Phillipsburg Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer

Phillipsburg Drunk Driver Accident Attorney

When you’re driving home at the end of the day or going out for a meal or celebration, the last thing you want to deal with is being involved in an accident because someone else decided to drink and drive. A Phillipsburg, NJ, drunk driver accident lawyer can help you file a compensation claim. Medical bills, car repair or replacement costs, and lost wages can add up quickly and leave you feeling anxious and unsure about the future.

Hire a Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer

Facing the challenges of recovering after a car accident can be difficult without support. When you hire a drunk driver accident lawyer, you gain an ally who can fight for your right to fair compensation while you focus on recovering and moving forward. With over 16 years of trial experience, Attorney Santini has the skills to represent your interests through negotiations or litigation to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Drunk Driving in New Jersey

Many types of car accidents are preventable, including drunk driving accidents. Deciding to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can have serious repercussions. In 2023, there were 606 traffic fatalities in New Jersey. Of those, 142 were the result of drunk driving, making up 23% of all traffic accident fatalities. In 2024, there were a total of 18,251 suspected Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident because of a drunk driver, you may have to file a civil claim before you receive a fair settlement from the accident. Phillipsburg residents can file claims at the Warren County Superior Court located in Belvidere. DUI cases are handled in Phillipsburg at the Phillipsburg Municipal Court.

New Jersey’s No-Fault Law System

When you’re driving in downtown Phillipsburg along Main Street or enjoying a night near the waterfront or traveling through nearby Lehigh Valley areas, you are at an increased risk of crossing paths with a drunk driver. If you are involved in a drunk driving accident due to someone else’s reckless behavior, you may be confused about how to file a claim or who to contact to get a fair settlement.

New Jersey follows a “choice” no-fault law for car accidents. After an accident, you can seek compensation from your own insurance company based on the personal injury protection insurance in your policy. This system can make it difficult to file a claim against a drunk driver without the assistance of an experienced Phillipsburg drunk driving accident attorney.

If you purchase a standard car insurance policy, you must choose between a policy with limited or unlimited rights to file a claim. These policies cover:

• Limited policies have the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver, but only if they experience significant injuries. Significant injuries include permanent scarring, disfigurement, bone fractures, amputations, a permanent injury, or the loss of a fetus.
• Unlimited policies include the right to file a claim against the at-fault driver for any level of injury. This policy also allows for damages from pain and suffering.

Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases

Typically, car accident settlements include economic and non-economic damages designed to cover medical bills, lost wages, replacing or repairing damaged property, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages may be awarded when a driver engages in:

• Gross negligence
• Wanton or willful misconduct
• Reckless disregard for others’ safety

FAQs About Phillipsburg, NJ Drunk Driver Accident Laws

How Much Does a Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of a drunk driver accident lawyer in New Jersey will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Common factors that influence the amount you could pay include the experience of the attorney, the specific details of the case, such as the inclusion of personal injury, and whether the case is litigated in court. During your initial consultation, inform your attorney of all the details of your case to receive a fair estimate of the costs you could incur.

Should I Get a Lawyer If I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver in New Jersey?

You are not legally obligated to get a lawyer if you are hit by a drunk driver in New Jersey, but there are some benefits. When you hire a lawyer, they can take care of negotiations and communications with the insurance companies. They understand how New Jersey’s complex drunk driver accident laws can affect your claim, giving them the ability to maximize your settlement amount.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?

There is no average settlement amount for a car accident in New Jersey, but there are several factors that can influence the final amount. The severity of your injuries and the amount of damage to your vehicle influence the final amount. You can recover both economic damages and non-economic damages. There could be limits based on the at-fault party’s insurance policy, and the settlement could be reduced if you are also found to be partially at fault.

Can I File a Civil Claim Against a Drunk Driver If They Have Already Been Tried in Criminal Court?

Regardless of the outcome of a criminal trial, you can file a civil claim against a drunk driver who caused an accident you were involved in. Criminal and civil cases are considered separate proceedings and do not violate double jeopardy protections. If the drunk driver was convicted in criminal court, it can strengthen a civil court case, as drunk driving is inherently considered a breach of duty.

What Is New Jersey’s Dram Shop Law?

New Jersey’s Dram Shop Law allows victims of drunk driving accidents to file claims against establishments that serve or sell alcohol. If a licensed alcoholic beverage server is found to have negligently served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, they can be held liable for damages caused by the person who was negligently served.

Phillipsburg Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer

There is always a risk when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, but no amount of diligence can prevent mistakes made by other drivers. When someone decides to drive after a night of drinking, they have to take responsibility for the damage they cause. If you’ve been affected by a drunk driver, contact Santini Personal Injury & Car Accident Law today to schedule your initial consultation.