Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
After a drunk driver causes a multi-vehicle crash, the person behind the wheel of the car that caused the collision might pay. However, the answer to this question is not always the same, especially if other people or parties are found responsible for the accident.
In other words, compensation can also stem from certain insurance policies or other parties based on the circumstances of the incident. To understand who will compensate you for the injuries you sustained, call a drunk driver accident lawyer in Manhattan at Shulman & Hill ASAP.
Understanding Who’s Responsible After a Drunk Driving Crash
After a drunk driver causes a multi-vehicle accident, many victims assume the impaired driver’s insurance company will automatically cover everything. Unfortunately, insurance companies often investigate fault carefully.
This is especially true when several drivers, vehicles, and injuries are involved. The person who caused the crash may be responsible for the harm they caused, but other factors can affect how compensation is recovered.
A lawyer can review the circumstances of the accident and determine which parties may have legal responsibility. Depending on the facts of the crash, these are potential sources of compensation:
- The drunk driver who caused the collision
- The driver’s automobile insurance policy
- Other drivers whose negligence contributed to the accident
- Additional insurance coverage that may apply to the victims’ losses
A multi-vehicle crash can create disagreements between insurance companies about who caused the accident and how much each party should pay. Having legal representation from Shulman & Hill can help ensure that victims are not left handling these disputes alone.
How New York Law Handles Drunk Driving Accidents
New York has laws designed to hold negligent and reckless drivers accountable. Driving while intoxicated or impaired can result in criminal penalties, but it can also create civil liability when another person is injured.
A criminal case against a drunk driver is separate from a personal injury claim. Even if the driver is charged or convicted, Shulman & Hill might need to pursue a civil claim to recover compensation for the following losses on your behalf:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages
New York follows a comparative negligence system, which means multiple people can share responsibility for an accident. If another driver contributed to the crash, insurance companies may attempt to argue that the victim shares some of the blame.
The amount of compensation available can depend on each person’s percentage of fault. Ultimately, it’s in your interest to work with an attorney at Shulman & Hill who understands how to help victims explore their legal options.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash?
After a drunk driving accident, victims often face expenses they never expected. Serious injuries can affect someone’s ability to work, care for their family, or return to the activities they enjoyed before the crash.
Compensation may be available for both financial losses and the personal impact of the injuries. The specific damages available depend on the circumstances of the case and the severity of the harm suffered. Victims can usually pursue compensation for these matters:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital expenses
- Ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress related to the accident and injuries
Insurance companies often spend their time finding ways to reduce how much money they have to pay you as the victim of the collision. As unfortunate as that sounds, lawyers at Shulman & Hill can calculate the full value of your claim and fight for compensation that reflects the impact.
Why Multi-Vehicle Crashes Can Be Complicated
Collisions that involve multiple vehicles won’t be handled the same way as simple two-car accidents. When more than one driver is involved, there are usually disagreements regarding who caused the initial impact and how your injuries actually occurred.
For example, a drunk driver may rear-end one vehicle, causing that vehicle to hit another. A second driver may argue that they had no opportunity to avoid the collision.
Insurance companies may then investigate each driver’s actions before deciding how responsibility should be divided. Your case will likely require a detailed review of the following forms of evidence:
- Police accident reports
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Photos and video evidence
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Medical records
- Accident reconstruction information
Shulman & Hill can conduct a thorough investigation to establish what happened and who should be held accountable.
For Help Figuring Out Who Pays After a Drunk Driver Causes a Multi-Vehicle Crash, Call Shulman & Hill ASAP
After a dangerous collision caused by a drunk driver, victims deserve lawyers who understand how to pursue compensation and provide insight during an already difficult time. At Shulman & Hill, our attorneys have handled cases like yours throughout New York since 2013.
With over 200 years of combined experience, we have helped more than 26,000 people recover more than $1 billion in compensation. As New York’s premier injury law firm, we conduct careful investigations, offer strong negotiations, and maintain a commitment to protecting you.
Our deep understanding of New York injury laws and the strategies insurance companies use makes it possible for us to provide advocacy for those who need support more than ever. Every Borough, Every Block, New York, We Got You. New York, We Got You.