Nobody in New York expecting to be hit, hurt, or even killed by a drunk driver. However, it’s a sobering reality that 28 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state and countless injuries to motorists and pedestrians are caused by drivers under the influence. Most victims of drunk drivers know they can rightfully sue them for their negligent and illegal acts; however, they may not realize it’s possible to hold others liable for the events that caused their injuries.
Dram Shop Laws
New York passed a dram shop law that makes it illegal for business establishments such as bars and restaurants to serve alcohol to someone “visibly intoxicated.” Employees are also prohibited from serving any alcohol to someone known to be a habitual drunkard. Under the law, these establishments may be liable to a victim injured by the individual to whom they served alcohol that later got behind the wheel of a car.
New York’s dram shop laws also hold business establishments civilly liable if the patron who was served alcohol there later hits and injures a pedestrian. They may also be liable for personal injury damages if the individual that was served later gets into a fight or attacks and injures an innocent bystander.
Contact a Long Island Personal Injury Attorney
Drunk drivers are a danger to those around them, and far too often innocent victims have their physical, emotional, and financial lives turned upside down through no fault of their own. If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver, contact the experienced Long Island car accident attorneys at the Falkowitz Law Firm, PLLC and take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve. We have years of experience fighting for victims like you and have recovered millions on their behalf for their injuries. Contact us 24/7 at (844)-385-4279 or by completing our online Contact Page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our skilled attorneys review your situation, answer your questions, and help you get your life back on track.
Gary P. Falkowitz is the Managing Partner and Founding Attorney of the Falkowitz Law Firm PLLC‚ one of the premiere personal injury law firms in New York. Gary received his J.D., in 2005 from St. John’s University School of Law and served as an Assistant District Attorney with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
