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Alcohol can severely hinder an individual’s ability to drive. Drunk driving accidents typically result in devastating injuries. These tragic collisions have a high risk of resulting in a fatality. Victims may suffer life-threatening and life-altering injuries that can negatively impact their lives. Motorists who disobey the rules of the road will be held liable for any damages. Victims are entitled to financial compensation for their injuries. If you or someone you care about has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact a qualified Buffalo Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer who can help ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
How does a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle get impacted by the consumption of alcohol?
The consumption of alcohol can severely impact a person’s ability to drive. Just one drink can significantly impact an individual’s ability to operate a vehicle. The activity of a person’s nervous system, including the brain, is slowed down because alcohol is a depressant drug. Alcohol reduces critical motor skills that are needed to safely operate a vehicle. Alcohol can negatively impact a driver’s ability to drive by causing:
- Impaired vision and hearing
- Impaired vision
- Reduced reaction time
- Reduced coordination
- Reduced concentration
- Reduced comprehension
- Altered judgment
- Increased risk-taking
All of these factors can result in horrific collisions and injuries. The penalties individuals face will be severe as driving while under the influence is a criminal offense. If a driver does not abide by the rules of the road, they will be held liable for damages.
Who can be held liable for a drunk driving accident?
It is typical for the motorist to be the only liable party in a drunk driving accident. However, in New York, drivers may not be the only negligent party. New York enforces strict dram shop laws. This law helps victims hold all negligent parties including the bar or commercial establishment that served the intoxicated driver alcohol which led to the collision that inflicted a victim’s injuries. Dram shops can be held responsible for a drunk driving accident if they served a person alcohol when they were already visibly intoxicated or if they served alcohol to a minor. Whatever the case may be, victims must show proof of the dram shop’s negligence. Under New York’s statute of limitations, individuals have three years from the date their injury was inflicted to file a claim against a negligent party. If they fail to file a claim within this period, they will be barred from ever doing so. Individuals can file a claim at any point within those three years, however, in these types of situations, it is always better to act sooner than later. If an individual waits too long and misses the deadline, they will lose their chance of recovering damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another person’s negligence, reach out to one of our dedicated and trusted team members who can help you through this difficult time. Our firm is committed to helping our clients get back on their feet and ensuring any negligent parties are held accountable for their irresponsible actions. We are dedicated and determined to help our clients achieve favorable results.
