DUI Accident Lawyers in Staten Island, NY

When a motorist gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, the victims left in their wake often face life-altering consequences. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our personal injury lawyers in Staten Island understand the heavy toll these cases take on injured victims and their families. We believe people who make the reckless choice to drive while intoxicated should be held accountable for the devastation they leave behind. We offer the relentless advocacy and compassionate support you need to get through this challenging chapter of your life.

Young man driving with beer bottle in hand.

Key Takeaways

Take immediate action — Call the police and seek medical care as soon as possible after a crash.

Your own insurance offers benefits — New York’s no-fault system covers medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash.

Punitive damages— in cases of egregious behavior, you may be able to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the drunk driver.

Multiple parties may be liable — Under New York dram shop law, establishments that serve someone who is visibly intoxicated may be liable if that person causes an accident.

Affordable legal representation —Our Staten Island personal injury lawyers take cases on contingency, which means you won’t incur any upfront costs, and we get paid only if we win your case.

How New York Law May Affect Your DUI Injury Claim

When a drunk driver causes a car accident, they may face criminal charges in addition to being held civilly liable if they cause serious injury. Our DUI accident attorneys can help you understand how New York law may apply to your case and your options for maximizing compensation.

Understanding Auto Insurance in New York

Because New York is a no-fault state, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your auto policy will pay for certain expenses, regardless of who was at fault. PIP covers:

Medical expenses
A portion of lost wages
Essential services, such as travel costs to medical appointments

The minimum requirement for PIP coverage in New York is $50,000, which likely won’t even cover all your medical bills if you’re hurt in a crash. PIP does not cover damages such as pain and suffering and future care needs, which can be significant if you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury.

Typically, you must meet New York’s “serious injury threshold” to sue for noneconomic damages after a car accident. Our Staten Island DUI accident attorneys can determine whether this applies to your case.

Comparative Negligence

New York follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages if you’re partially responsible for a crash, but compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, intoxication is a significant factor that typically shifts most liability onto the drunk driver.

Statutes of Limitations in New York

Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. If you’ve lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash, a wrongful death claim must be filed within two years of the date of death.

Dram Shop Law

If a bar or restaurant served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person, they may also be liable for damages under New York law. Our DUI accident lawyers thoroughly investigate to identify all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable.

How Our Staten Island DUI Accident Attorneys Build Your Case

Gathering compelling evidence is vital to the success of any car accident claim. Our team secures critical evidence such as:

Blood-alcohol content (BAC) data from breathalyzer results and blood tests
Toxicology reports
Witness interviews
Photographs and footage from traffic and surveillance cameras
Cell phone records
Data from the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR)
Your medical records

Our team works closely with respected investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical experts to demonstrate how an accident happened and the severity of your injuries.

Our DUI accident lawyers use this evidence to create effective legal strategies and compelling arguments that get results for our clients. Our track record speaks for itself – over the past five decades we’ve recovered more than $500 million for injury victims in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding communities.

Types of Damages in DUI Injury Claims

Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed in determining the full value of your claim. We consult with medical professionals, economists, and life care specialists to ensure compensation covers the full, long-term impact of your injuries. Your DUI accident attorney may be able to help you recover damages such as:

Past and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium

Because drunk driving is such reckless behavior, we may pursue punitive damages on your behalf. These damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter them and others from committing similar acts.

Timeline and What to Expect

Depending on the complexity of your case, the timeline for resolving a personal injury claim can vary widely. We keep you well-informed through all stages of your case, including:

Investigation — We immediately begin preserving evidence, gathering medical records, and interviewing witnesses. We also investigate the drunk driver’s history to determine whether they have any previous DUIs or other serious traffic violations.
Filing your claim — Your DUI accident lawyer files the claim and handles communications with insurance companies.
Negotiations — Our team handles all negotiations with insurers, so you don’t have to. Our tenacious personal injury attorneys take on powerful insurance companies with patience, strength, and strategy while ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
Litigation — If an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to bring your case before a judge and jury.

What to Do After an Accident with a Drunk Driver

Call 911 — Report the accident and let the operator and police know you suspect the other driver is impaired.
Document the scene — If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and anything else you may think is relevant. Gather contact information from the other driver and any witnesses.
Seek medical care— Even if you feel OK, symptoms of serious conditions like traumatic brain injury may not appear right away. Going to the emergency room immediately ensures you get the care you need and provides valuable documentation of your injuries and the accident.
Contact an attorney — Do not provide a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement from an insurance company before speaking with a Staten Island personal injury lawyer.

Why Choose Our Staten Island DUI Accident Lawyers?

Choosing a law firm is a deeply personal decision that can be daunting when dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. We stand by families in New York during some of their darkest moments and offer support, empathy, and unyielding legal advocacy during challenging times.

Local experience — Our law firm has more than a half-century of history serving Staten Island and surrounding communities. Our familiarity with local courts, insurance adjusters, and other attorneys gives our clients a distinct advantage.
Compassion and dedication — You’re never just a case number to us. Our client testimonials reflect our commitment to treating every person who walks through our doors with respect and providing personalized, responsive service you can rely on.
Accessible legal representation — We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation, regardless of their financial status. That’s why we take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay nothing upfront and we only paid only if we successfully recover compensation for you.