Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Rochester, NY
When someone chooses to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated, it puts everyone on the road in danger. This reckless decision can cause collisions that result in devastating injuries, trauma, and significant financial burdens. If you or a loved one is physically or financially harmed in such an incident, seek the help of a Rochester drunk driving accident lawyer.
Why Should You Choose Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC?
The attorneys at Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, have over 50 years of experience fighting for individuals who have been wrongfully injured. We provide personalized service and follow a client-centered approach to ensure you and your loved ones receive a settlement that accurately reflects the financial and non-financial damages you suffered.
Look no further than Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, for a dedicated Rochester drunk driving accident attorney. Whether you were in a serious crash on Lake Avenue or were rear-ended by a vehicle leaving a bar on Alexander Street, we can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and protect your rights to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for any suffering and inconvenience you incurred.
Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Recent data from 2023 shows that in the U.S., approximately 30 percent of all automobile accident fatalities involved drunk drivers who had blood alcohol content levels (BACs) of .08 g/dL or higher, resulting in 12,429 people killed in such incidents.
The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming. Collision victims may incur the following:
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Mounting medical bills
- Lasting physical and emotional pain from injuries
To secure compensation for your losses, you must file a personal injury claim against the intoxicated, at-fault motorist and their insurance company. When doing so, it is wise to have the help of a skilled Rochester drunk driving accident attorney, considering insurance companies may try to minimize their payouts through the following tactics:
- Undervaluing your claim
- Disputing your injuries
- Shifting blame onto you
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC, we can gather all necessary evidence to build your drunk driving accident claim and advocate for you while you prioritize recovering.
Understanding New York’s Approach to Personal Injury Cases
Per an annual report from the Monroe County Stop DWI New York initiative in Rochester, arrests for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence have been decreasing in Monroe County in recent years.
As officers and volunteers continue working together to keep roadways safer, some still decide to drive while intoxicated. If you encounter a driver who makes this decision and you subsequently suffer the consequences of their actions, you can hold them accountable according to New York’s drunk driving accident laws.
For instance, New York follows a comparative negligence system. This means the compensation you receive could be reduced if you are found to be partially responsible for the collision. An experienced attorney can help demonstrate that the intoxicated driver was entirely at fault for the incident.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
When you are ready to hold the at-fault motorist accountable, be sure to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer with a proven track record of success. The right attorney can handle every aspect of your claim, from:
- Investigating and gathering evidence
- Negotiating with insurance carriers
- Defending your case in court if necessary
A seasoned attorney knows what it takes to be successful with drunk driving accident cases and can ensure your claim includes all the damages you are entitled to.
FAQs
What Should I Do After I’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver in Rochester?
There are certain actions you should take after being hit by a drunk driver in Rochester. First, you should call the police, or 911 if there are injuries. Take photos of the scene and gather witness information if possible. Obtain the contact information of the other driver. Some injuries aren’t always apparent, so it’s advised to have a medical examination later, even if you appear uninjured. It’s important to obtain the police report and all medical documentation for your claim.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in Rochester, New York?
There is no average settlement for a drunk driving accident in Rochester, New York, as each case is unique. The value of a claim depends on your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and damage to your vehicle.
Drunk driving accident claims involving permanent disability or significant long-term care may result in higher settlements than those with minor injuries. An experienced attorney can evaluate the specific details of your situation to estimate its potential value and fight for maximum compensation.
Is it Worth Getting a Lawyer for a Drunk Driving Accident in Rochester, New York?
It is worth getting a lawyer for a drunk driving accident in Rochester, New York. An attorney can help guarantee your rights are protected and that you receive as much compensation as you are entitled to by pursuing all appropriate avenues.
A lawyer can accurately determine the value of your claim, handle the negotiations for you, and build a solid case to counter any lowball offers from insurance companies.
What Is the #1 Defense Against Drunk Drivers?
The #1 defense against drunk drivers is a proactive and experienced legal team. A lawyer can demonstrate without doubt that the other motorist’s intoxication was the direct cause of your collision, injuries, and damages.
They can do so by gathering police reports, field sobriety and chemical test results, witness testimony, and expert analysis. A solid, evidence-backed drunk driving accident claim is the optimal defense to defeat any attempts by the insurance company to deny liability or undervalue your suffering.
Recover What You Deserve With the Help of Gattuso & Ciotoli, PLLC
The damages caused by an intoxicated driver can change your life in one instant. While no amount of money can reverse the harm you suffer, securing fair compensation is an important part of your recovery and ability to move forward. It provides the financial stability needed to cover your medical treatments, make up for lost income, and acknowledge your pain and suffering.
Do not face this difficult journey alone. Our dedicated legal team is ready to fight for you. We can handle the complexities of your drunk driving accident claim with the attention, skill, and determination it deserves. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn our approach to obtaining the justice you are owed.