Drunk driving continues to be one of the most pervasive yet preventable hazards on roads. Each year, impaired drivers cause crashes that result in thousands of serious injuries and deaths to other motorists. After a drunk-driving accident, these drivers often face serious criminal charges. However, this is not enough to compensate victims and their families.
Thankfully, victims of drunk driving car accidents in Paramus can also seek compensation with the help of experienced car accident attorneys like ours at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC. Our legal team is proud to provide skilled representation to those who have been injured due to the negligence of others. While our firm offers the same resources as larger law firms, we are also small enough to provide the personalized service and attention each client deserves.
Seeking Compensation After an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver
Victims of drunk-driving crashes in Paramus often face more than just physical injuries. By filing a personal injury lawsuit against the impaired driver, they may be able to recover compensation for the full range of losses caused by the crash. The following are some common types of damages that may be available:
- Medical expenses, including costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
- Lost income, including wages missed during recovery, and reduced earning capacity if injuries affect the ability to work long term
- Pain and suffering, as the aftermath of a car crash, is often brutal
emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or trauma, following the accident - Property damage, including the destroyed or damaged vehicle, and other loss of personal property
- Loss of enjoyment of life, as injuries often interfere with a person’s ability to participate in family activities, hobbies, or the joys of daily living
- Punitive damages, which are additional damages awarded to victims in some cases to punish especially reckless behavior
Our experienced personal injury attorney understands how to accurately calculate these damages and can advocate for victims aggressively, whether in settlement negotiations or during a jury trial.
Who Else Can Be Held Accountable for a Drunk-Driving Accident?
Driving drunk is a personal choice, so fault for a drunk-driving car crash in Paramus rests primarily with the impaired driver. However, there are certain circumstances under which others may be held liable for providing alcohol to the person who later drove drunk and caused the accident.
Victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue what are known as dram shop claims against businesses that sell alcohol, such as bars and restaurants, if servers at those establishments were negligent. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated 2A:22A-5, a licensed alcohol server can be considered negligent if they served a guest despite knowing or having reason to know the guest was under age 21 or a guest who was already visibly intoxicated.
Businesses with an alcohol license have a responsibility to reasonably ensure that their guests do not pose a foreseeable danger to themselves or others. Dram shop liability is not always easy to prove, which is one of many reasons why victims should consult with a skilled attorney.
Speak With an Attorney About Paramus Car Crashes Involving Impaired Drivers
Drunk driving car accidents in Paramus are an unacceptably common occurrence. Criminal charges are appropriate, but you deserve compensation as well as criminal justice.
At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, our attorneys are ready to fight for the rights and well-being of clients injured by the negligence of others. Your journey to recovery starts with a free initial consultation. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team about your legal options.
