It is never safe to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. If an individual gets behind the wheel while they are intoxicated, they will be putting everyone’s safety at great risk. Drunk driving accidents are extremely horrific and typically result in tragic injuries and fatalities. Victims typically face serious consequences due to a motorist’s negligence. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a drunk driving accident due to another motorist’s negligence, reach out to our experienced Westchester County Drunk Driving Attorneys. Our firm can assist you in recovering fair compensation for your damages. 

How can alcohol impact a person’s ability to drive?

Alcohol can severely hamper a person’s ability to drive. Alcohol is a depressant drug that slows down a person’s brain activity. This causes an individual to lose the critical skills needed to responsibly operate a vehicle. One drink can significantly affect a person’s ability to drive. Heavy alcohol consumption can cause impaired vision and hearing. An individual may have double or blurred vision. Alcohol relaxes and disrupts an individual’s eye movement. Alcohol can alter a person’s judgment. Sober individuals have no problem making good decisions that abide by the rules of the road. However, intoxicated drivers have a hard time thinking clearly. Critical motor skills are hindered by alcohol and cause a loss of coordination. Alcohol affects an individual’s eye-hand-foot coordination which is needed to step on the gas and break. Additionally, alcohol can reduce a person’s ability to concentrate. This could cause a person to swerve into other lanes and make it hard for them to keep at a safe speed. Ultimately, alcohol negatively affects an individual’s ability to drive.

What are dram shop laws in New York?

In New York, dram shop laws are enforced to protect victims and help them hold commercial establishments liable for damages in drunk driving accidents. Essentially, a dram shop is any establishment that serves alcoholic beverages. Under New York law, dram shops can be held liable for a drunk driving accident if they over-serve a customer who is already visibly intoxicated. As well as, if they serve alcohol to a minor under the legal age of 21. Victims are entitled to hold negligent motorists and dram shops liable for their injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident. Victims must file a claim against negligent parties within three years from the date the incident and injuries occurred. If victims fail to do so, they will be barred from ever doing so, losing their opportunity of recovering financial compensation for their losses. Victims may suffer catastrophic injuries that cause them physical and mental trauma. Injured individuals may recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are calculable losses that include past and future medical bills, loss or reduced wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are harder to calculate as they are subjective. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and inconvenience. Victims of drunk driving accidents need to consult with a qualified Westchester County drunk driving attorney who can help them recover reasonable damages.

If you have been injured due to another motorist’s negligence in a drunk driving accident, contact one of our skilled and determined team members. Our firm is committed to helping our clients through this difficult time and seeking the justice they deserve.