Bronx DUI & DWI Accident Lawyers

Alcohol and motor vehicles should never mix. Sobriety and caution need to always go hand in hand when someone sits at the wheel. Unfortunately, alcohol impairs judgment, which means that reckless and dangerous behaviors are more likely to occur when under the influence. This means what might seem like a simple drive can turn into a deadly situation.

If you find yourself the victim of a drunk driving accident, the Bronx DUI and DWI accident lawyers of the Lipsig Firm are here for you. We have over 40 years of experience and have handled hundreds of cases of injury and wrongful death suits. We can’t turn back the clock and help people make better decisions, but we can help you try to move forward from the accident.

Alcohol and Motor Vehicle Accidents: An Overview

It’s such a common phrase: don’t drink and drive. To help you understand why accidents happen more often when under the influence of alcohol, let’s take a look at how the body reacts when drinking.

Slower Reaction Times

Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows our bodies down. Alcohol can also slow down our reaction times, meaning that we’re not as astute at reacting in urgent situations. When driving a car, this lack of response could be deadly. Since drivers need to be alert and conscious of unexpected circumstances that can arise, slower reaction times cause crashes. Drivers under the influences might:

• Not slow down at a yellow or red light in time
• Not immediately notice a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another car in their path
• Not notice signs like speed limits or warning signs
• Hesitate to make split-second decisions that could avoid a crash

Changes in Coordination and Observation

In addition to causing slow reaction times, someone under the influence has less coordination. This means that, even if they do respond to an event, they are more likely to misjudge the situation or overcompensate in their actions. This could include:

• Making a wider or shallower turn than needed
• Incorrectly judging the distance between cars, other vehicles, bridges, or other stationary objects, and thereby inciting a crash
• Not noticing where they are on the road
• Not noticing road condition changes
• Having the inability to slow down or speed up as appropriate for the situation, such as when crossing an intersection or merging with traffic

Mood Changes

Alcohol can affect a drinker’s mood and emotional state.  Someone who is under the influence might not feel like themselves and they might have more trouble understanding or reacting to their emotions. This could lead to:

• Increased anger or aggression, which features largely in road rage
• Competitive feelings, which can make someone push themselves to do something they wouldn’t otherwise do, like drive while under the influence or engage in speeding
• Increased confidence, leading to reckless and dangerous decisions
• Making poor decisions based on emotions

Everyone driving a vehicle needs to be sober. The legal limit of blood alcohol content in New York is below .08%. That means that a blood alcohol level test that scores at or above a .08% is grounds for a DWI or DUI. However, because alcohol affects everyone differently, some people with a lower blood alcohol content may be impaired and therefore, not safe to drive.

How Common Are DUI or DWI Accidents in the Bronx?

Although New York has a relatively low percentage rate of drunk driving accidents throughout the state in relation to the number of people, the number of accidents is still high. DUIs and DWIs are unfortunately common in the Bronx, with almost 250 occurring per year. This averages out to over one DUI or DWI accident every other day.

At the Lipsig Firm, the Bronx DUI and DWI accident lawyers think that any number of drunk driving accidents is too high. We will work hard on your case to hold the right people responsible for your injuries.

What Types of Compensation Can I Seek After a Bronx Drunk Driving Accident?

Depending on the extent and severity of your injuries, you may be granted various forms of compensation. This could be for specific injuries obtained at the scene of the accident or for lasting medical needs.

Medical Care

You may receive compensation for injuries directly relating to the accident. This could include the initial treatment received right after the accident, an ambulance ride, or any surgeries you needed.

Continuing Medical Care

Because car crash injuries can be catastrophic and take a long time to heal, continuing medical care might be included in a case settlement. This could include physical therapy or, if you are unable to take care of yourself due to your injuries, it could mean paying an assistant.

Lost Wages

Payment for lost wages while you heal is a factor taken into consideration. Because DWI and DUI accidents can involve extensive injuries, healing may happen over the course of weeks, months, or even years, leading to lost revenue.

Property Damage

If you were the victim of a DWI or DUI accident, you may be entitled to property damage coverage. Property damage payouts might pertain to your car, vehicle, or other property damaged at the time of the crash.

Psychological Suffering

Emotional trauma from the injuries or accident could present in a variety of ways after a DUI or DWI accident. A victim of an accident might experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD, leading to the inability to live life as before. You may be entitled to compensation for treatment for anxiety, depression, or PTSD after an accident.

What Happens if I Was a Passenger in an Accident?

Being a passenger in a drunk driving accident can be an incredibly painful and traumatic experience. The crash may have been caused by the driver of the car you were a passenger in who was under the influence, or by a driver under the influence who struck the car you were in. If you weren’t at the wheel, but you still suffered injuries and shock from the crash, we will work to make sure that whoever was responsible for the crash is held accountable. The Bronx DUI and DWI accident lawyers at the Lipsig Firm are here to help you navigate this difficult time.

Reach Out Today to the Bronx DUI & DWI Lawyers

The Bronx DUI and DWI accident lawyers are here for you. While we can’t change the past, we can help you adjust to the future. We’ve helped clients settle cases worth millions, and we’re here to assist you.

Our consultation is free, and there’s no fee until we’ve settled your case. Reach out to us at 212-285-3300 for a free consultation. Or, contact us online about your case. We’re on your side.