car accident lawyer, we conduct exhaustive investigations to identify all liable parties in your drunk driving case. This comprehensive approach ensures that your personal injury claim addresses the full scope of responsibility and secures maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages suffered on New York City streets.

What To Do After Being Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident

Taking appropriate actions immediately following an NYC drunk driving accident can significantly strengthen your legal case and protect your right to full compensation.

• Ensure Safety First: Move to a secure location if possible and call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance for all injured parties.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get thorough medical evaluation as some serious conditions may have delayed symptoms and proper documentation is crucial for your NYC drunk driving accident claim.
• Report Suspicion of Intoxication: Tell responding officers if you suspect the other driver is under the influence, noting behaviors like slurred speech, alcohol odor, or erratic movements.
• Document the Scene: If physically able, take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries before evidence is cleared away.
• Gather Witness Information: Collect names and contact details from witnesses who may have observed the drunk driver's behavior before or during the accident.
• Exchange Information Carefully: Obtain the other driver's license, registration, and insurance information, but avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep all torn or bloodied clothing, damaged personal items, and any other physical evidence from the accident scene.
• Follow Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to treatment plans, as gaps in medical care can be used by insurance companies to minimize your compensation.
• Document Your Recovery: Keep a daily journal detailing pain levels, limitations, emotional impacts, and how the injuries affect your daily life following the NYC drunk driving accident.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about your accident or injuries online, as insurance companies often monitor victims' social media for content they can use to undermine claims.
• Decline Early Settlement Offers: Do not accept initial settlement offers from insurance companies, which are typically far below the true value of NYC drunk driving accident cases.
• Contact an NYC Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: Reach out to Kelner & Kelner as soon as possible to ensure critical evidence is preserved and your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

As your personal injury lawyer, Kelner & Kelner will handle all aspects of your case while you focus on recovery. Our experienced NYC car accident lawyer team will guide you through each step, from investigation through settlement negotiations or trial, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available under New York law.

Get Dedicated Legal Support Today

If you've been injured by a drunk driver in New York City, don't face this challenging time alone. Kelner & Kelner's experienced NYC drunk driving accident lawyer team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward justice and recovery.

NYC Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer FAQs

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

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in New York is three years from the date of the accident. However, this timeline can be shorter in certain circumstances, particularly when claims involve government vehicles or wrongful death, making it crucial to consult with an NYC drunk driving accident lawyer promptly.

What if the drunk driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?

If you're injured by an uninsured drunk driver, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage. Additionally, our NYC car accident lawyer team can investigate other potential sources of recovery, including dram shop liability or other third parties who may share responsibility.

Will I have to go to court for my drunk driving accident case?

While most NYC drunk driving accident cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This thorough preparation often results in higher settlement offers, but if necessary, Kelner & Kelner has the trial experience to effectively advocate for you before a judge and jury.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault in the accident?

Yes. New York follows pure comparative negligence rules, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, though your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Our personal injury lawyer team works diligently to minimize any attribution of fault to our clients.

How much is my drunk driving accident case worth?

Each case value depends on factors including injury severity, long-term impacts, available insurance coverage, and other liable parties. After thorough investigation and assessment of your specific circumstances, our NYC drunk driving accident lawyer can provide a reasonable estimate of potential compensation.

Do I need a lawyer if the drunk driver was arrested at the scene?

Yes. Criminal proceedings punish the drunk driver but do not provide compensation for your injuries. A separate civil claim is necessary to recover damages, and having an experienced NYC drunk driving accident lawyer significantly increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

What if my injuries appeared minor at first but worsened over time?

This is why immediate medical attention and follow-up care are crucial after any drunk driving accident. Our NYC car accident lawyer team works with medical professionals to document how your condition has evolved and ensure your settlement accounts for these developments.

How will my medical bills be paid while my case is pending?

Initially, New York's no-fault insurance typically covers medical expenses up to $50,000. For costs beyond this amount, we can often arrange treatment with providers who agree to wait for payment until your case resolves. Your Kelner & Kelner attorney will explain all available options for managing medical expenses.

What makes drunk driving accident cases different from other vehicle crashes?

Drunk driving accidents often involve additional liable parties under dram shop laws, typically result in more severe injuries due to high speeds or wrong-way driving, and may include punitive damages due to the driver's reckless behavior—all factors that make experienced legal representation essential.

How can I afford a quality NYC drunk driving accident lawyer?

Kelner & Kelner handles drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless our drunk driving accident lawyers secure compensation for you. This arrangement ensures quality legal representation is accessible regardless of your financial situation following an accident.