Drunk driving car accidents in Piscataway often cause devastating injuries or even fatalities. When a drunk driver injures you or a loved one, you may have the opportunity to pursue compensation through a lawsuit. This compensation could cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, helping you find financial relief and a sense of justice. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process and help you explore your options.
Can an Injured Person Sue a Drunk Driver?
In New Jersey, driving while intoxicated is classified as a traffic offense rather than a felony or misdemeanor. However, it has serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and driver’s license suspension. For repeat offenders, these penalties may become increasingly severe. Victims of drunk driving car accidents in Piscataway that result in injuries or fatalities may file civil lawsuits against the driver. Through a lawsuit, an injured person may seek financial compensation for their losses and address the harm caused by the driver’s actions.
Negligence forms the basis of most car accident lawsuits, meaning a person failed to fulfill their duty of care and caused harm as a result. Drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and remain sober while driving, so courts typically deem drunk drivers negligent under the law. This may simplify the legal process for the injured party, as the case could focus more on the extent of their injuries rather than proving fault.
What Compensation Is Available After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Like other car accident cases, successful drunk driving car accident claims in Piscataway usually result in compensatory damages. These include economic and non-economic forms of compensation.
Economic damages reflect specific costs, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Expenses for tasks the injured person can no longer perform (e.g., housework)
- Costs of ongoing medical care for permanent disabilities
- Lost future income
Non-economic damages address less tangible losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
For wrongful death cases, surviving family members may receive financial and emotional support through damages.
New Jersey Statutes § 2A:15-5.12 explains that courts rarely award punitive damages, which aim to punish the offender rather than compensate the victim. However, drunk driving accidents are among the few situations where courts may consider punitive damages, particularly if the driver has prior offenses. To qualify for these damages, the injured party must prove that the driver acted maliciously or with willful disregard for others’ safety. This standard is significantly higher than the standard of negligence required for compensatory damages.
Get Legal Help In Piscataway After an Impaired Driving Accident
Drunk driving car accidents in Piscataway can cause severe, long-lasting injuries. A lawsuit against the drunk driver can result in financial compensation that allows you to pay your bills while focusing on improving your health. Our attorneys will assess your case and determine the best next steps for you. Schedule a free consultation to start the process with Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC today.
