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Driving under the influence in Westchester County, New York is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injuries and damages. Studies conducted by Responsibility.org show that in 2018 there were 307 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in New York alone. With a large population and a constant flow of exciting new places to explore, staying out late and consuming alcohol is common. However, it is the responsibility of the person consuming alcohol to find a safe option for transportation.
If you sustain serious, life-threatening injuries due to someone’s negligent actions, you have the right to seek compensation for the damages you incur. Medical fees, lost income, and other financial losses can all affect your ability to recover. Our team at Lever & Ecker, PLLC understands the burden that these expenses can have, and we are ready provide you with legal representation that you can depend on.
While it is impossible to completely avoid a drunk driving accident, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of coming into contact with a drunk driver. We cannot control what other people do, but we can choose how we react and take precautions to avoid these types of situations. Here is our list of five ways to reduce the likelihood of encountering a drunk driver:
Most intoxicated drivers operate their vehicles at night and the very early hours of the morning. At these times, people are usually heading home from hanging out with friends or spending the night at a restaurant, bar or club, and can make the reckless decision to drive while intoxicated. This makes late-night driving more dangerous for everyone else on the road.
Sometimes, there are moments when we cannot avoid driving late at night. If you come across someone swerving on the road or driving carelessly, keep a considerable distance from the vehicle. Not all drunk drivers swerve around, but if you suspect someone is drunk, it is better to take the necessary precautions for safety.
New York’s seatbelt law states that all vehicle occupants must wear a seat belt at all times, regardless of age or seat location. The seatbelt law takes into consideration the effectiveness and safety that seatbelts offer passengers. If you are not wearing a seatbelt when you get into an accident with a drunk driver, you are more likely to sustain severe injuries and it may be determined that you are partially at fault for the damages.
During the holidays, many individuals gather to celebrate in groups and consume some form of alcohol. When intoxicated individuals leave a holiday gathering, they need to find a safe way home. Sometimes, people disregard their safety and the safety of others by driving home while intoxicated. Staying aware of the dangers of drunk driving during the holidays can help you observe the surroundings and take preventive measures.
Distracted driving is another form of negligence and is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, alongside driving under the influence. If you drive while distracted, such as by talking and texting, using a GPS system, or adjusting music or controls, you can be determined to be partially at fault for the accident. Furthermore, not paying attention to the road may cause you not to see the signs of a drunk driver around you.
Considering these five important precautious guidelines can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering a drunk driver and sustaining injuries in an accident. However, if you find yourself in a situation that causes you to suffer injuries from an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.
Due to the impaired ability to control their motor skills, accidents involving drunk drivers often cause life-threatening or other serious injuries. When a victim of a drunk driver sustains serious harm, they may need immediate emergency medical treatment to try to prevent long-term disabilities. Some of the most common types of injuries one can sustain through a drunk driving accident include:
These injuries, and many others, can cause you to require extensive medical treatment, therapy and other medical expenses. You are eligible to recover the losses you sustain because of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you will have the resources and tools to increase the likelihood of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Drunk driving accidents often cause extreme loss, but a personal injury attorney can help recover a significant portion or even all of your damages with their knowledge and resources. Some of the losses they can help you recover are:
With the help of a personal injury attorney, you will have the opportunity to hold the driver accountable for their actions and recover for the significant losses sustained in your drunk driving accident.
Recovering from injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident can come with medical expenses, lost wages, and many other financial losses. Our team at Lever & Ecker, PLLC has over 60 years of combined experience working with and advocating for clients around Westchester, New York. Making sure our community is strong and safe is one of our top priorities. With our dependable, client-oriented legal services, you will have the proper tools for a strong injury claim.
Contact us at (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632 and fill out our contact form online to schedule a free consultation and speak with an experienced attorney.