New Jersey Drunk Driver Accident Injury Lawyers

FIGHTING FOR NEW JERSEY DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT VICTIMS

New Jersey’s busy roadways are dangerous enough without having to contend with drunk drivers. Yet, even with harsh punishments and stigmas associated with drunk driving, some New Jersey residents continue to get behind the wheel while under the influence, putting the lives of other drivers in grave danger.

In June 2023, the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Unit released the most recent motor vehicle crash data for the state and found that, in 2021, intoxicated driving replaced distracted driving as the leading cause of fatal car accidents in the state for the first time in a decade. The report found that intoxication was a contributing factor in 210 fatal crashes in 2021, representing a 30% increase from 2020.

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Similarly, if you lost a loved one to a drunk driver, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Drunk driving accident lawyers in New Jersey can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

UNDERSTANDING DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS

A drunk driving accident is a car accident that is caused by a driver who is under the influence of alcohol.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that although drunk-driving-related deaths have decreased over the past three decades, they still claim more than 10,000 lives per year. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), about 800 people are injured in drunk driving crashes every day.

COMMON INJURIES CAUSED BY DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS

Drunk driving accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Internal injuries
• Death

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN NEW JERSEY?

Under New Jersey law, drunk driving victims have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver. A personal injury lawsuit is a civil lawsuit that seeks compensation for damages caused by another person’s negligence. To win a personal injury lawsuit, the victim must prove that the drunk driver was negligent and that the drunk driver’s negligence caused the accident and the victim’s injuries.

WHAT TYPES OF DAMAGES CAN DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT VICTIMS RECOVER IN NEW JERSEY?

Drunk driving accident victims in New Jersey may be able to collect compensation for the following types of damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Punitive damages may also be awarded to the drunk driving victims to punish the drunk driver and to deter others from driving drunk. Punitive damages are only awarded in rare cases. Still, they may be available in drunk driving accidents where the drunk driver was particularly reckless or egregious.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT WITH A DRUNK DRIVER?

If you were the victim of a drunk driving accident in New Jersey, be sure to do the following:

• File a police report immediately after the accident.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Keep all of your medical records and bills.
• Keep a record of all of your lost wages.
• Do not speak to any insurance company without first talking to a lawyer.

HOW CAN A NEW JERSEY DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP?

A drunk driving accident lawyer can help victims injured by a drunk driver or the families of those killed by a drunk driver in the following ways:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf
• Representing you in court

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYER

When choosing a drunk driving accident lawyer, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Experience: Choose a lawyer with experience handling drunk driving accident cases.
• Reputation: Choose a lawyer with a good reputation in the legal community.
• Communication skills: Choose a lawyer who is a good communicator and will keep you informed of the progress of your case.
• Fees: Choose a lawyer who charges reasonable fees.

CONTACT A NEW JERSEY DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in New Jersey, contact a drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

At Richard Hollawell and Associates, we have experience handling New Jersey drunk driving accident cases. Our team has a proven track record of success fighting for drunk driving accident victims and helping them get the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one was involved in a New Jersey car accident caused by a drunk driver, call the legal professionals at Richard J. Hallowell at 1-800-681-3550 or click here for a free case evaluation.