Despite tough laws and countless awareness campaigns, drunk driving remains a big problem in New York and across the United States. If you or someone close to you was injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, we can help. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our Syracuse drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to getting our clients the compensation they deserve for their harm. While no amount of money can undo the harm you have suffered, the compensation can help ease the burden of bills that often accompany such accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a million people were arrested for driving under the influence in 2016. The same year, approximately 28 percent of all traffic-related fatalities across the nation involved alcohol-impaired driving. In New York, there were 283 traffic deaths due to alcohol-impaired driving, which translates to 28 percent of all traffic deaths in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Drivers in New York are legally driving while intoxicated (DWI) if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. The threshold is lower for commercial drivers, who will be charged with a DWI if they are operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher. It is important to note that the use of any drug (legal or illegal) that impairs a person’s ability to drive can also form the basis of a DWI.
While drivers charged with a DWI face a number of criminal consequences, those hurt by drunk drivers can file a civil claim seeking compensation for their losses. Most civil claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person causes injuries or death by failing to use reasonable care behind the wheel. Reasonable care is the level of care that a prudent or sensible person would have used under the same or similar circumstances. For example, a prudent or sensible person would not drive a car after having multiple drinks at the bar, understanding the risk of accidents associated with such behavior.
Once negligence is established, an injured victim can recover a variety of damages, including but not limited to medical expenses for hospitals, surgeons, physicians, and medications; future medical expenses; lost wages; property damage; pain and suffering; and rehabilitation services. Every case is different, and the exact amount of compensation you will be entitled to receive will vary depending on the facts of the case.
To say driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is dangerous would be an understatement. Motorists who get behind the wheel while intoxicated not only endanger themselves but also put everyone else on the road at risk too. If you or your loved one was injured or killed due to a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Syracuse drunk driving accident attorneys will help you navigate the entire legal process in a compassionate manner. Call us today at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.
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