New York City DWI Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving accidents are among the most preventable yet devastating collisions on New York City roads. When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle while impaired, they put everyone around them at risk—often causing catastrophic injuries or fatalities.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you need a New York City DWI accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and demand full compensation.

At Levine And Wiss, we have recovered hundreds of millions for injury victims and their families. Our New York City car accident lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable.

How DWI Accidents Cause More Severe Injuries

Drunk driving accidents tend to cause more severe injuries than other types of crashes because impaired drivers:

• React slowly: Alcohol affects coordination, making it difficult for drivers to avoid collisions.
• Drive recklessly: Drunk drivers often speed, ignore red lights, and swerve between lanes.
• Cause head–on and high–speed collisions: Many DWI crashes involve wrong-way driving or running stop signs, increasing the force of impact.

Because of these factors, victims of DWI accidents frequently suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Head trauma can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and lifelong disability.
• Spinal cord damage: Many DWI accident victims experience partial or total paralysis.
• Internal organ injuries: Damage to vital organs may require emergency surgery or long-term treatment.
• Broken bones and fractures: High-impact crashes often result in severe fractures that take months to heal.
• Burn injuries and disfigurement: Fires and explosions caused by high-speed crashes can leave permanent scarring.

Beyond physical injuries, victims often face emotional trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. The financial consequences—hospital bills, lost income, and long-term care—can be overwhelming. A New York City personal injury lawyer can assess the full impact of your injuries and fight for maximum compensation.

Liability in a DWI Accident – Who Can Be Held Responsible?

While the drunk driver is the primary at-fault party, other individuals or entities may also be held accountable. Depending on the circumstances, liability could extend to:

• Bars, restaurants, and clubs: New York’s dram shop laws allow victims to sue establishments that served alcohol to an intoxicated person who later caused an accident.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a mechanical failure contributed to the accident or made injuries worse, the manufacturer could be liable.
• Employers: If the driver was working at the time of the crash, their employer may be responsible for damages.
• Government agencies: Poor road design, missing signage, or malfunctioning traffic signals can contribute to DWI accidents.

At Levine And Wiss, we conduct in-depth investigations to determine all liable parties, ensuring victims pursue every available avenue for compensation.

The Difference Between a DWI Injury Claim and a Criminal Case

Many accident victims assume that if a drunk driver is arrested and convicted, they will automatically receive compensation. However, criminal cases focus on punishing the driver, not compensating the victim. To recover damages, you must file a separate civil claim against the at-fault driver or other liable parties.

Some key differences between a DWI criminal case and a personal injury lawsuit include:

• Burden of proof: In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a personal injury claim, you only need to prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence.
• Punishment vs. compensation: Criminal charges result in fines, jail time, or license suspension. A civil claim focuses on securing financial compensation for victims.
• Punitive damages: Unlike most car accident cases, DWI-related injury claims may allow victims to seek punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.

Filing a personal injury claim does not interfere with the criminal case against the drunk driver. In fact, a criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case by proving negligence. A DWI accident lawyer in New York City can handle all legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovery.

What Compensation Is Available After a DWI Accident?

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to significant financial recovery. A New York City DWI accident attorney can help you seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work, as well as reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to your job.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, mental trauma, and diminished quality of life.
• Permanent disability and disfigurement: Damages for long-term impairments, scarring, and loss of mobility.
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Punitive damages: Additional compensation designed to punish the drunk driver and prevent future reckless behavior.
• Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a DWI accident, their family may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Insurance companies often try to settle these claims quickly for far less than what victims deserve. At Levine And Wiss, we aggressively negotiate with insurers to ensure full and fair compensation. If they refuse to offer a just settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

Contact a New York City DWI Accident Attorney Today

Drunk driving accidents leave victims and their families dealing with serious injuries, financial struggles, and emotional distress. If you were injured by an impaired driver, you deserve justice and full compensation.

At Levine And Wiss, we stand up for injury victims and take an aggressive approach to securing the financial recovery they need. We do not settle for less than you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a New York City DWI accident lawyer and let us fight for your future.