New York Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

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Alex Nocerino

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Alex Nocerino is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with roots in New York. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. He has helped injured individuals win hundreds of millions in compensation from large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords.

With 18 years of experience, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2019 and has a five-star Avvo rating. He is a true New Yorker and a successful trial lawyer who is unafraid to go up against even the powerful and combative defendants.

Content Last Updated: September 2, 2025

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a car crash with a drunk driver, then you need trustworthy legal support in New York. A New York drunk driving accident lawyer can fight to help you protect your rights and ensure you’re not left with sudden medical expenses or lost income. At Chopra & Nocerino, we offer free, no-risk case evaluations to help you understand all your legal options.

Why Work With the New York Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at Chopra & Nocerino?

Getting hit by a drunk driver can mean months or even years of recovery. You may have serious injuries that require medical attention, be unable to return to your normal life, and see your work and home life affected. That’s why you need to have an attorney on your side who will fight for your best interests. The right support can make the difference in getting you the compensation you need following a serious crash.

With more than 20 years of combined experience representing New Yorkers injured in auto collisions, Chopra & Nocerino has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our team is made up of skilled trial lawyers who are prepared to go to court when necessary, and unlike other law firms, we’re real New Yorkers who treat our clients like family.

What kinds of verdicts and settlements have we won for other accident victims?

We secured a $19.5 million settlement for a middle-aged woman who suffered serious injuries in an accident with a commercial truck.
We settled a $4 million case for a woman who was rear-ended while stopped.
We got a $1.12 million verdict for a man who was struck and sustained neck and back injuries while driving in Queens.
We won a verdict of $10 million for a 77-year-old woman who was hit by a public bus while driving through a Brooklyn intersection.

When you’re injured, don’t leave your insurance claim and recovery to chance. Working with an attorney can help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve.

“Everything in this lawyer’s office is supreme. Their location is easy to get to. The staff is very professional. The lawyers are dedicated to you personally and take all their cases seriously. They went above and beyond for me. I am completely and totally happy to have them and totally satisfied in the result. They are highly recommended.”

– Elton S.

Do You Need a Drunk Driving Victim Attorney To File a Claim?

If a drunk driver injures you, you need to do more than just call insurance companies. You need a drunk driving accident victim attorney who can support you in:

Obtaining crucial evidence, such as blood alcohol test results and police reports
Uncovering other potentially liable parties with insurance coverage, such as bars or restaurants
Communicating and negotiating with the insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery
Taking the case to trial if needed, so we can fight for every bit of justice you deserve

While it’s possible to file a claim on your own, your focus should be on taking care of yourself and your family during this difficult time in your life. Our attorneys can step in and handle the legal steps necessary to seek compensation.

“Alex Nocerino and his professional team handled our case with diligence and care. Hopefully it won’t be needed, but would def use his expertise again in the future. I spoke with several firms before choosing, and was impressed from the beginning. Give him a call and discuss your case, you have nothing to lose!”

– Zahra G.

Are There Time Limits for Drunk Driving Accident Injury Claims in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations defines how long you have to file a claim when you’re injured. The general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the date of your injury. If you don’t file your personal injury claim before that deadline, it may be dismissed in court. However, there are exceptions, specifically in cases involving:

Minors
Undiscoverable injuries
Out-of-state defendants

When you’re hurt, time is of the essence. When you contact an attorney, they can get started on your claim as soon as possible and help ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.

How Much Money Can You Get From a Drunk Driving Accident Injury Claim?

In a drunk driving crash, it is typical to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for quantifiable financial losses. Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses, such as loss of consortium or pain and suffering. Compensation for a drunk driving crash is determined by looking at various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, any property damage that occurred, and the total degree of fault. Having an attorney on your side will help you understand what you may be entitled to in compensation.

The types of potential compensatory damages include:

Medical expenses: Coverage for medical bills and rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury, brain injury, or other harm
Lost wages: Compensation for lost income due to the injury
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of quality of life
Property damage: Coverage for vehicle repairs and property damage

The Role of Punitive Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

In New York, victims may seek punitive damages against drivers whose conduct rose to the level of gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a conscious disregard for the safety of others. An example of this would be driving with an extreme blood alcohol concentration or hitting someone and leaving the scene (a hit-and-run collision).

Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are granted with the intention to punish the wrongdoer and deter them from committing the same kinds of mistakes in the future. Punitive damages are discretionary and determined by a judge or jury.

Because punitive damages are rare and require strong proof of grossly reckless or egregious conduct, it’s important to speak with an attorney who can review your case and determine whether they may apply.

Liability in New York Drunk Driving Injury Claims

The liable party for a New York drunk driving injury claim can vary from the local restaurant that served alcohol to a minor to the driver themselves. Sometimes, there are two or more potentially liable parties, which is why it’s important to talk to an attorney about your case before making your claim.

The Role of New York’s Dram Shop Laws

The potentially liable parties in a drunk driving case extend beyond the driver. Through the Dram Shop Act, it’s possible to sue establishments that served alcohol to someone who was already visibly intoxicated and then went on to cause a drunk driving collision resulting in an injury or death. To do so, you need to prove that:

The driver caused your injuries.
An establishment, such as a bar or restaurant, served alcohol to a driver while that person was underage or visibly intoxicated.
The service at the establishment contributed to the intoxication that led to the collision.

If your claim is successful and you can prove that the state’s dram shop laws were violated, then you may be able to recover punitive and compensatory damages.

Can I Still Pursue an Accident Claim if the Drunk Driver Was Charged?

If the drunk driver now faces criminal charges or has been jailed, you can still pursue a personal injury claim. A personal injury claim is separate from a criminal charge, meaning you can file your civil claim at any time within the statute of limitations. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help you meet the required deadlines to make your claim, preserve evidence, and seek compensation.

Common Injuries Our Accident Attorneys See in Drunk Driver Claims

We understand how devastating injuries can be during drunk driving crashes. Some of the most common are:

Whiplash and neck injuries, which can happen when a vehicle stops suddenly in a collision
Spinal injuries, including herniated discs or paralysis, which can occur due to the force of the crash
Traumatic brain injuries, which can result from hitting your head or from the force of stopping suddenly
Broken bones and fractures, which can happen upon impact
Internal injuries and organ damage, which can happen due to the sudden stop, a direct impact, impalement, or other issues
Soft tissue injuries, severe bruising, and nerve damage, which are possible any time you’re involved in a crash

In tragic cases of wrongful death, families of those who have passed can seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Our wrongful death lawyers are here to support you during this difficult time.

Other Resources for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in New York

We understand that recovery goes beyond getting compensation or seeking justice through the system. These community resources may be helpful to you and your family as you heal:

MADD New York: MADD offers victim assistance services for those affected by drunk driving accidents. They provide emotional support, legal resources, and information about the justice system. They also advocate for stronger laws and policies to prevent drunk driving.
Victim Impact Panels: These panels are programs where victims of drunk driving accidents share their stories with offenders. The panels can provide emotional healing for victims while educating offenders on the impact of their actions.
New York State Crime Victims Board: The Crime Victims Board provides financial assistance to victims of violent crime, including those involved in drunk driving accidents. This resource can help cover medical costs, lost wages, and funeral expenses for victims or their families.
Local support groups and counselors: Victims of drunk driving accidents often need emotional and psychological support. Many online mental health directories allow users to find local therapists specializing in trauma, grief, and recovery. Many of these professionals offer services for individuals impacted by drunk driving accidents.

Contact a New York Drunk Driving Accident Victim Attorney Near You

Here at Chopra & Nocerino, we fight for injured New Yorkers, helping you and your family seek the compensation you deserve. Our firm treats every client like family, and we truly care about results. See our case results above to learn more about what we could do for you. And, if a drunk driver harmed you or a loved one, reach out for a free, no‑risk case review. Let us help you take the first step toward putting your life back together.

The accident attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino are real New Yorkers who stop at nothing to defend our clients and make sure their bills are paid. Contact us online or call 855-NYC‑HURT today for a free consultation.

“The team’s expertise, professionalism, and dedication were instrumental in my case. Christine, my attorney, approached every step of the process with care and compassion, always available to answer my questions and provide unwavering support. If you’re looking for a skilled attorney who genuinely cares about their clients, look no further than Chopra and Nocerino. Thank you all.”

– Alexandros P.