According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), each year there are over one million people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in New York State there were over 300 alcohol related driving deaths in 2016.
The use of alcohol impairs a person’s ability to operate a vehicle. Driving under the influence of alcohol negatively affects an individual’s cognitive and motor skills. Driving under the influence of alcohol places others at risk of death or serious injury. In New York State a person is considered legally intoxicated if his or her blood alcohol concentration is .08 or higher. Injuring a person in a car crash as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol may give rise to a personal injury claim.
A person injured by a motorist under the influence of alcohol may recover damages for the following:
- Medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Rehabilitation costs;
- Lost wages; and
- Long-term care costs, among others.
In addition, New York State law allows a family member of a person killed by a drunken motorist to file a wrongful death action against the wrongdoer. A family member of the decedent may recover damages for the following:
- Pain and suffering;
- Funeral and burial costs; and
- Lost financial support and companionship, among others.
However, New York law does require the family member to be the decedent’s estate representative in order to file the wrongful death action and recover such damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in pedestrian accident as a result of a motorist under the influence of alcohol, contact a New York City car accident lawyer who is experienced in handling these matters. Goldberg Sager & Associates is experienced in dealing with all aspects of automobile accidents and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates at 718-645-6677 for a free phone consultation.
