Manhattan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving is a very serious offense in New York, and throughout the entire country. Drunk drivers cause some of the most horrific injuries on the roadways because they struggle with perception issues, have slower reaction times, and exhibit overall poor judgment. If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, you may be eligible for compensation. Below, our Manhattan drunk driving accident lawyer explains the information you need to know.
Insurance Options After a Drunk Driving Accident
In Manhattan, you have several insurance options for claiming compensation after a drunk driving accident. New York is a no-fault auto insurance state. This means that after any crash, you must first file a claim with your own insurance company to claim medical expenses and lost wages. All motorists in New York are required to purchase up to $50,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) benefits. Even when you contributed to an accident, you can still file a PIP claim because these are no-fault policies.
There are times when your injuries are so serious, the $50,000 minimum is not enough to fully cover the cost. In these instances, you can file a claim against the drunk driver. If you are successful with your claim, you can claim additional compensation, up to the limits of their insurance policy.
Any driver can violate the law and drive without insurance, but this is more common in cases that involve drunk drivers. If your PIP benefits do not cover the cost of your injuries, and the drunk driver did not have insurance coverage, you can use your own uninsured motorist coverage. This is another type of mandatory coverage and all drivers must purchase a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
The Dram Shop Laws in New York
It is not uncommon for drunk drivers to cause a crash when they are impaired after leaving a bar or other establishment serving alcoholic beverages. Under New York’s dram shop laws, it may be possible to hold a business liable if they over-served a drunk driver. However, it is very challenging.
Businesses and other parties can only be held liable under the state’s dram shop laws if the drunk driver was under the age of 21 or was visibly intoxicated. This often relies on locating eyewitnesses who were in the establishment at the time the drunk driver was served, which poses many challenges. It is also sometimes possible to obtain video surveillance footage from the restaurant or other establishment the drunk driver left before causing a crash. Due to the fact that businesses try very hard to shield themselves from liability, this evidence is also very difficult to obtain.
Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Manhattan Can Prove Your Case
At Cohan Law Firm, our Manhattan drunk driving accident lawyer can conduct an investigation into your case to prove the driver who hit you was impaired. We can also help you collect the necessary evidence to prove your claim so you receive the maximum settlement you deserve. Call us now at 855-855-0321 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney.
