Long Island Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
There is no excuse for drunk driving. This is particularly true in Long Island considering the number of public transportation options, ride-sharing services, and private taxicabs. Still, every day people make the intentional decision of getting behind the wheel while they are impaired. When they do, they often cause serious accidents that result in catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt, you need legal help. Our Long Island drunk driving accident lawyer can provide it and ensure your rights are upheld.
Why is Drunk Driving So Dangerous?
In the moments before an accident happens, most motorists know that they are about to hit someone or something. Understanding this, they often take steps to avoid an accident or to reduce the impact of the crash. For example, they may slam on their brakes or turn slightly. When drivers are impaired, they do not always do this. They may not even understand that they are about to cause an accident. Using the brakes even just seconds before a crash can significantly reduce its impact. When impaired drivers fail to do this, they will crash into another vehicle or person with much greater force.
Impaired drivers are also more likely to drive much slower or faster than the flow of traffic. They may drift out of their lane, drive on the wrong side of the road, or fall asleep at the wheel. Drunk drivers make the wrong decisions, and those choices have catastrophic results including failing to react, overcorrecting, or overreacting.
Due to the fact that crashes caused by drunk drivers are typically more severe, the resulting injuries often meet the serious injury threshold. This threshold allows you to file a claim against the drunk driver once you have exhausted the personal injury protection (PIP) benefits offered by your own insurer. It is important to work with a Long Island drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you through the process of obtaining the full settlement you deserve.
DUI Convictions and Personal Injury Claims
Drunk driving is a very serious criminal offense. If a drunk driver caused your accident and was charged, your civil claim against them is separate from their criminal case. While the impaired driver will likely have to pay fines, these go to the state and will not provide you with any compensation. To do this, you must file a claim with their insurance provider, if you meet the serious injury threshold.
Still, the fact that the driver was charged or convicted can help your case. You can use this to prove that the driver was drunk at the time of the crash and therefore, deserve compensation.
Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Long Island Can Help with Your Case
If you or someone you love has been hurt by a drunk driver, our Long Island drunk driving accident lawyer can help. At Cohan Law Firm, we can advise you of your legal options and handle the details of your case while you focus on getting better. Call us today at 855-855-0321 or contact us online to schedule a consultation so we can get started on your case.
