Drunk Driving in New York: It’s Worse Than You Thought

Drunk driving leads to many tragic accidents in New York each year. It seems as though no matter how many new laws and restrictions we create, people continue to get behind the wheel while intoxicated — with serious consequences. Injuries and fatalities can easily occur when drivers with lowered reaction times and poor judgement decide to get into their vehicles.

But what can you do if you were harmed by a drunk driver in New York? The obvious answer is to get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in Upstate New York as soon as possible. With help from one of these attorneys, you can strive for the best possible results in a highly efficient manner. More importantly, you can hold negligent drunk drivers responsible for their misconduct.

Drunk Driving is a Serious Problem in New York

There have been many recent incidents that prove just how serious drunk driving has become in New York. On April 15th of 2022, it was reported that a man named Mark Cope had been sentenced to 3-9 years in prison for a DUI incident that occurred back in 2020 (1). This Peekskill crash claimed the life of a 32-year-old woman who was driving with her 6-year-old daughter and niece at the time. Cope apologized in court, but family members want Cope to serve out his maximum sentence, claiming that three years is a “slap in the face.”

At the same time, Governor Hochul approved a new law that would allow “to-go” liquor sales. Essentially, restaurants can now sell sealed drinks to patrons who can then take them home. The open-container laws still apply, and motorists are being encouraged to store these “to-go cocktails” in their trunks. However, organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving are voicing their opposition, claiming that the new law could affect impaired driving laws (2). They also pointed out that alcohol-related deaths rose by 25% in 2020 alone.

How to Sue a Drunk Driver

Filing an injury claim after being hit by a drunk driver is relatively straightforward, as this is a clear example of negligence. Proving that the guilty party engaged in misconduct will likely be quite easy. That being said, you still need to get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney who can help you approach your injury claim in an efficient manner. These attorneys can also be very helpful in the negotiation process as you pursue a fair, adequate financial settlement.

Where Can I Find an Attorney Near Me?

Those injured by drunk drivers might be asking themselves: “Where can I find DUI attorneys near me?” If you’ve been searching the Upstate New York area for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney, look no further than The Stanley Law Offices, LLP. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs — including those who have been harmed by drunk drivers. With our help, you can pursue justice and closure. Perhaps more importantly, you can also pursue a considerable financial settlement that you can use to pay for your medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. Book your consultation today to get started.

Sources

1. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mark-cope-drunk-driving-sentencing-shina-mcclam/
2. https://westchester.news12.com/madd-warns-of-possible-dangers-amid-to-go-liquor-change

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