NJ Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Win Compensation for Victims

Providing aggressive representation for injured passengers

It’s tragic that even with decades’ worth of statistics documenting the dangers of drunk driving, it remains a leading cause of car crashes, both in New Jersey and nationwide. As long as irresponsible people drink and drive, there will be accidents, and injured victims deserve to be compensated. For more than 45 years, Seigel Law in Ridgewood has helped accident victims in New Jersey recover the maximum amount of compensation available in their circumstances. If you are in a crash involving a drunk driver, we will thoroughly evaluate your case and seek damages from all parties responsible, including anyone who supplied alcohol to the person behind the wheel.

What constitutes drunk driving in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a person who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater can be found guilty of drunk driving. If the impaired driver is operating a commercial vehicle, the legal limit is even lower. A BAC of 0.04 or greater is enough for a DUI conviction. Drivers who are not old enough to drive fall under the “zero tolerance” law that allows conviction for as little as 0.01 percent.

However, a driver can be convicted of driving under the influence even if his or her BAC is below the legal limit. This is because any consumption of alcohol dulls the senses, decreases reaction time and hampers judgment. If an officer observes erratic driving, a driver can be charged with drunk driving based on behavioral evidence.

Determining whether the at-fault driver was impaired

One of the problems with proving that drunk driving caused an accident is that the driver might flee. Often the driver knows that he or she faces criminal charges if identified. Sometimes drivers are so intoxicated that they are not even aware they were in a collision. Try to take a photo or write down the car’s license number and a description of the vehicle. If the driver stops and appears to be intoxicated, do not try to engage him or her. Just call 911 and stay seated in your car with the doors locked and until the police arrive. Then, make your suspicions known, so the police can take the necessary steps to ascertain whether the driver is impaired. Ask the officers how you can obtain a copy of their report.

NJ drunk driving accidents inflict serious injuries

Drunk driving car accidents can produce severe bodily injury and property damage. Because the impaired driver’s judgment and reflexes are compromised, the driver might be travelling at an excessive speed and cannot execute basic evasive maneuvers. The result is often a direct, high-speed impact, which can inflict any of the following:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal injury
  • Bone fractures
  • Crush injuries
  • Internal organ damage

With the aid of a skilled personal injury attorney, you may able to recover compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Contact an experienced Ridgewood lawyer about your drunk driving accident claim

Seigel Law in Ridgewood fights to recover compensation for victims of drunk driving accidents throughout New Jersey. To schedule a free consultation, call {PHONE) or contact us online