Rockland County

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Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be feeling angry, helpless, and overwhelmed. You may have to deal with costly medical bills, pain and suffering due to your injuries, and emotional trauma. You may also be wondering how to hold the drunk driver accountable for their reckless actions and get the compensation you deserve. You are not alone. At Mitchell J. Schroeder, P.C., we understand what you are going through and we are here to help. We have the experience, compassion, and dedication to fight for your rights and get you the best possible outcome for your case. Contact the seasoned Rockland County drunk driving accident lawyers at our firm today for a free consultation. Let us take care of the legal details while you focus on your recovery.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers | Serving Rockland County & all of NYS

If you’ve been harmed by a drunk driver, our New York injury lawyers can investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance companies, and take your case to trial if necessary. Our firm has decades of experience representing accident victims in Nyack, Rockland County, and throughout NYS, and we are here to put that experience to work for you in your case as well.

How Alcohol Affects Driving Ability

Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows down the activity of the brain and the central nervous system. This affects the ability to drive safely in many ways. Just some of the ways in which alcohol can impact your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle are as follows:

• Impaired judgment
• Reduced reaction time
• Difficulty focusing
• Impaired vision
• Reduced coordination
• Inhibited ability to track moving objects

It’s no secret why it is unlawful to drive while under the influence, but unfortunately, many people still make the mistake of doing so. If you or a loved one has been harmed by such a driver, our firm is here to help fight for you.

After a Drunk Driving Accident

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you should take the following steps to get the medical care you need and maximize your chances of recovering financial compensation:

1. Call 911 and report the accident. Ask for medical assistance if you or anyone else is injured. If you believe the other driver is intoxicated, notify law enforcement. If they believe this as well, they will likely require the individual to take a breathalyzer test.
2. Cooperate with the police and give them your statement. Do not admit fault or apologize for anything.
3. Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver and any witnesses. Also, get the license plate number and vehicle description of the other car.
4. Take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to both vehicles, and any visible injuries.
5. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep records of your diagnosis, treatment, and expenses.
6. Contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident. Do not give any recorded statements or accept any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer first.
7. Contact a reputable drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation from the drunk driver and their insurance company.

New York’s Dram Shop Law

In some cases, you may be able to sue not only the drunk driver who caused your accident, but also the person or establishment who served them alcohol. This is possible under New York State’s dram shop law, which holds alcohol providers liable for injuries caused by their intoxicated customers under certain circumstances. According to this law, you may have a claim against an alcohol provider if:

• The provider sold alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or under 21 years old; and
• The intoxicated person then caused an injury to you or someone else as a result of their intoxication

Suing an alcohol provider of any kind can prove to be challenging, so you will need the help of a skilled and experienced lawyer who can gather the necessary evidence, identify the liable parties, and pursue your claim effectively.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today

No one who has been injured by a drunk driver should have to fight the uphill battle for compensation on their own. Our firm is here to be your number one advocate. Contact the drunk driving accident lawyers at Mitchell J. Schroeder, P.C. today to schedule your free case evaluation with our competent legal team.