Average Settlement For Drunk Driving Accidents
What is the average settlement for a drunk driving claim in New York? This is a question you might find yourself asking if you have been injured by a drunk driver. It is understandable, since the costs associated with treating your injuries and rehabilitation can be quite substantial in New York – even if you have insurance.
The short answer to the question is that there is no average or standard settlement for drunk driving claims, since each claim is different and has its own value, but these cases are often worth a lot of money when handled by an experienced New York car accident lawyer.
Why Average Settlement Makes No Sense in Drunk Driving Claims
There are two reasons why people search for average settlement amounts—you want to know an idea of your potential case value or you want to know if your lawyer got you enough money. Both these research reasons are totally valid but they can also result in misplaced expectations in either direction because each case is unique, as is the defendants payout ability.
Personal Injury Protection Insurance in New York
With New York being a no-fault state, you have the right to file a claim with your own insurance carrier and receive compensation (up to $50,000) for your injuries and other losses. However, if your injuries are serious in nature, you can sue the at-fault driver as well as other parties (if any) and seek an appropriate amount of compensation.
Factors That Can Determine the Value of a Drunk Driving Claim in New York
Severity of Your Injuries – The more serious your injuries are, the more compensation you can recover
Loss of Earning Capacity – If your earning capacity is greatly reduced or if you are not at all able to work due to a severe physical or mental disability, you might be able to recover a substantial amount of compensation.
Liable Parties – If the at-fault driver was served alcohol while they were visibly drunk, you can hold the establishment liable for your injuries as well. If you were unable to take evasive action due to a defective part in your own vehicle, you can sue the manufacturer as well. If more than one party can be held liable, your chances of recovering a substantial compensation are very high.
Fault – If the accident was caused entirely because of the at-fault driver’s actions, you can retain the entire compensation you recover. On the other hand, if your own actions contributed to the accident to some extent, your compensation will be reduced proportionately.
Experienced and Trustworthy Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in New York
The consequences of a drunk driving accident can be life-altering. So, it is important for you to hire the right lawyer to handle your claim. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we have over 100 years of combined experience in handling tort claims – including drunk driving claims. With over half a billion dollars recovered in compensation and thousands of satisfied clients, our track record speaks for itself.
To discuss your claim with a reliable and experienced New York drunk driving accident attorney from our firm, call us today at 212-962-1020 or contact us online and schedule a free consultation.