You deserve justice if someone’s reckless decision to drive drunk caused a motorcycle collision, harming you. At Hach & Rose, LLP, we understand how challenging it is to focus on your recovery while worrying about the expenses of a collision caused by someone else. Call us if you’ve been injured in a drunk-driving motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault.
Our attorneys have been representing injured parties for nearly 25 years. In that time, we have helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation. Let us use our expertise to seek the money you deserve while you heal from your injuries.
Contact us today at (212) 779-0057 or online to discuss your case with one of our New York motorcycle accident lawyers during a free consultation.
Drunk Driving Statistics in New York
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in New York is .05 percent. If someone has a BAC between .05 and .07, they are legally impaired and can get a ticket for driving while their abilities are impaired (DWAI). In contrast, if they have a BAC over .08 percent, they are considered intoxicated and can get a driving under the influence ticket (DUI).
The New York State Police estimate that about three in every ten people will be involved in an alcohol-related collision at some point. It is also estimated that 30 percent of fatal crashes in New York involve alcohol.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that about 32 people die per day because of drunk driving collisions. That’s nearly 12,000 per year.
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving
Drunk drivers put everyone on the road at risk because their impaired state can cause them to act erratically and dangerously. This behavior can lead to severe motorcycle collisions resulting in devastating injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Organ damage and other soft tissue injuries
- Dislocated joints
- Facial and dental injuries
- Amputations
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident
Getting injured in a motorcycle collision is traumatic and it can be even more frustrating when you realize a drunk driver caused it. Taking the following steps can help protect your rights and ensure they are held accountable for their reckless behavior:
- Inform the police that you believe the other driver is under the influence of alcohol.
- Seek medical attention to have your injuries diagnosed and begin treatment.
- Follow your treatment plan if the doctor gives you one.
- Inform your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company about the collision.
- Refrain from posting anything on social media during your claim process.
- Consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Keep detailed records of everything related to the collision and your injuries, such as bills, invoices, and receipts.
How Is Liability Determined in a Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident?
While driving with a BAC above .05 percent is illegal in New York, a successful motorcycle accident claim still requires you to prove that the drunk driver was directly responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case, our motorcycle accident attorneys may use the following evidence to build a strong claim:
- Photos of the scene
- Surveillance footage of the accident
- Eyewitness statements
- The other driver’s BAC test results and DUI conviction record
- Bar or restaurant receipts showing the driver’s alcohol consumption
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Your medical records
- Expert testimony
In some cases, multiple parties might be liable for the collision. New York has what is known as a dram shop liability law that allows people injured by drunk drivers to seek compensation from the establishments that irresponsibly contributed to the driver’s intoxication.
For example, a bar can be liable if it sells alcohol to a minor or someone who is visibly intoxicated and that person causes a motorcycle accident resulting in injuries. An experienced attorney can review your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries.
Recoverable Compensation in Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident Claims
If a drunk driver hurt you in a New York accident, our attorneys can help you seek money for the physical, emotional, and financial losses you’ve suffered. The types of compensation you can pursue depends on the facts of your case, but might include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Cost of long-term care and support needed for permanent disabilities
- Lost earnings from missing work
- Reduced earning capacity because of a permanent impairment
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
Additionally, you can seek punitive damages in cases where the drunk driver acted with a conscious disregard for others, demonstrated gross negligence, or displayed an intent to injure.
Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
New York’s statute of limitations sets a three-year limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. Failing to file your lawsuit within the required timeframe can prevent you from recovering compensation through the legal system. Therefore, starting your claim process as soon as possible is vital.
How the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP Can Help
At Hach & Rose, LLP, we want you to be able to focus on recovering from the collision while we fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can help by:
- Thoroughly investigating the collision, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses to identify all liable parties
- Determining the value of your case
- Vigorously negotiating with insurance adjusters to ensure you get a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if the insurance company is not willing to give you the compensation you deserve
- Providing emotional support and legal guidance
Contact Our Drunk Driving Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today!
We understand how tough it is to afford legal representation, so our attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means you don’t pay us until you get paid. Our attorneys want to help if you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver.
The New York motorcycle accident attorneys of Hach & Rose, LLP are dedicated and compassionate professionals who want to see you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact our team today at (212) 779-0057 or online to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.