Drivers who are negligent or careless while operating their vehicles, whether it is a car, truck or SUV, often cause serious accidents. When drivers are drunk or driving under the influence, fatal accidents may result.
Two Recent DUI Car Accidents in NJ
Earlier this week, a horrific car crash on I-95 in Mercer County, New Jersey resulted in three fatalities. The 19 year old driver who caused the car accident was allegedly driving while intoxicated. *Source: www.abclocal.go.com (3rd person dies after I-95 crash in Lawrence, N.J.)
At around 1 a.m. on December 12, 2013, the 19 year old driver was traveling on I-95 when he lost control of his car, crossed several lanes, hopped the median, spun around and crashed into a tractor-trailer that was parked on the side of the road. Three passengers in the car died as a result of the accident. The two rear passengers were recent high school graduates and died at the scene. The 19 year old front passenger was taken to Capital Health but died later in the hospital.
According to the police, the driver apparently fled on foot from the scene and was later arrested. He has since been charged with death by automobile and driving while intoxicated.
Just last month, another young driver was allegedly driving while intoxicated and caused a head-on crash that injured two of his passengers in Mahwah, New Jersey. The 20 year old driver drifted into oncoming traffic and crashed into another car traveling the opposite direction. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in this DUI accident. *Source: www.nj.com (Ramapo College student was drunk behind wheel during head-on crash that injured two, police say)
Liability in DUI Car Accident Cases in NJ – The Drunk Driver
Under NJ DUI car accident law, drunk drivers can be held accountable, both criminally and civilly, for causing car accidents. Criminally, drunk drivers may be charged with reckless driving, driving while under the influence and even death by automobile.
Civilly, seriously injured passengers and drivers or family of deceased passengers and drivers may bring an auto accident lawsuit against drunk drivers. Injured victims may recover financial compensation from the drivers’ car insurance policies, up to the policy limits purchased by the drivers. Suggested reading: NJ Car Accident Injury Lawyer Discusses Pain and Suffering Damages in a NJ Car Accident Lawsuit
Further, when the drunk drivers’ car insurance policies are not enough to cover victims’ injuries and damages, victims may file an underinsured motorist claim (UIM) under their own car policies. For more information about UIM claims, see NJ Car and Truck Accident Lawyer Talks About When to File an Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) Motorist Claim in a Car or Truck Accident
Liability in DUI Car Accident Cases in NJ – Bars & Restaurants
In addition, it is important to note that parties other than the drunk driver may be liable in a DUI car accident case. For example, a bar or restaurant may be liable in a case in which it served alcohol to an underage customer who later caused a DUI car accident. Similarly, a homeowner who held a house party may also be liable.
Related South Jersey (Cherry Hill, Marlton, Camden) Car Accident FAQs:
- I was in a serious car accident on the AC Expressway. I couldn’t work for 3 months and now have to reduce my hours at work because of my back injury. Can I recover my lost wages?
- I was in a serious car accident and the driver at fault only has $15,000 to cover my damages? Can I file any other claims?
Help After a Drunk Driving Accident in Cherry Hill, Marlton and Camden. 800.281.8695
Victims and their families are often overwhelmed after DUI car accidents. New Jersey car accident law is complicated, and it is important to speak to an experienced car accident personal injury lawyer who can guide the victims and their families through the process. Feel free to contact Phil T. Ciprietti, Esquire for a free initial consultation. 800.281.8695
*Disclaimer: Every case is unique and you should not take any action or make decisions in your case without speaking to a qualified car and truck accident lawyer in New Jersey. This website page does not provide legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Use of the contact form on this website or emailing Mr. Ciprietti does not create any attorney-client relationship. In addition, confidential information should not be sent through the contact form.