Buffalo Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Absolutely. If you’ve been injured due to a drunk driver’s careless decision, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them. This claim should cover all your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Depending on the case, you may also be eligible to seek punitive damages if the at-fault party’s actions were excessively reckless.

New York’s no-fault insurance law covers basic medical expenses and lost wages, but only up to a certain limit.

If your injuries are considered “serious” under the law, you and an attorney can step outside the no-fault system and sue the drunk driver directly for full damages. This allows you to pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic hardships you suffered. Proving a serious injury requires detailed medical documentation to support your case.

Your no-fault auto insurance covers initial emergency care and basic medical expenses.

For serious injuries, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover full compensation for all your losses. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced attorney can help you explore every available option to make sure your medical costs are fully addressed.

Punitive damages in a drunk driving accident case are intended to punish the at-fault driver for especially reckless behavior. This may include driving with an excessively high blood alcohol content or if they had any prior DWI convictions.

Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not tied to the victim’s direct losses like medical bills or lost wages. Their purpose is to deter similar conduct and send a strong message about the seriousness of drunk driving. Courts in New York may consider factors like the driver’s level of intoxication, past behavior, and overall disregard for public safety when determining eligibility for punitive damages.

Yes. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, per New York’s statute of limitations. However, you shouldn’t wait this long. Delays can limit your ability to gather strong evidence and affect your case outcome.

Yes. A criminal conviction is not technically required to pursue a civil claim for your injuries. As long as there is enough evidence to show negligence, such as intoxication or reckless behavior, you may still have a valid case. Speak with an experienced car accident injury attorney to learn more.