Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving is not a mistake—it is a preventable choice that endangers everyone on the road. If an impaired driver injured you or a loved one in the Bronx, Our Bronx car accident lawyers will handle the legal process on your behalf and pursue the full and deserved compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Contact us today for your free consultation and let the drunk driving accident lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC pursue the justice you deserve.
Table of Contents
- How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in the Bronx?
- Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bronx DUI Crash?
- Can Bars or Restaurants Be Sued for Overserving a Drunk Driver in New York?
- Do I Need the Drunk Driver to Be Convicted to File a Lawsuit?
- What Evidence Do You Need for a Bronx DUI Injury Lawsuit?
- What If the Drunk Driver Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene?
- What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Bronx Drunk Driving Accident?
- How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Lawsuit in the Bronx?
- How Can a Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Lever & Ecker, PLLC Help?
- Injured in a DUI Accident? Contact Our Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in the Bronx?
According to the NYPD’s borough crash report, June 2025 recorded over 151 alcohol-involved motor vehicle collisions citywide, 32 of those accidents occuring in the Bronx. These numbers fluctuate month to month, but they illustrate a persistent risk on local roads.
Most Dangerous Bronx Intersections for Car Accidents
According to the Bronx Times, East 138th Street is the city’s most hazardous roadway, with the intersections at Bruckner Boulevard and Willis Avenue being particularly concerning. Other dangerous roads in the Bronx include:
- 3rd Ave & East 138th St
- Bergen Ave & Westchester Ave
- East 149th St & Trinity Ave
- East 152nd St & Melrose Ave
- East 156th St & Westchester Ave
- East 163rd St & Washington Ave
- Freeman St & Intervale Ave
- Westchester Ave & White Plains Rd
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bronx DUI Crash?
Under New York law, multiple parties can be jointly liable for an incident. This means that other individuals or entities may also be legally responsible in addition to the driver. This can include the vehicle’s owner, if they are different from the driver, or even the bar or restaurant serving the alcohol.
Can Bars or Restaurants Be Sued for Overserving a Drunk Driver in New York?
Yes, bars and restaurants in the Bronx can be held liable under New York’s Dram Shop Laws in cases involving drunk driving accidents. These laws require three elements to establish liability:
- Injury caused by an intoxicated person: The individual involved in the injury must have been intoxicated at the time of the incident.
- Unlawful alcohol sale: Establishments cannot sell alcohol to anyone who is “actually or apparently” under the age of 21 or to individuals who are visibly intoxicated.
- Contribution to intoxication: The sale of alcohol must have contributed to the person’s level of intoxication.
Proving that someone was visibly drunk when the alcohol was sold may be difficult. This is because some people may be impaired before their intoxication is obvious to others.
Do I Need the Drunk Driver to Be Convicted to File a Lawsuit?
It is not necessary to have a criminal conviction against a drunk driver to file a personal injury lawsuit following a drunk driving accident. As long as you submit your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you can initiate a personal injury lawsuit at any time during the criminal proceedings.
Evidence gathered during the criminal investigation, such as police reports and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results, can be helpful for your lawsuit, but it is not required to begin the case.
What Evidence Do You Need for a Bronx DUI Injury Lawsuit?
At Lever & Ecker, we use various types of evidence to build strong cases. That evidence may include:
- Police reports and arrest records
- BAC test results or field sobriety findings
- Photos, videos, or dashcam/surveillance footage
- Witness contact info
- Medical records and documentation of treatment
- Insurance and registration details
- Bar receipts or footage if pursuing Dram Shop liability
What If the Drunk Driver Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene?
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or if the driver flees the scene, you still have options to seek compensation for your injuries.
In New York, every insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, which allows you to file a claim with your own insurance company for the limits of that coverage.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding a hit and run incident, you may also have the option to file a lawsuit against the driver who hit you, even if their identity is initially unknown. While pursuing this route can be challenging, it is not impossible. Our attorneys are dedicated to recovering the maximum compensation available for hit and run victims in the Bronx and the surrounding areas.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Bronx Drunk Driving Accident?
Victims of drunk driving collisions can seek compensation for both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost income, and non-economic damages, which may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the effects of their injuries on daily life. Each case is unique, so the total compensation you may receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, and other specific factors.
But before pursuing a lawsuit, you must initially submit a claim through your no-fault auto insurance provider. New York is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means basic economic losses like medical expenses and lost wages are covered by your insurance carrier, regardless of who caused the accident.
Can You Recover Wrongful Death Damages if Your Loved One Was Killed by a Drunk Driver in The Bronx?
If your loved one has tragically died in a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation on their behalf through a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit allows you to recover damages typically associated with car accident claims, such as medical bills and pain and suffering, as well as additional damages for wrongful death, including funeral costs and loss of companionship.
If your loved one filed a car accident lawsuit before their passing, you might also continue their case as a survivor’s action to pursue any further damages.
If you are grieving the loss of your loved one, our experienced wrongful death lawyers in the Bronx can determine whether you have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit. We will handle your case while you care for your grieving family.
How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Lawsuit in the Bronx?
The statute of limitations for car accidents in New York is typically three years from the accident date. There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, minors and mentally incapacitated individuals may receive an extended filing deadline, and cases involving out-of-state defendants who cannot be legally served in New York may also be delayed.
Wrongful death lawsuits have a shorter time limit. You have only two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a wrongful death claim. It is important to note that the date of death due to accident-related injuries may differ from the actual date of the accident. The time limit for filing a wrongful death claim is based on the date of death, not the accident date.
It is important to file your DUI car accident lawsuits on time. Missing this deadline can result in your case being dismissed, eliminating your opportunity to receive compensation for your injuries and related damages. Don’t let this happen—take action promptly to protect your rights.
How Can a Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer at Lever & Ecker, PLLC Help?
Lever & Ecker’s Bronx car accident lawyers bring more than 70 years of unmatched experience, having successfully recovered over $250 million for crash victims. When you entrust us with your claim, you can rest assured that our lawyers will expertly navigate the legal process and tenaciously pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. Key steps in a car accident lawsuit include the following:
- Accident Investigation: Our attorneys will conduct a comprehensive investigation into your car accident to pinpoint liable parties. We may enlist top-tier accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to strengthen your case.
- Medical Review: We will diligently review your medical records and collaborate with life care planners and medical experts to thoroughly assess the long-term impact of your injuries.
- Insurance Claims: We will efficiently file claims under all applicable insurance policies, including your no-fault personal injury protection policy and the at-fault driver’s auto liability policy. Our attorneys will expertly manage all communications with insurers to ensure you are covered.
- Settlement Negotiation: We will negotiate with determination and strategy for a fair settlement, resolutely ensuring that we never accept less than what you deserve.
- Trial Preparation: If we cannot secure a fair settlement through negotiation, we will meticulously prepare your case for trial, employing our refined advocacy skills to represent you effectively in court.
We take pride in maintaining consistent and transparent communication. You can rely on us to keep you informed about the progress of your case at every step. We will always ensure you receive updates and will never leave you waiting for a response.
Injured in a DUI Accident? Contact Our Bronx Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident, our award-winning car accident lawyers will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis—you will not owe any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (718)-933-3632 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation today. Para servir mejor a todos los miembros de la comunidad, nuestros abogados de lesiones personales en Bronx ofrecen servicios en español.
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