People are often reckless on the road, and a considerable number of cases in New York happen because of drunk drivers. Driving under the influence of substances or alcohol can have severe consequences for others. If you were injured in such an accident in NY, consider calling a top legal team, such as King Law Firm, for representation & advice. For your help, here are some key things you need to know.
Seeking a settlement
Victims of drunk-driving accidents can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party under certain circumstances. NY is a no-fault state for car insurance, and typically, you would need to work with your insurer to claim compensation. However, it is possible to sue the other driver responsible for the accident in some circumstances. You can claim a settlement that will cover medical expenses, property damage, pain & suffering, lost wages, lost earning potential, and rehabilitation costs. In some cases, victims can also claim punitive damages, which is often done to discourage other drivers from driving under the influence.
Filing your injury claim in time
In every state, there is a statute of limitations that sets the time limit for filing personal injury claims. If you want to file a civil lawsuit, you have three years to do that in New York, counting from the date of the crash or collision. If a family member wants to file a wrongful death claim, they have a window of two years, and in this case, the count will start from the date of death, which could be a later date than when the accident happened.
Hiring an attorney
No matter whether you were a pedestrian walking on the road or were driving safely in another car when the drunk-driving accident happened, you must seek legal help. Lawyers can explain what you can possibly expect from the case and what the claim is worth. Most PI lawsuits in New York don’t end up in court, but if you need to go to trial to get a fair settlement, you will need an attorney for help and support. Lawyers can also keep up with the legal requirements and ensure that you don’t settle for less. Not to forget, they minimize work for the client and take care of the entire paperwork and additional hassles, including investigating the accident.
Check online now and find more about PI lawyers specializing in handling claims related to drunk-driving accidents.
