Gloucester County Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, despite public awareness and harsh laws deterring intoxicated driving, many drivers still get behind the wheel while under the influence. When they do this, they disregard the health and safety of themselves and others.

If you or a loved one were injured due to a drunk driver’s negligence, you have the right to seek justice with the help of a Gloucester County drunk driving car accident lawyer. By working with a dedicated accident attorney, you could build a case to seek compensation for the damages you suffered after a wreck.

Determining Negligence in Intoxicated Driving Crashes

When a driver is intoxicated, not only is he or she committing an illegal act, but they are also behaving negligently. Negligence is a legal theory by which a civil lawsuit can be pursued.

Essentially, if a drunk driver’s negligence causes an accident, and that accident then causes injuries to a person or persons, that driver may be held civilly liable for damages related to those injuries. So, in addition to criminal charges the drunk driver may face, the injured party or parties also have a right to seek compensation.

While the criminal case would be separate from the civil case, the outcome of the criminal case might impact the civil case. A seasoned Gloucester County attorney could help you understand the laws surrounding drunk driving car accidents and provide counsel about how to proceed with a civil claim.

Additional Liability in Drunk Driving Wrecks

In addition to the inebriated driver, additional parties may be held liable for a claimant’s damages. For example, New Jersey is one of more than a dozen states to have a Dram Shop Act, which allows courts to assign liability for drunk driving to businesses that sell alcohol under certain circumstances.

Under New Jersey Revised Statute §2A:22A, a person injured in a drunk driving crash may be able to also recover damages from a licensed server or seller of an alcoholic beverage if:

• His or her damages were directly caused by the negligent serving of alcohol
• The server should have known that their negligent serving of alcohol could result in damages
• Despite this knowledge, the server continued to supply alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or to a minor, even though he or she knew or reasonably should have known that they were serving a minor or heavily inebriated individual

Recoverable Damages in Gloucester County

Car wrecks could have a traumatic impact on an injured person’s life. As with other types of accidents, an individual might be left with physical, psychological, and financial losses.

While there is no pecuniary amount could undo the wrong that has been done, receiving compensation for damages may help expedite your physical recovery and ease your financial strain. For example, a civil claim could request compensation for medical bills and lost wages, along with any potential future medical care or therapies.

In addition, non-economic damages may be sought for mental anguish, as well as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. A compassionate Gloucester County drunk driving car accident lawyer could help you take stock of your total losses in order to seek fair compensation.

Retain a Gloucester County Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney

Not only can drunk driving accidents cause serious injuries, as well as subsequent financial strain and psychological trauma, but navigating the legal system to seek recovery could prove stressful and overwhelming. By working with an injury attorney, you could rest assured knowing an experienced legal professional is on your side.

If you or a loved one were in an accident involving a drunk driver, you might benefit from the consultation of a seasoned Gloucester County drunk driving car accident lawyer to discuss filing an injury claim. Call today to learn more.