Middlesex County Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Every year, thousands of innocent people are harmed in accidents caused by drunk drivers. Unfortunately, though everyone knows the dangers and legal ramifications of drunk driving, many people do so anyway. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drunk driver in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Middlesex County drunk driving accident attorney here at Stathis & Leonardis today.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in NJ

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident in New Jersey, it is crucial to take specific steps to protect your health, legal rights, and potential compensation claim. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911: First and foremost, ensure that you and others involved in the accident are safe. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance and report the accident to the police.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical report will be essential for your personal injury claim.
3. Document the Scene: If you can, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be crucial in proving the circumstances of the accident.
4. Collect Information: Gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. Additionally, collect contact information from any witnesses who can corroborate your account of the incident.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful not to admit fault or make any statements that could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to the police and other parties.
6. File a Police Report: Ensure that a police report is filed. This official document will be important when pursuing a claim against the drunk driver.
7. Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: As soon as possible, contact an experienced Middlesex County personal injury attorney. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

New Jersey’s Dram Shop Laws

In New Jersey, the state’s Dram Shop Laws can play a critical role in cases involving drunk driving accidents. These laws allow victims to hold establishments and social hosts liable if they served alcohol to the driver who caused the accident under specific circumstances.

• Establishments: Bars, restaurants, and other commercial establishments can be held liable if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or a minor who then caused an accident. The law requires proof that the establishment continued to serve alcohol despite obvious signs of intoxication.
• Social Hosts: Individuals hosting parties or gatherings can also be held liable under New Jersey’s social host liability laws. If a social host serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated guest who subsequently causes an accident, the host may be responsible for the resulting damages.
• Proving Liability: To hold an establishment or social host liable, it must be demonstrated that they served alcohol irresponsibly, leading to the impairment of the driver. Evidence such as witness testimony, surveillance footage, and expert analysis can be critical in establishing liability.

Recovering Compensation

Victims of drunk driving accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to various forms of compensation. This can help cover the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the accident. Types of compensation are as follows:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
• Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, you could recover compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the income you’ve already lost but also any future earnings you may miss out on due to ongoing disabilities or recovery.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims may be entitled to compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident. This can include ongoing pain, mental anguish, stress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the drunk driver’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: If the accident has adversely affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, family members might recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

Stathis & Leonardis is a staunch advocate for drunk driving accident victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the thoughtless actions of a drunk driver, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our consultations are free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by simply reaching out.