Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Staten Island
Your Civil Claim Can Proceed While DWI Charges Are Pending
After an impaired driver causes a collision, you may be managing medical treatment, missed work, vehicle damage, and insurance calls while trying to understand what happens next. We represent injured drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and surviving family members seeking answers after alcohol-related crashes.
The District Attorney’s criminal case against the driver is separate from your civil claim for compensation. An early review can identify available insurance, potentially responsible parties, and evidence that may disappear with time.
Call (646) 891-1329 for a free consultation about your Staten Island drunk driving accident and the options available to you.
How Criminal DWI Charges Differ From a Civil Claim
The District Attorney controls the prosecution for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The criminal case determines whether the driver committed an offense and, when appropriate, imposes penalties. You don’t control whether charges are filed, reduced, or resolved.
A civil personal injury claim has a different purpose: seeking compensation for losses caused by the crash. It can proceed while criminal charges are pending, and the absence of a conviction doesn’t automatically prevent you from pursuing a claim.
Evidence that may matter in the civil case includes:
- The police crash report and available body-camera footage
- Photographs, video, and vehicle damage records
- Witness accounts and contact information
- Medical records documenting injuries and treatment
- Insurance information and communications
- Evidence of where and how the driver obtained alcohol
Who May Be Liable for an Alcohol-Related Crash?
The impaired driver is often a central defendant, but the investigation shouldn’t necessarily stop there. Depending on the facts, responsibility may also involve a vehicle owner, an employer, or a person or establishment that unlawfully supplied alcohol.
Potential damages depend on the circumstances and may include medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other documented losses. When a collision is fatal, eligible family members may have a wrongful death claim for losses recognized under New York law.
Five-Star Client Reviews In Their Own Words
We prioritize your experience, and it shows in our reviews. Read through client testimonials below or call (646) 891-1329 today to start with a free consultation.
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"Worth Every Dollar"I've used Helene personally several times, as well as referring her to EVERYONE I know — she is AMAZING. My most recent ticket, doing 75 in a 50 on the BQE in Brooklyn — DISMISSED.- Christopher S.
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"She Saved My Livelihood"There are not enough words to describe how knowledgeable, professional, caring and wonderful this team is. She assured me that she would do her very best to resolve the situation in my favor. AND SHE DID!!- Abdelhak B.
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"Beyond Thrilled"Helene and her staff gave me complete confidence that my tickets would be handled and not to worry at all. I’m beyond thrilled with my choice to use her law office. My 2 tickets were dismissed.- Veronica W.
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"The Real Deal"If you don't use Helene Mark for your New York Traffic violations, you're making a big mistake. There is no one else I would go to!! She is the REAL DEAL and the GOAT of NYC Attorneys.- Arty M.
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"Great Communications"The firm handled my traffic violation successfully. Great communications from the firm kept me updated throughout the process. Strongly recommend this office with any traffic violation dispute.- Matthew G.
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"An Excellent Team"Helene and her team hands down are great to work with. I called two hours before my case and they jumped into it right away. She was able to have both my tickets dismissed.- Former Client
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"Quick to Respond"Shout out to Helene Mark for helping me with my daughter's ticket!! she got it dismissed!! The law office is extremely helpful and very quick with answering emails and phone calls and I never had to wait.- Dean E.
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"Saved My License and Job"Professional and highly experienced. They handled multiple traffic violations for me and were very successful. My job requires a CDL license and they were able to successfully save my license.- Former Client
Direct Attorney Access Since 1998
We have operated as The Law Offices of Helene Mark since 1998 and served more than 15,000 clients. Our small-firm structure gives you direct access to Helene Mark and Paul D. Gentile, along with clear explanations of your rights, options, and next steps.
We offer free consultations by phone, online, or in person at our Staten Island office. Personal injury clients don’t pay attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
How We Handle the Civil Claim While the DWI Case Proceeds
We evaluate the collision, identify available insurance and potential defendants, communicate with insurers, and explain how the criminal proceedings may affect your civil claim. We then assess negotiation or litigation based on the evidence, your injuries, and the parties involved.
