When people choose to drive drunk, serious accidents can occur. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident due to a drunk driver, you may be entitled to recover compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Read on to learn about drunk driving accidents in New Jersey.
Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are very serious, and they can cause life-changing injuries or even death. When this happens, you may be able to take legal action against the driver for violating the law. After the accident takes place, it is important to call the police immediately. A law enforcement officer will conduct field sobriety tests as well as a chemical breath test in order to determine the driver’s intoxicity. This can be beneficial when it comes to proving negligence.
What are New Jersey’s Dram Shop Laws?
It is important to know that a drunk driver may not be the only person accountable for an accident. It is also possible to hold an establishment responsible if they overserved the driver. Under New Jersey’s Dram Shop Laws, certain establishments may be required to pay damages after an accident if the customer was overserved and went on to injure another person. This may be the case if the injured party can prove the establishment or host continued to serve the driver while they were visibly intoxicated or under the legal drinking age of 21.
How do I Recover Damages?
After a drunk driving accident, the injured party or the loved ones of the deceased may be able to recover significant compensation. This may be from both the drunk driver and an establishment that overserved them. In order to do so, they must gather evidence that shows the driver broke the law by driving under the influence, thus causing the accident and their injuries. In order to do so, it is important to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney may be able to obtain evidence including security camera footage, police reports, and more.
What is the Statute of Limitations in New Jersey?
In order to recover the compensation you deserve, you will have to be sure to take legal action within a certain amount of time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within two years will likely mean losing your opportunity to recover the compensation you need.
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
