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Drunk Driving Accidents

Buffalo Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

We Help When Other Law Firms Can’t

man drinking and driving in new york

The New York State Police have reported that drunk drivers cause more than 17,000 deaths each year nationwide. This equates to about one death every 30 minutes. They estimate that a significant percentage of fatal crashes in New York State are alcohol-related, including many incidents involving a drunk driving accident in Buffalo and throughout Erie County. These numbers highlight the serious risks posed by impaired drivers on local roads.

For more than 55 years, our team has been a trusted name for personal injury representation in Western New York. Our firm handles complex cases involving negligent and intoxicated drivers, helping injured individuals pursue a drunk driving accident claim and recover compensation. Whether the crash involved a single impaired driver or multiple vehicles, we are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process.

To discuss your case with our Buffalo drunk driving accident lawyers, dial (888) 997-4110 now.

Alcohol’s Effects on a Driver

Realistically, there is no way to drive safely after drinking alcohol. Even one drink can increase a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level and begin to affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time. The legal limit of 0.08 considers strict legalities and whether the driver can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). It does not consider whether the driver can drive safely, which they reasonably cannot once alcohol begins to affect their abilities.

As a driver’s BAC level increases, they will experience worse and worse intoxication symptoms, like:

  • Taking longer to react to the traffic changes around them.
  • Experiencing unreliable or unsafe judgment or decision-making skills.
  • Making it impossible to control the steering wheel well, causing the car to swerve.
  • Blurring vision and dulling hearing, so sensory input is muddled.

These impairments often lead to collisions similar to those handled by Buffalo car accident lawyers, where driver negligence plays a central role.

Even when a driver is below the legal BAC limit, they may still be considered negligent if alcohol contributed to unsafe behavior. This is a key factor in many drunk driving accidents and can significantly impact liability.

Using Criminal Evidence in a Civil Case

Did you know that we can use some of the criminal evidence used against the drunk driver to prove that they are liable for your injuries and damages? It is true. The criminal justice system is intentionally separate from the civil court system, but that does not mean there is no overlap in the usefulness of evidence.

Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Buffalo can network with prosecutors and criminal investigators when developing your case. We can also pay attention to any courtroom proceedings and results to see if they will benefit you. The bottom line is that we do not want to miss an opportunity to secure great compensation in your name, so we go to great lengths to utilize the best available evidence.

Criminal evidence that might be beneficial to your case includes:

  • Blood test results taken at the station.
  • Field sobriety test results taken at the scene of the crash.
  • Evidence the prosecution used against the defendant.
  • Whether the defendant was convicted and sentenced.

How Our Team Advocates for Buffalo Clients

At Faraci Lange, LLP, our dedication to serving the Buffalo community extends beyond the courtroom. We actively educate clients on their legal rights and options when faced with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. Each client receives detailed guidance tailored to their individual needs, reflecting our commitment to personalized service. Our pursuit of justice means we leave no stone unturned, ensuring that all evidentiary avenues are explored and every voice is heard in court.

We believe informed clients can make better decisions, so part of our service includes regular updates and clear communication throughout the legal process. Our partnership with you is not just transactional; it is committed to seeing justice served while providing a dependable resource in times of uncertainty. Trusting Faraci Lange, LLP means having a compassionate team ready to face whatever challenges may arise during your pursuit of justice.

Our approach to representing clients in Buffalo drunk driving accident cases includes:

  • Consistent communication so you always know what is happening with your case and what to expect next.
  • Careful evidence review, including police reports, medical records, and insurance documents, to build a strong narrative of what happened.
  • Collaboration with local resources in Buffalo and Western New York, such as medical providers and investigators, to fully understand the impact of the crash.
  • Personalized strategy planning that reflects your goals, whether you are focused on a timely settlement, pursuing litigation, or both.

When you work with our firm after a collision caused by an impaired driver on roads like the Kensington Expressway or the I-90 near Buffalo, we carefully coordinate the civil claim with what is happening in the criminal case. We can request police reports, review breath test results, and consult with medical providers at local facilities such as Erie County Medical Center to understand the full scope of your injuries. This coordinated approach helps your drunk driving accident attorney present a clearer picture of fault and damages, which can strengthen negotiations with insurance companies.

