Car Accident Lawyers Represent Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drinking and driving leads to some of the most devastating car accidents in the United States. Government agencies and lawmakers have tried to address this problem by passing stricter DWI laws and imposing harsher penalties, but the number of alcohol-related car accidents continues to rise. In New Jersey, innocent victims are injured daily by drunk drivers. These victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries, pain, and suffering. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand all of your options.
Dram Shop Laws
Some states, including New Jersey, impose what are known as Dram Shop laws on local businesses that sell alcohol. Any establishment that serves or sells alcohol can be held partially responsible for drunk driving car accidents caused by its customers. Accident victims can name the business that provided the alcohol in their lawsuit if they can prove that the vendor knew the customer was already intoxicated but continued to serve drinks, or if the vendor should have known it was serving alcohol to a minor. Drunk drivers who are injured in an accident cannot sue an establishment under Dram Shop laws; this privilege is for sober victims only.
Liability of a Party Host
In some cases, an individual may get drunk at a private party or social engagement and then decide to drive home. New Jersey law will hold the host of that party partially responsible for any drunk driving accidents that result from an intoxicated party guest who was allowed to leave the premises. Again, only drunk driving victims are allowed to pursue legal action against the party hosts; the drunk drivers themselves may not bring suit against the party host. A drunk driving car accident victim can successfully sue a host if it can be proven that the host knew the driver was intoxicated or if the host provided alcoholic beverages with no regard for potential consequences.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Under New Jersey law, individuals who have been injured by a drunk driver in a car accident have two years to file a personal injury claim. This applies to personal injury lawsuits against the driver as well as to dram shop and party host lawsuits. Damages awarded can help pay for hospitalization and medical bills, lost wages, and property damages, as well as pain and suffering.
In New Jersey, accident victims also have the right to pursue punitive action and damages against liquor store owners, restaurants that sell alcohol, and the host of a social engagement. This course of action may be pursued in cases of obvious wrongdoing, such as willful or intentional negligence. All personal injury claims must be filed prior to the two-year anniversary of the accident.
New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers Remind Motorists that Drunk Driving Accidents are Preventable
Adults who are of legal drinking age are responsible for managing their drinking accordingly. Any person who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated is acting irresponsibly and endangering the lives of every other person sharing the road with them. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) are illegal in all 50 states, and the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is .08 percent nationwide.
Individuals who drink alcohol can prevent drunk driving car accidents with proper planning. After drinking alcohol, plan to take a taxi home or designate a sober driver before going to a party or a bar. New Jersey law enforcement officials take drunk driving seriously and will hold drunk drivers accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers at Law Offices of Eric A. Shore Represent Victims of Drunk Driving Car Accidents
New Jersey car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore take an aggressive stance against drunk drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact us today at 1-800-CANT-WORK (1-(856) 433-6173) or 856-497-2203 to discuss your case. As the victim of an alcohol-related car accident, you are entitled to compensation. Liable parties may include the drunk driver and their insurance company, as well as the vendors who sold or served the alcohol or the party host who provided alcohol to guests.
Our Cherry Hill car accident lawyers are available to speak with you today. We have negotiated millions of dollars in settlements for our clients with personal injury and car accident claims in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Call or fill out our online form today to schedule your free consultation.
