Drunk driving accidents are no laughing matter, as they typically result in devastating injuries. This horrific type of traffic collision often results in a fatality. Intoxicated individuals should never get behind the wheel as they risk everyone’s safety including their own. Alcohol affects individuals’ bodies and minds in several harmful ways. Alcohol can impede a driver’s ability to drive. Alcohol can reduce an individual’s critical motor skills that are needed to operate a vehicle safely. If a driver does not abide by the rules of the road, significant accidents and injuries may result. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a drunk driving accident due to another motorist’s negligence, contact an experienced Westchester County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer who can help victims recover fair compensation for damages. Our firm is dedicated to helping our clients hold negligent parties accountable for their reckless behavior.
HOW CAN ALCOHOL IMPACT A PERSON’S ABILITY TO DRIVE?
Alcohol is a depressant and therefore slows done the nervous system. Ultimately, this affects an individual’s brain. If your brain is not functioning properly, an individual cannot operate a vehicle. Alcohol affects their hand-eye-foot coordination and other necessary skills that individuals need to drive. Alcohol affects an individual’s driving ability which may include:
- reduced reaction time
- impaired vision and hearing
- reduced concentration
- reduced comprehension
- loss of coordination
- altered judgment
Drivers must not consume alcohol if they are planning on driving. Alcohol severely hinders a driver’s ability to drive. Even one drink can affect an individual’s ability to operate a vehicle. If a driver gets behind the wheel while under the influence, horrific collisions and injuries may result.
WHAT ARE NEW YORK’S DRAM SHOP LAWS?
Almost all states enforce dram shop laws. A dram shop is a bar, restaurant, or commercial establishment that sells and distributes alcohol to customers. Dram shop laws are enforced to help victims injured by drunk drivers hold the establishment that served the intoxicated driver liable for damages. In New York, victims can hold commercial establishments responsible for any collisions and injuries that result from their negligence. If the intoxicated driver was visibly intoxicated and the dram shop kept supplying them with more alcohol, they can be held accountable. If the dram shop served an underage minor, they can also be held liable. Dram shop laws in New York are enforced to help victims of drunk driving accidents hold dram shops and drunk drivers responsible for their damages.
Under New York’s statute of limitations, if you were injured due to another motorist’s negligence, you have three years from the date the injuries were inflicted to file a claim against that negligent party. If you fail to file a claim at any point within those three years, you will be barred from ever doing so in the future. If you miss this deadline, you will lose any opportunity of recovering damages for your injuries. It is important to consult with an experienced lawyer who can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their irresponsible and careless actions.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to contact one of our skilled and determined team members who can help you recover reasonable damages. Our firm is committed to helping our clients reach favorable results and receive the justice they deserve. Visit the Bàez Legal Group now!