What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in New Jersey
Being injured by an impaired driver can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. In addition to the physical injuries caused by the crash, victims are often left dealing with emotional distress and financial uncertainty.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, taking the right steps can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health should always be your first priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days after the crash.
Contact Law Enforcement
Drunk driving accidents should always be reported to the police. Law enforcement officers may conduct field sobriety tests, gather evidence, and document signs of impairment that could become important evidence in a future claim.
Preserve Evidence
If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and surrounding conditions. Witness statements can also be particularly valuable in drunk driving cases.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies may contact you shortly after the crash. Before providing recorded statements or accepting a settlement offer, consider consulting an experienced New Jersey drunk driving accident attorney.
Contact a New Jersey Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving accident claims often involve unique legal issues that go beyond a standard car accident case. An attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation and aggressively pursue your claim.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous forms of negligence on New Jersey roadways. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs, they place everyone around them at risk.
A successful drunk driving accident claim can help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the crash.
Even if the impaired driver faces criminal charges, you may still have the right to pursue a separate civil claim for financial compensation.
Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often occur at high speeds or involve reckless driving behaviors, resulting in severe injuries.
Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Internal organ damage
Neck and back injuries
Facial injuries
Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Amputations
Wrongful death
Because impaired driving crashes are often particularly violent, victims frequently require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims
If you have been injured by an impaired driver, compensation may be available for:
Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Lost wages
Reduced earning capacity
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages
An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim and pursue the maximum compensation available under New Jersey law.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
While the impaired driver is often the primary responsible party, other individuals or entities may also share liability.
The Intoxicated Driver
The most obvious source of liability is the driver who chose to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Bars, Restaurants, and Other Establishments
Under certain circumstances, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that served alcohol may also be held responsible if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident.
Social Hosts
In some situations, social hosts who provide alcohol may also face liability under New Jersey law.
Employers
If an impaired driver was operating a company vehicle or acting within the scope of employment, additional parties may share responsibility for the accident.
A thorough investigation is often necessary to identify all available sources of compensation.
Why Drunk Driving Accident Cases Are Different
Criminal and Civil Cases Often Occur Simultaneously
Many drunk drivers face criminal charges after a crash. However, the criminal case is separate from your personal injury claim. Victims may still pursue compensation regardless of the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Strong Evidence May Be Available
Breathalyzer results, blood alcohol testing, police reports, and criminal investigations often provide valuable evidence that can strengthen a civil claim.
Catastrophic Injuries Are Common
Because impaired drivers frequently engage in reckless behavior, the resulting injuries are often severe and life-changing.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
Unlike many standard car accident cases, drunk driving accidents may involve claims against bars, restaurants, social hosts, employers, and other third parties.
Why Choose Our New Jersey Injury Attorneys?
Victims of drunk driving accidents deserve experienced legal representation and aggressive advocacy. Our firm is committed to helping injured individuals and families pursue the compensation they deserve after being harmed by an impaired driver.
We investigate every case thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and fight to maximize our clients' recovery.
You pay no attorney's fees unless we win your case.
Contact a New Jersey Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk or impaired driver, contact our office today for a free consultation. We are ready to explain your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
