Some of the worst accidents involve those caused by a drunk driver. Driving under the influence accidents constitute extremely reckless and irresponsible behavior, as they are unnecessary and preventable. Every year, about 35,000 DUI arrests occur in New Jersey. A small percentage of these arrests involve car or truck accidents caused by someone driving under the influence. Such DUI accidents can, at times, result in personal injuries or even wrongful death.
Cases that involve DUI accidents are not as simple as one might assume in New Jersey. Just because a person has been charged with or convicted of driving under the influence doesn’t necessarily mean that their criminal DUI arrest or conviction will be admissible in your personal injury case. Still, if a drunk driver caused your car accident, this may help settle your injury case.
What should I do immediately after a crash?
The actions you take in the immediate aftermath of an accident are most critical. Be sure to remain at the scene, as not doing so can make you guilty of a felony hit-and-run. Call the police right away so they can file a report that will document the accident. Get medical attention as soon as possible. And of course, get in touch with an experienced New Jersey DUI accident attorney who will represent your rights as a DUI victim. And be sure to speak with such an attorney before you discuss details of the accident with any insurance agent.
DUI accidents can entail a large settlement. Learn about how to recover damages from a drunk driving related personal injury.
While New Jersey personal injury claims vary depending on the severity of injuries sustained and extent of losses incurred, your claim will be worth much more if you injuries resulted in being hospitalized and missing work. That’s because your claim should provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
If you find yourself injured in a New Jersey car accident caused by someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol you have the right to make a statement in court when the drunk driver is sentenced. It’s ideal for you to be represented by an experienced attorney who is knowledgeable about both DUI law and personal injury law, such as our attorneys. Having that representation will maximize your chances of achieving a settlement that will be in your favor.
In most cases, the DUI accident is obviously the drunk driver’s fault. In the most serious injury cases, the injured party may be entitled to punitive damages if the driver was intoxicated. Punitive damages are those that are intended to punish reckless behavior such as driving while intoxicated and to discourage such actions in the future.
If a drunk driver in New Jersey has injured you, call one of our DUI accident attorneys today. We know New Jersey’s DUI laws, and we know how to fight for our clients who have been injured DUI accidents. Contact us today.