Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A crash caused by a drunk driver is more than an accident. It’s a choice someone made—and now you’re living with the consequences. If you’re searching for a drunk driver accident lawyer in White Plains, you may be dealing with serious injuries, missed work, and anger over how this happened. You deserve clear answers and real accountability.
At Shulman & Hill, our White Plains car accident lawyers represent injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and families with honesty and care. Since 2013, we’ve helped more than 26,000 clients and recovered over $1 billion, backed by 200+ years of combined experience. We work on contingency, so there are no upfront fees.
Insurance companies often move quickly to limit what they pay—even in drunk driving cases. We focus on protecting you and your future. New York, We Got You.
What To Do After a Collision With a Drunk Driver
Your safety comes first. Call 911 right away and accept medical care, even if you think your injuries are minor. Shock and adrenaline can hide pain. Ask the police to fully document the scene, including any signs of suspected impairment such as slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or failed field sobriety tests.
If you are able, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. If you can’t, don’t worry—we can often track down that information later through reports and investigation.
Before speaking with insurance adjusters about fault, talk to a White Plains personal injury attorney. Preserving evidence early can make a real difference in your civil case.
New York’s No-Fault Benefits and the Serious Injury Threshold
After a crash in White Plains, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays initial medical bills and a portion of lost wages up to policy limits, regardless of fault. Most New Yorkers carry at least $50,000 in PIP benefits.
To pursue pain and suffering from the at-fault driver, you must meet the statutory “serious injury” threshold. Qualifying categories can include significant disfigurement, fracture, or loss of a fetus.
Our drunk driver attorneys in White Plains can coordinate your PIP claim, track medical records to document threshold categories, and position your case to pursue full damages from the drunk driver once the threshold is met.
Proving Fault and Alcohol Impairment in Civil Claims
We prove negligence by showing the other driver breached a duty of care and caused your injuries. Evidence of impairment helps establish breach, but we also connect speeding, lane violations, or failure to yield to the collision.
Causation is key. We tie toxicology results, bodycam footage, and witness testimony to the moments before impact. We also address comparative fault, which New York applies in a pure form. Even if you share some blame, your recovery is reduced but not barred.
If the facts call for it, we explore punitive damages. These are rare and meant to punish and deter particularly reckless conduct, which may include extreme intoxication combined with egregious driving behavior.
Evidence We Use To Strengthen Your Case
The right evidence can turn a disputed claim into a strong settlement. We gather materials from day one and move quickly to keep them from being lost.
Subpoenas and Preservation Letters
Our White Plains drunk driver attorneys can send preservation notices to bars, rideshare companies, and nearby businesses to keep video and transaction data. When needed, we issue subpoenas for breathalyzer logs, 911 audio, and other records that can support your case.
Our evidence toolkit often includes:
- Police accident reports and supporting depositions
- Bodycam, dashcam, and nearby surveillance video
- BAC and toxicology results, plus DRE evaluations
- Witness statements and 911 recordings
- Event data recorder downloads and crash reconstruction
- Medical records linking trauma to the collision
Recoverable Damages and How We Calculate Losses
Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. We collect bills, pay stubs, and expert opinions to quantify both past and future losses.
Non-economic damages cover pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. We present your daily limitations through medical notes, therapist input, and statements from family, friends, and coworkers to show how the crash changed your life.
In limited cases, punitive damages may be available for conduct showing a high degree of recklessness. While not guaranteed, we develop this claim whenever facts support it.
Dealing With Insurers and Common Tactics
After a drunk driving crash, insurance adjusters may contact you quickly. They might ask for a recorded statement or send forms that include broad medical authorizations or early settlement offers. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
Quick settlements often sound helpful, but they can seriously undervalue future treatment, lost income, or long‑term care. We handle all communications to protect your claim and your peace of mind.
If insurers use surveillance footage or social media posts out of context, we respond with clear medical evidence and statements from providers and people who see your real limitations.
Contact A Drunk Driver Lawyer In White Plains for A Free Consultation
Being injured by a drunk driver can leave you with more than physical pain. It can bring stress, financial pressure, and questions about what comes next. You may be trying to heal while insurance companies move quickly to protect their bottom line. You deserve steady guidance and clear information, not added confusion.
At Shulman & Hill, we take these cases seriously because the choices that led to your crash matter. We prepare every case with care, gather strong evidence, and focus on the long‑term impact on your health, your work, and your family. Our goal is simple: fairness and accountability.
You do not have to handle this alone. Contact Shulman & Hill today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward. New York, We Got You.