Queens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Helping Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Suffolk County, Nassau County & All of New York Get Compensation 

After a drunk driving accident, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You may be facing serious injuries and a long road to recovery. In addition, you may be getting calls from insurance companies and even the at-fault driver who hit you.

At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we are here to help. We know that drunk driving accidents can cause life-altering injuries, and we know how to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. We will be your advocate every step of the way, and we will do everything we can to get you the best possible results in your case.

For a consultation, call our Queens drunk driving accident lawyer today at (718) 340-3385 or contact us online.

How a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help You

After a drunk driving accident, you are likely to be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The insurance company may offer you a settlement right away, and it may sound like a lot of money. However, it is important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side. The insurance adjuster’s job is to save the company money, and they will do everything they can to pay you as little as possible.

That’s why it is so important to talk to a personal injury attorney before you accept a settlement offer. At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we will review the settlement offer and help you understand if it is fair. If it is not, we will negotiate with the insurance company to try to get you a better offer. If the insurance company won’t budge, we will file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

When you hire us, you can expect us to:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into your case
• Identify all potentially liable parties
• Calculate the full value of your damages
• Handle all communication with the insurance company
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
• Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached

It is important to remember that the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New York is three years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to compensation. That’s why it is important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident.

Drunk Driving Lawsuits in New York

In some cases, the at-fault driver may face criminal charges for driving under the influence. If they are convicted, they may face fines, probation, and even jail time. However, a criminal case will not get you the compensation you need to pay your bills and move forward with your life.

To get compensation, you will need to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium

If the at-fault driver was driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident, you may be able to sue their employer for damages. If the at-fault driver was over-served at a bar or restaurant, you may be able to sue the establishment under New York’s dram shop law.

At the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C., we have extensive experience handling drunk driving accident cases. We know how to build strong cases that get results, and we know how to hold all liable parties accountable. When you hire us, we will fight for you every step of the way, and we will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve.

FAQ: Queens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

What Should I Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you've been involved in a drunk driving accident, your first priority should be your safety and well-being. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Then, contact the police to report the incident, as they will investigate the accident and document the evidence. Afterward, contact a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer who can help guide you through the next steps and protect your legal rights.

Can I Sue for Damages if the Drunk Driver Is Not Criminally Charged?

Yes, you can still pursue a civil lawsuit for damages, even if the drunk driver is not criminally charged or convicted. The criminal case and the civil lawsuit are separate proceedings. In a civil lawsuit, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the accident. A conviction in the criminal case may strengthen your civil case, but it is not required to file a personal injury claim.

How Do I Know If a Settlement Offer Is Fair?

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements that may seem generous but may not reflect the full extent of your injuries and losses. It’s essential to consult with a drunk driving accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. A lawyer will evaluate the offer and help you understand whether it covers your current and future medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. If the offer is insufficient, your attorney can negotiate for a better deal or take your case to court.

What Is New York's Dram Shop Law, and How Does It Affect My Case?

New York's Dram Shop Law allows you to hold bars, restaurants, or other establishments responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age, and that person causes an accident. If the drunk driver involved in your accident was over-served at a bar or restaurant, you may be able to file a claim against the establishment in addition to the driver. A skilled attorney can help you determine whether the Dram Shop Law applies to your case.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?

In a drunk driving accident lawsuit, you can pursue various types of damages, including:

• Economic damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earnings, and property damage.
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the drunk driver’s behavior was particularly egregious, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar conduct.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, we are here to help. Contact the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. today at (718) 340-3385 or contact us online for a consultation with our Queens drunk driving accident attorney.