Seeking Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Buffalo

At Faraci Lange, LLP, we are dedicated to seeking justice for victims of drunk driving accidents. Our experienced team of Buffalo attorneys understands the devastating impact that these accidents can have on individuals and their families. We are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions and pursuing the compensation that our clients deserve.

When you choose Faraci Lange, LLP, you can expect:

  • Compassionate and personalized legal representation
  • Aggressive advocacy for your rights
  • Thorough investigation and gathering of evidence
  • Experience in using criminal evidence in civil cases
  • A team that will push for the win and fight for maximum compensation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, do not hesitate to contact us today. We are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our team understands that many people have never dealt with the legal system before, so we take time to explain how New York’s no-fault insurance rules, liability coverage, and potential punitive damages may apply to your claim. From the first call to our office through any hearings in local venues such as Erie County Supreme Court, your drunk driving accident lawyer will guide you through each step so you can make informed decisions about settlement offers and litigation. By answering your questions in plain language and outlining realistic expectations, we aim to reduce uncertainty during an already stressful time.

You can also read our client reviews to learn how we have helped others in similar situations.

Understanding Your Rights After a Buffalo Drunk Driving Crash

Many people are unsure of their rights after being hit by an impaired driver, especially when they are also dealing with medical treatment and calls from insurance adjusters. In New York, you may have access to both no-fault benefits for immediate medical bills and lost wages, as well as a separate claim against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering and other losses. A drunk driving accident attorney Buffalo residents turn to can review your insurance policies, explain how uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply, and help you avoid common mistakes that could limit your recovery. Taking time early on to understand your options can make it easier to protect your future while you focus on healing.

Because drunk driving crashes often involve serious injuries, you may have questions about long-term medical needs, future income, and how to document everything properly. We can work with your treating physicians in Buffalo and the surrounding Western New York region to understand your prognosis and gather the records needed to support your claim. We can also help you keep track of out-of-pocket expenses, missed work, and ways the crash has disrupted your daily life so that these losses are fully presented in your case. By organizing this information early and keeping it updated, we put you in a stronger position when it is time to negotiate with insurers or prepare for court.

Push for the Win – Go with Our Team

You cannot hold back when you are pursuing compensation from a drunk driver and their insurance policy. But if you are feeling too tired from your injuries and dealing with insurance companies to keep fighting, then there is no better time than to hire the drunk driving accident attorneys in Buffalo at our firm. Pass the baton to us, and we will do all we can to make sure your claim is handled properly from start to finish.

Call  (888) 997-4110 or contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help after a drunk driving accident in Buffalo.

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a drunk driving accident in Buffalo?

If you find yourself involved in a drunk driving accident in Buffalo, the first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention if needed. It is crucial to document the scene by taking photos and gathering witness information. Additionally, exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. Once you have handled your immediate safety, contact a legal professional who can guide you through the process of filing a claim against the drunk driver.

What types of compensation can I receive from a drunk driving accident claim?

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Buffalo may be entitled to various types of compensation. This can include medical expenses for treatment of injuries, lost wages due to time off work, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our attorneys are dedicated to identifying the types of damages you can pursue and seeking the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.

How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those resulting from drunk driving accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it is advisable to start the process as soon as possible. Our team at Faraci Lange, LLP can help you navigate the timeline and file your claim within the required deadline.

Why Choose Faraci Lange, LLP?

  • Over 55 Years of Experience
  • 11 Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America®
  • 3 Attorneys Are Part of the American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Focusing Solely on Personal Injury Cases
  • Compassionately Helping Injured Victims in Western NY Since 1968
More Than A Case Our Clients Are Our Priority
"Very helpful, considerate, and compassionate!"

We would highly recommend Faraci Lange and Matthew and his staff. Everyone was very helpful, considerate, and compassionate! ...

- Carol