Are Drunk Drivers Always At Fault After an Accident?

man slumped over on steering wheel holding a beer

Drunk Driver Liability

Whether the driver’s impairment was the direct cause of the crash or not, they were violating the law by being under the influence. Therefore, there is a high chance they will be held liable for the accident in addition to facing criminal penalties. This is because the driver’s impairment can easily be pointed to and used to absolve the other driver of wrongdoing.

For more information about DWI charges in New York, click here.

While the drunk driver tends to face immediate blame, numerous pieces of evidence could prove the impaired driver was not the liable party.

Other Causes of Accidents

The true cause of the car accident could be completely unrelated to the driver’s suspected DWI.

Instead, the accident may have occurred due to:

  • The sober driver driving recklessly
  • The sober driver violating the rules of the road
  • The sober driver rear-ending the impaired driver
  • Vehicle malfunctions
  • Inclement weather or other outside factors

In these cases, it is not the driver’s impairment that was the direct cause of the accident. This makes establishing liability more complicated.

Establishing Liability After an Albany, NY Car Accident

Whether you were the sober or impaired driver during the accident, it’s important that you work with a personal injury attorney to help you establish liability after a car collision in Albany. They can not only determine who should be held responsible for the accident but also handle negotiations with the insurance agencies to ensure you get a fair settlement.

At Schillinger & Associates, we have helped numerous clients handle their car accident claims and reach favorable outcomes. To discuss your drunk driving accident with our personal injury attorneys, call (518) 413-0889 today or click here to fill out our contact form.