New Jersey Auto Accidents Involving Alcohol

Car accidents caused by drunk drivers are a leading cause of death and injury. In the first six months of 2009, over 6,000 people in the United States were killed in DWI car accidents. In that time frame, in New Jersey alone, over 600 drunken driving accidents occurred. Estimates of the financial damage stemming from DUI accidents range in the billions. Sadly, one of the most affected groups is teenagers and young people up to the age of 24: they are many times more likely than adults to be victims of a DUI accident. Male DWI drivers outnumber females by a four to one ratio and young drivers far outnumber older adults.

DUI is a “per se” crime; that is, it is illegal to drive over the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC), regardless of whether the driver commits any other offense. The legal limit in every state is .08 BAC. According to the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicle Safety, driving with even a small amount of alcohol in the blood can affect judgment, vision, reaction time, and generally dull the senses. In New Jersey, a driver can be convicted of DUI even if the amount of alcohol is less than .08 if driving is in fact impaired. The crime is punishable by fines, imprisonment, license suspension, and insurance surcharges, all depending on the number and severity of the offense.

DUI has serious consequences for its victims. Drunken driving accidents result in personal injury, property damage, loss of work time, and other hardships for the innocent drivers in the other car, as well as for pedestrians and bystanders. People injured in these circumstances need to protect their legal rights and be able to recover for the physical and financial damage done to them by drunk drivers.

The law in New Jersey is complex: you may have a right to sue, but you have limited time and the type of insurance you and the other driver carried may make a difference. You need expert legal advice from lawyers who have experience and expertise in DUI accident law. Do not let an insurance company or lawyer representing the other driver talk you into accepting a settlement or signing anything until you have consulted counsel. Contact the law firm of Randolph Wolf. We have over 25 years of experience representing victims of DWI accidents in New Jersey. We can help;  call Randolph Wolf at (888) 715-9363.