After a drunk driving crash, it could be discovered that a third party was negligent and may have contributed to the accident. In addition to the driver of the vehicle, liquor liability may include parties who served alcohol to someone who was obviously intoxicated or to someone who was underage.
To better understand your legal rights and options as they relate to your case, contact a car injury lawyer on Long Island.
Liquor Liability after a Drunk Driving Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol impairment was a factor in 31 percent of motor vehicle deaths in 2010. In total, 10,228 individuals lost their lives as a result of a crash involving a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more.
It is a serious problem that may result not only in the driver held liable but other parties who may have contributed.
For instance, owners of vehicles who allow someone unfit to drive to do so could also be responsible for any accidents or damage the drunk driver causes. Even passengers who encourage the driver to get behind the wheel despite his or her intoxication may be considered liable as well.
Dram shop laws may also apply to a drunk driving crash that causes injury or damage. This allows a lawsuit to be filed against establishments or persons that serve alcohol to an individual who is a known risk behind the wheel because he or she is intoxicated.
New York Code §11-101 of the General Obligations Law allows for compensation when a victim has been injured or killed by an intoxicated driver as a result of the illegal sale of liquor. Liability could apply not only to a business that sells alcohol to a patron, but even an adult who hosts a party and provides alcohol to underage drinkers or intoxicated adults.
If the intoxicated person gets behind the wheel of a car, injuring or killing someone in a drunk driving crash, liability could be with the person or business that served it to the intoxicated guest in addition to the drunk driver who got behind the wheel and caused the accident.
Compensation after a Drunk Driving Crash
If more than one party is liable for a DUI crash, you may be able to recover compensation from each. Damages following an accident can vary depending on the circumstances, but are often significant following a serious car accident.
Some of the types of compensation that may be recoverable after an accident include:
- permanent disability;
- disfigurement;
- emotional distress;
- pain and suffering;
- reduced quality of life;
- medical/hospital expenses (current and future);
- lost earnings (current and future);
- earning potential if there was a loss of life;
- loss of companionship or parental guidance; and
- reasonable funeral expenses.
The compensation you are entitled to seek will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries, along with the circumstances surrounding the crash. By securing help from a lawyer, you can make sure that all financial, emotional and physical losses are taken into account.
Seeking Help from a Car Injury Lawyer in Long Island
Injuries because of drunk drivers can occur anywhere. whether on a busy interstate like I-495 or one of the many small side streets. No matter where it happens, the repercussions can be devastating. To learn more about your legal rights and the options that may be available, contact a car injury lawyer at Gacovino, Lake & Associates in Long Island. We can help with your legal case as you work to put back the broken pieces following a drunk driving crash (800) 246-4878.
