A car accident with a drunk driver can leave you with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and emotional trauma. Oftentimes, drunk drivers fail to control their momentum, leading to collisions, which result in significant damage. Thankfully, if you suffer injuries or property damage because of a drunk driver’s actions, you have several legal options to recover compensation. Let a Hazlet car accident lawyer at Mikita & Roccanova tell you what you need to know.
What Should You Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver?
After getting out of the flow of traffic, promptly call 911 to report the accident to the authorities and request medical attention. If physically possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Also, speak with witnesses and obtain their contact information. Document the accident on a notepad or voice memo, and avoid arguing about blame or the causes of the accident with the other involved driver.
Can You Hold a Drunk Driver Liable for Your Injuries?
New Jersey law considers drunk driving as a per se negligent act, which means that the victims of a drunk driving accident can hold the inebriated driver liable for any damage caused. New Jersey courts have awarded victims with compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the crash. In some rare cases, they also award punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future. However, you will need evidence to prove that the other driver was driving under the influence; a prompt call to 911 can help the police generate a report, conduct a breathalyzer test, and give their own analysis of the situation. Even if the state cannot convict the driver of criminally impaired driving, you can still collect damages in a civil lawsuit.
What if the Drunk Driver Was Overserved Alcohol?
In some cases, you can take advantage of New Jersey’s dram shop laws to hold a bar, restaurant, or other establishment additionally responsible for your accident. If an establishment served alcohol to an already intoxicated person, or if the at-fault driver was underage, you may have grounds to file a dram shop claim. You will likely need receipts, surveillance footage, or witness statements to prove that the establishment violated dram shop laws.
How Can a Lawyer Help You After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving accidents are stressful enough—dealing with recalcitrant insurance companies or drawn-out legal proceedings can make the aftermath even worse. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights and help you demand the compensation you deserve.
Let a Seasoned Hazlet Car Accident Lawyer at Mikita & Roccanova Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve if You Have Been Injured by a Drunk Driver
Trust an experienced Hazlet car accident lawyer at Mikita & Roccanova to gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for you every step of the way. Call 732-705-3363 or contact us online for a free consultation. With office locations in Hazlet and Highland Park, New Jersey, clients in Ocean County, Sussex County, Neptune, Middlesex County, and Pennsylvania, are proudly served.