Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorneys in Albany, NY   

Drunk driving accidents change lives. They happen in an instant, but leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. You're here probably because you or someone you love has been through this awful experience. First off, we’re so sorry this has happened. We know how overwhelming it can feel, and you’re not alone in this.  

At Horn Wright, LLP, our car accident lawyers take that stress off your shoulders. When someone else’s reckless decision turns your life upside down, you deserve someone who’ll fight for you. Our team is ready to help you secure the compensation and justice you need to rebuild your life. 

Albany Drunk Driving Crashes by the Numbers  

Let’s face it: driving while impaired is still a big problem in Albany. Drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking upend too many lives every year.  

Across New York, nearly a third of traffic deaths involve alcohol. In Albany, busy roads like Central Avenue and Washington Avenue see their fair share of these crashes, especially late at night or on weekends.  

It’s heartbreaking because these accidents are 100% preventable. Local police work hard to reduce DUI crashes with things like sobriety checkpoints, but it’s clear there’s still work to do. When an impaired driver causes a crash, it’s not just an accident, it’s negligence. In a study done on Albany County car accidents, alcohol was cited in 7% of all car accidents requiring hospitalization. 

Injuries in Albany’s Impaired Driving Crashes

If you’ve been hurt in a DUI collision, you already know how life-changing these injuries can be. These are some of the common ones:  

• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions might sound minor, but they’re not when it’s hard to focus or remember simple things. Traumatic brain injuries can be even worse. Sometimes, they lead to permanent disabilities that change everything.  
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to your back can mean pain that never really goes away. In severe cases, spinal damage can result in partial or full paralysis, changing your life in ways you didn’t even think possible.  
• Broken Bones and Soft Tissue Damage: Are you dealing with fractured ribs or a broken leg? That could entail weeks and maybe months of healing. Do you have torn ligaments, disc herniations or whiplash? Those can nag you for years. These injuries often mean missed work, endless doctor visits, and constant frustration.  

On top of all this, there’s the emotional toll. You feel anxious every time you’re in a car and worry about bills piling up. It’s exhausting, and you shouldn’t have to handle it alone. As one of the top Albany law firms, we see all that victims of drunk driving suffer through. 

Protect Your Rights as a Drunk Driving Victim   

Let’s talk about your rights. Here’s the deal: in New York, you have every right to hold a drunk driver accountable. The law is on your side because those who drive impaired are being reckless. Build a strong case by gathering solid evidence, such as:  

• Police Reports: These often document the driver’s impairment and the crash details. You’ll be able to supplement the observations of the police officers when you complete an MV-104 form about the crash. 
• Medical Records: Proof of your injuries is key to showing how much you’ve been affected.  
• Witness Statements: The testimony of those who saw the accident, or the drunk driver is gold. Insurance companies will rely on this evidence to determine who was at fault. 
• Photos and Videos: Anything that shows the scene, damage, or your injuries strengthens your claim.  
• Toxicology Reports: A driver’s blood alcohol concentration can prove they were drunk.  

You’ll also need to act fast. In New York, you’ve got three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. That might seem like a lot of time, but trust us, it goes by quickly when you’re dealing with recovery and all the red tape.  

Compensation You’re Worth Receiving: Don't Leave This Out

Here’s the good news: you can recover damages that will help you move forward. Let’s break it down for you.  

Medical Expenses: This isn’t just about hospital bills. It includes physical therapy, future surgeries, medications, and even home care if you need it. Your No-Fault insurance coverage will pay for medical expenses after a car accident. 

Lost Wages: Can’t work because of your injuries? We’ll make sure your current and future lost income gets factored in, and that the No-Fault insurer pays your lost wages. Whether you’re out for a few weeks or can’t return to your job at all, you deserve to be compensated.  

Pain and Suffering: It’s not just about the money. It’s about acknowledging what you’ve been through. The sleepless nights. The anxiety. The constant pain. This kind of compensation is about valuing the human cost of your injuries. You may not truly know the full extent of your injuries until down the road after you’ve had an MRI. 

Insurance companies will probably try to lowball you., and they love playing tricks. That’s their job. Ours? To fight back and make sure you get what’s fair.  

Why Albany DUI Crash Cases Are Unique  

Albany isn’t just any city and driving under the influence crashes here have their own quirks. For one, local courts like Albany County Supreme Court have specific processes that we know inside and out.  

We work alongside places like the Albany Police Department and Albany Medical Center to get the evidence we need to build your case.  

Albany is home to some great community programs that aim to reduce drunk driving. But when prevention efforts fall short, victims need someone to stand up for them and that’s where we come in.  

Preventing DUI Collisions in Albany  

Here’s a truth we wish didn’t exist. You can’t control other people’s bad decisions. But there are steps you can take to stay safer on roads:  

Plan Ahead: If you’re going out, make sure you’ve got a ride home. Do not leave it to chance, be it a designated driver, Uber, or taxi.  

Stay Alert: Keep your distance if you see someone driving erratically. It's better to be safe than sorry.  

Spread the Word: Sometimes, a simple reminder can save a life.  Talk to your friends and family about the dangers of driving intoxicated. 

While we can’t prevent every accident, these steps can help reduce your risk.  

Let Horn Wright, LLP, Fight for the Justice You Deserve 

We know this is a tough time for you. Recovering from a drunk driving accident isn’t only about physical healing. It’s about peace of mind and financial stability, too. That’s where we come in.  

 At Horn Wright, LLP, our Albany personal injury lawyers fight for you so you can focus on getting better. Let us handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the legal arguments. There’s a reason why you need a lawyer. We work to get you the compensation you need to move forward without worries. And we do it with compassion and determination.  

 If you’re ready to take the first step, give us a call. Let’s talk about what happened, what you’re dealing with, and how we can help. We’re here for you, every step of the way.