We have extensive experience representing clients injured by negligent drivers in New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, contact Edith Pearce as soon as possible for a free consultation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 10,000 Americans lose their lives in drunk driving accidents each year. Although drunk driving accidents still account for almost one-third of all traffic fatalities, alcohol-related traffic fatalities have decreased significantly since states were required to raise their minimum drinking age to 21 in 1984.
New Jersey Drunk Driving Statistics:
Prior to Congress passing the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, 50 to 60 percent of traffic fatalities on New Jersey highways were alcohol-related. Drunk driving fatalities now account for between 32 and 36 percent of all traffic fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control, New Jersey is below the national average for drunk driving accidents across all age groups.
New Jersey DWI Law:
Under New Jersey law, it is illegal for anyone over the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or greater. New Jersey also has a zero-tolerance policy, which prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from driving with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. A person can also be charged with impaired driving even with a blood alcohol level below the legal limit if there is specific evidence showing that the individual was impaired, such as a failed field sobriety test.
Depending on the individual’s alcohol level and the number of prior offenses, a person convicted of drunk driving may face penalties including fines, license suspension, imprisonment, installation of an ignition interlock device to prevent further offenses and more.
Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident:
Courts almost always consider a drunk driver to be at fault in an accident. This means that those injured in an accident involving a drunk driver can recover damages for their injuries, including:
- current and future medical expenses,
- property damage,
- pain and suffering, and
- lost wages.
If you are involved in a traffic collision and you suspect that the driver is drunk, it is important to call the police immediately to ensure that crucial evidence is preserved. This may include the results of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests, witness statements, and pictures of the accident scene.
Contact a South Jersey Car Accident Lawyer
Contact us here. Recovering damages for injuries suffered at the hands of a drunk driver can be complicated by the fact that the driver may have limited resources with which to pay a judgment, especially after paying any fines that may be imposed, and may not have insurance. This is where an experienced personal injury attorney becomes invaluable. If you or someone that you love has been injured in an alcohol-related accident, our personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the insurance negotiations and legal process to ensure that you get the justice that you deserve. We can take care of getting copies of your New Jersey accident report, Trenton accident report, or other accident report. We also help with contacting medical experts, negotiating with insurance companies, and more, so you can focus on recovery. Contact our New Jersey car accident lawyers today to discuss your legal options.
We represent clients in New Jersey often, have an office in Cherry Hill and hear from people in Camden, Gloucester, Vineland Washington, Atlantic City and everywhere in South Jersey.