Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, NY 

Drunk driving accidents are gut-wrenching. They shatter lives, often in an instant, leaving victims and their families to piece together the aftermath. If you’ve been in one, you might feel overwhelmed, angry, or lost. And you’re not alone—far too many people in Buffalo have been in your shoes. Working with a drunk driving accident attorney can make all the difference in helping you get back on your feet.

Horn Wright, LLP, knows how hard this is. You’re likely juggling physical pain, emotional trauma, and endless bills. Let us handle the legal chaos so you can focus on what really matters—healing and rebuilding your life. When you hire one of the best law firms in America, you’re not just getting legal representation—you’re getting a dedicated Buffalo personal injury lawyers who truly cares about your recovery.

Drunk Driving Epidemic: What You Should Know

Buffalo isn’t just known for snowy winters and the Bills; unfortunately, it’s also seen its fair share of drunk driving accidents. Erie County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for alcohol-related crashes. And those stats? They’re more than just numbers—they’re stories of people like you trying to recover from someone else’s reckless decisions. What stands out:

• Alcohol is a factor in about 30% of fatal crashes locally. That’s hundreds of lives lost every year across the state.
• Hotspots like Niagara Street and I-90 see some of the worst accidents. Nights and weekends are particularly dangerous, especially when impaired drivers leave the city’s nightlife spots.
• Winter weather makes everything worse. Snow, ice, and impaired drivers? It’s a recipe for disaster, especially when reaction times are already slowed.

You shouldn’t have to suffer because someone decided to drink and drive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a drunk driving accident attorney can help guide you through your options and fight for your rights.

Drunk Driving Laws (and What They Mean for You)

New York has tough drunk driving laws, and for good reason. They’re meant to punish reckless drivers and give victims a way to hold those drivers accountable. So, what does the law say?

• DWI Limits: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher gets you a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge. For commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%.
• Zero Tolerance for Minors: Drivers under 21 can face consequences with a BAC as low as 0.02%. You can learn more about this from the DMV’s Zero Tolerance Law.
• DWAI and Aggravated DWI: A Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) charge applies to BACs between 0.05% and 0.07%. An aggravated DWI applies to BAC levels of 0.18% or higher and leads to harsher penalties.

The laws are clear, and they’re on your side. They give you the power to pursue justice, whether that’s through criminal charges or a civil lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Right After a Drunk Driving Crashes

You’ve just been in an accident. Maybe you’re in pain, confused, or just trying to make sense of what happened. It’s hard to think straight, but what you do now can make a huge difference in the long run. 

1. Call 911 Right Away. It might feel unnecessary, especially if the damage looks minor, but trust us—it’s critical. Police will document the scene and test the driver for impairment. You need to complete a MV-104 form for a detailed record of the crash. That report could be a game-changer for your case. 
2. Get Medical Help. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Even if you feel “okay,” see a doctor. Internal injuries, concussions, or soft tissue damage aren’t always obvious at first.
3. Document Everything. Take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, grab their names and contact info. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
4. Watch What You Say. This one’s tough in the heat of the moment but try to avoid apologizing or admitting fault—it could be twisted against you later.
5. Talk to a Lawyer ASAP. Drunk driving accidents often involve complicated legal processes. A lawyer experienced in these cases can guide you through each step and ensure you’re protected.

We know this is a lot to handle, but you don’t have to do it alone. Taking these steps now will set you up for the best possible outcome.

Who’s Responsible? It’s Not Always Just the Driver

Sure, the drunk driver caused the crash, but they might not be the only ones responsible. In New York, other parties can also be held accountable:

Bars and Restaurants: Under New York’s Dram Shop Law, businesses that overserve alcohol to visibly intoxicated customers—or minors—can be sued if that patron causes an accident. This law has helped countless victims get justice against negligent establishments.

Social Hosts: If someone throws a party and serves alcohol to an underage guest who later causes a crash, the host could also face liability.

Employers: If the drunk driver was on the job, their employer might share responsibility. Think delivery drivers or company outings gone wrong.

Figuring out who’s liable can be complicated, but that’s where we come in. A personal injury attorney from Horn Wright, LLP, can uncover every responsible party, making sure you get the full compensation you deserve.

The Consequences Are Severe—But What About Your Justice?

Drunk drivers face harsh penalties, and honestly? They should. New York makes sure of it.

First-Time DWI: Fines up to $1,000, a six-month license suspension, and up to a year in jail.

Repeat Offenders: Fines jump to $5,000, with prison time of up to four years and a one-year license revocation.

Aggravated DWI: Offenders face mandatory ignition interlock devices, steeper fines, and potentially up to seven years behind bars for repeat violations.

These penalties won’t pay your bills or erase your pain. That’s why civil lawsuits matter. They’re your chance to get real compensation for what you’ve lost.

Insurance Claims: Why They’re So Frustrating

Insurance should help, right? It’s not always that simple. Dealing with insurance companies after a drunk driving accident can feel like a second fight. They’ll question your injuries, downplay your suffering, or try to offer lowball settlements.

In New York’s no-fault system, your policy covers medical bills and lost wages, but only up to a certain limit. If your injuries are serious—broken bones, disfigurement, or anything life-altering—you can step outside no-fault and file a claim against the drunk driver.

This process, often referred to as drunk driving injury claims assistance, can be stressful. Don’t let the insurance adjusters push you around. We’ve dealt with their tactics before, and we know how to fight back.

Horn Wright, LLP: Fighting for Victim’s Rights

When a drunk driver changes your life, you need someone who’ll fight for you like they’d fight for their own family. That’s where Horn Wright, LLP, comes in. We are the go-to firm for legal representation for DUI accident victims.

Our team of seasoned attorneys includes some of the most experienced car accident attorneys. From securing compensation for drunk driving injuries to holding every responsible party accountable, a Buffalo drunk driving accident attorney from our team will guide you every step of the way. 

Reach out to us today—we’re here to help. Call today for your free consultation.