What do Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents Need to Know?

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There are many ways to enjoy drinking alcohol safely and not put the lives of others in danger. When people drink and choose to operate a vehicle, they are not considering the safety of themselves and others. In doing so, they can cause significant damage to properties and other people. Sometimes, it can even cause death. It is because of this that those who are injured or the family of a deceased individual can pursue legal action to hold the negligent party liable. Continue reading below to learn more and contact an experienced New Jersey attorney for assistance. 

Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

There are many cases in which a person may get into a vehicle with a drunk driver or be hit while driving their own vehicle on the road. These accidents are very serious, as they can cause life-changing injuries or even death to an individual. When this happens, you may be able to take legal action against the driver for violating the law. In the event of death, loved ones can pursue legal action on their behalf. After the accident takes place, 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 for a case later on to prove negligence.

What are 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 as well if they overserved the driver, thus leading to the accident. 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. If successful, some of the damages that may be recovered can include the cost of medical bills, lost current and future wages, the cost of rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. In the event of death, wrongful death benefits may be recovered.

Contact our Firm

 If you have been injured as a result of a defective product and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.