A drunk driving accident can change everything—your health, your future, and your family’s stability. In the aftermath, you are likely grappling with physical pain, financial strain, and the emotional toll of a situation you never asked for. During this overwhelming time, you may be searching for answers, including where to turn for help.
If you are looking for a New Jersey drunk driving accident attorney, know that trusted legal guidance is within reach.
Petro Cohen, P.C. is a law firm with deep roots in New Jersey, exclusively handling personal injury and workers’ compensation cases since 1998. That focused experience means we know how to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. With offices in Northfield, Cape May Court House, Cherry Hill, and Hamilton Township, our firm proudly serves victims of drunk driving accidents across South Jersey.
What Are the Consequences of Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving is a serious traffic offense in New Jersey. Under state law, anyone operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired. Penalties may include:
- Fines,
- License suspension,
- Ignition interlock devices, and
- Possible jail time.
However, drunk driving can become a criminal offense if it’s a third or subsequent offense, involves a death or serious bodily injury to another or occurs while the person’s driver’s license is suspended for a prior DWI. Unfortunately, criminal charges do not automatically result in compensation for victims.
Even if the at-fault driver is charged criminally, you can still file a personal injury claim to pursue damages for your injuries. A skilled New Jersey drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help secure a financial recovery.
What Compensation Can Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents Pursue?
To recover compensation after a drunk driving crash, injured victims typically need to prove the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care. Every driver has a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. That includes never driving under the influence.
- Breach of duty. A driver breaches that duty by choosing to drive while intoxicated, putting others at significant risk.
- Causation. You must show that the drunk driver’s actions directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
- Damages. Finally, the victim must demonstrate they suffered real harm—physically, financially, and/or emotionally—as a result of the crash.
Once negligence is established, victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. A New Jersey drunk driving accident attorney can help you pursue:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Property damage, and
- Wrongful death damages.
A skilled New Jersey drunk driving accident lawyer can assess your case, calculate the full scope of your losses, and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in New Jersey
Can I file a lawsuit if I was injured by a drunk driver in New Jersey?
What types of damages can victims of drunk driving accidents recover?
Can the drunk driver face both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit?
What if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in New Jersey?
How a New Jersey Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Recovering from a drunk driving accident is about physically recovering, but also navigating a legal system that can be overwhelming and unforgiving. A qualified New Jersey drunk driving accident attorney can step in as your advocate at a time when you may feel powerless.
- Investigating the crash thoroughly. Your attorney will conduct a detailed investigation into the accident. This investigation includes collecting police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and toxicology results to build a strong case against the impaired driver.
- Dealing with insurance companies. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim or deny it. Your lawyer will handle all communication with insurers to protect your rights, avoid bad faith tactics, and push for the full amount you’re entitled to.
- Calculating and proving damages. Your attorney works with experts to assess the full extent of your damages, including determining immediate costs and your future needs.
- Pursuing a legal claim efficiently. Your lawyer will file your claim within the necessary deadlines and help you meet every procedural requirement.
At Petro Cohen, P.C., our personal injury team has decades of experience fighting for victims of reckless drivers. Let us take on the legal burden while you focus on healing.
Speak to a New Jersey Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
A drunk driving crash can leave you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting expenses. Navigating the legal system while trying to recover is no small task. You need skilled legal guidance.
At Petro Cohen, P.C., we focus our practice on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases to deliver the highest level of service possible. Our team is dedicated to helping you seek full and fair compensation for your losses. We handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.
Act now and protect your rights. Contact Petro Cohen, P.C. today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced New Jersey drunk driving accident attorney.
