Drunk driving remains a significant threat on the roads, leading to devastating personal injury accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every day, approximately 29 people in the U.S. die in drunk driving crashes. These tragic events often result in severe injuries or fatalities, leaving families struggling with not only the emotional burden but also the looming financial strain of medical expenses and lost income. If you or someone you love has been impacted by such an accident, it’s crucial to seek both legal and medical assistance to manage the challenges during this difficult time.
At Nagel Rice LLP, our experienced personal injury attorneys have been advocating for victims of drunk driving accidents across New Jersey for over 30 years. With a compassionate approach and a commitment to justice, our team, working from our offices in New Jersey & New York, has successfully secured over $1 billion in damages for our clients. We understand the overwhelming nature of recovering from such traumatic incidents, and our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing. At Nagel Rice, we handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t owe any attorney’s fees until we achieve a recovery on your behalf.
Can You Sue a Drunk Driver in NJ?
Yes, you can sue a drunk driver in New Jersey if they have injured you or damaged your car. Drunk driving is recognized as per se negligence, meaning simply operating a vehicle under the influence is considered negligent. At Nagel Rice LLP, we strongly advocate for those harmed by such irresponsible behavior, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
The Steps We Take To Win Your Drunk Driving Case in New Jersey
Because we have in-depth knowledge of DWI law and sharp negotiation and litigation skills, we are able to provide you with excellent legal representation. We know how to present your case most persuasively at trial to give you the best chance of winning the maximum compensation you deserve. In order to begin making up for all you have been through (and continue to go through), whether you are personally incapacitated or grieving the loss of a loved one, our team will:
- Examine police reports, including tests for blood and urine alcohol content
- Gather all available evidence from the site of the accident
- Scrutinize medical data about your injuries
- Interview witnesses
- Consult with relevant experts (e.g. mechanics, medical specialists)
- Work out a cohesive strategy to use in the courtroom
You should be aware that when we consult with experts, we do so not only to obtain more specific factual information but with an eye toward using them as expert witnesses to help prove our case at trial.
Does the Driver Have to Be Convicted for Me to Win Damages?
No. Although drunk driving is a crime and the driver of the other vehicle may have been arrested at the scene of the accident, whether or not this individual was arrested or found guilty does not affect your ability to sue for damages. In a civil lawsuit, the burden of proof is lower than for a criminal conviction. We do not have to prove the other party responsible for your injuries “beyond a reasonable doubt,” but only as a result of a “preponderance of evidence.”
Nagel Rice Will Fight To Win You Just Compensation
The law recognizes that your severe injuries have cost you more than money and that the trauma — physical and emotional as well as financial — impacts your family, too. Our talented drunk driving car crash attorneys will work hard to win you:
- Economic damages which will serve as reimbursements for actual expenses, including medical costs, property damage, lost income (present and future), rehabilitation, long-term nursing or home care
- Non-economic damages which are intended to compensate you for intangibles, such as physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring, ongoing disability, or loss of consortium
In some cases, our drunk driving car crash attorneys may also be able to win you punitive damages, meaning money over and above economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are awarded only in cases in which the drunk driver is deemed by the court to be extraordinarily reckless or malicious. They are designed both to punish the egregious behavior of the drunk driver and to prevent other motorists from engaging in similar misconduct.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Drunk Driving Accident Case in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a drunk driving accident in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. This legal timeframe is crucial as failing to file within this period may result in losing the right to seek compensation. If you or your property has been affected by a drunk driver, it’s important to act promptly to preserve your legal rights.
Contact Our New Jersey & New York Drunk Driving Car Crash Attorneys
We all wish we could end the scourge of drunk driving, but for now, we have to live in a world in which the thoughtlessness or recklessness of other drivers puts us at their mercy. If you have sustained major injuries in a drunk driving car crash in New Jersey, you owe it to yourself and your family to engage the services of the law team at Nagel Rice. Once you contact us, we will take over the burden of all insurance and legal matters so that you can concentrate on healing and restarting your life.
Nagel Rice LLP helps its clients with their car accident and injury claims throughout New Jersey, including Roseland, Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Sussex County. We also represent clients in New York.