Drunk Driving Car Accidents in New Jersey

Despite the well-known dangers, irresponsible drivers still get behind the wheel when they are drunk. If they cause an accident that injures you, you have the right to hold them accountable in a civil lawsuit.

Our attorneys represent victims of drunk driving accidents in New Jersey and fight to get them the maximum possible compensation. Reach out to our car accident attorneys right away when a drunk driver inflicts serious injuries on you.

No-Fault Applies in Drunk Driving Accidents

New Jersey is a no-fault state for car accidents. That means every driver must either opt out of the no-fault system or purchase personal injury protection insurance (PIP). Your PIP will cover your initial medical costs and lost wages up to your coverage limit.

The no-fault system applies even when the at-fault driver was drunk. However, if your expenses exceed your PIP limits, our New Jersey accident attorneys can prepare a civil claim against the drunk driver. The claim would seek compensation for your expenses in excess of your PIP coverage as well as your pain and suffering.

A civil claim does not depend on the at-fault driver being convicted of drunk driving. Any evidence that the other driver was driving irresponsibly can support a civil claim for compensation.

Drunk Driving Is Negligent

When police go to the scene of a car accident, they often conduct sobriety tests of the drivers. If a driver is unconscious, the hospital will usually obtain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the course of treating the driver.

Proof that the driver was intoxicated is also proof of negligence. It means that a New Jersey attorney does not have to prove that the driver did not use reasonable care, but only needs to show evidence that the driver was drunk at the time of the collision.

The legal professional still must demonstrate that the driver’s intoxication was the direct cause of your injuries. A successful civil case also requires proof of your damages, meaning medical expenses, incidental costs related to the injury, lost wages, and evidence that the accident negatively impacted your quality of life.

Dram Shop Law May Provide Additional Compensation

Sometimes a drunk driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to pay adequate compensation. You can sue the driver personally, but if they do not have substantial assets, you might never collect the money you deserve.

The dram shop law provides another source of potential coverage. New Jersey Statute 2A:22A-5 states that if an establishment or person licensed to sell alcohol served drinks to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, they could be liable for any injuries you suffered.

Our New Jersey attorneys investigate a drunk driver’s actions prior to an accident. If the investigation reveals that a bar or restaurant might have violated the Dram Shop Act, they will pursue a claim against the establishment. A business’ commercial insurance policy can provide the funds to ensure a drunk driving accident victim receives appropriate compensation.

Seek Compensation for a Drunk Driving Car Accident with a New Jersey Attorney

Drunk driving accidents are completely preventable. When someone makes the irresponsible decision to drive while intoxicated and causes you an injury, you can pursue compensation.

Our attorneys are devoted to obtaining maximum compensation for the victims of drunk driving car accident accidents in New Jersey. Reach out to Garces, Grabler, & LeBrocq today to get started.