Injured by a drunk driver?
NJ Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Barreto Law Firm explains your options in plain language, deals with the insurance companies, and fights for the compensation you may be owed. Free case review. No fee unless we win.
Quick answer: If a drunk driver injured you in New Jersey, you can seek compensation through a civil claim, even if the criminal case goes a different way. A bar, restaurant, or host that overserved the driver may also be responsible in some cases.
Criminal case vs. your injury claim
Criminal case
Brought by the State to punish the driver. It does not pay your medical bills.
Your injury claim
A civil claim to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. It can move forward whether or not the driver is convicted.
Orientation and Goal Setting
The driver
The impaired driver who caused the crash.
A bar or restaurant
A business that served someone who was visibly intoxicated.
A social host
A host who served alcohol, in certain situations.
The vehicle owner
If someone else was driving their car.
An employer
If the driver was working at the time.
Drunk driving accidents we handle
Car and SUV crashes
Motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Truck and commercial vehicle crashes
Rideshare passenger injuries
Wrongful death after a drunk driving crash
Injuries these crashes can cause
Drunk driving crashes are often high-speed and unpredictable, and the injuries can be severe. Common examples include:
Head and brain injuries
Neck, back, and spinal injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Burns and cuts
Emotional trauma and anxiety
Some injuries do not cause symptoms right away. See a doctor even if you feel okay.
After a drunk driving crash
1
Call 911
and get medical care. Some injuries show up later.
2
Police report
Make sure one is filed, and ask for the number.
3
Document
Photos, witnesses, and where the driver was drinking
4
Keep records
Bills, receipts, and proof of missed work.
5
Call a lawyer
before giving a recorded statement to an insurer.
Evidence that can matter
Police report: Records what officers saw and any charges against the driver.
Test results: Chemical test results, when available, can be important.
Bar or restaurant records: Receipts, tabs, and surveillance video can show where and how much the driver drank.
Witnesses: People who saw the crash or the driver beforehand.
Medical records: Show your injuries, treatment, and recovery.
How we help
We listen first, then explain your options. If we take your case, we gather the police report and other evidence, look into whether a business or other party may share responsibility, and handle the insurance companies. We explain every offer, and every decision stays yours.
Why people choose Barreto Law Firm
Free case review
No fee unless we win
Clear, honest communication
Direct access to our attorneys
Care and respect for you and your family
English and Spanish
Frequently Asked Questions.
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Yes. If an impaired driver caused your injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. This is a civil claim, separate from any criminal charges against the driver.
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No. A criminal case and a personal injury claim are separate. A claim can move forward whether or not the driver is convicted, although police reports and test results can be important evidence.
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Sometimes. New Jersey law can hold a business liable if it served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person then injured others. Social hosts can also be responsible in some situations. A lawyer can review the facts and evidence.
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You may have other options, such as your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or a claim against another responsible party like a business that overserved the driver. We can review your policy and options.
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In some drunk driving cases, New Jersey law allows punitive damages, which are meant to punish especially reckless conduct. They are not available in every case and depend on the facts, so ask a lawyer about your situation.
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We work on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless we win your case. The case review is free and does not obligate you to hire us.
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These crashes can cause serious injuries such as broken bones, head and brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal injuries, and burns. Some injuries do not show symptoms right away, so a medical check is important.
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New Jersey sets strict deadlines for injury claims, and they can be shorter in some situations, such as claims against a government entity. Speak with a lawyer as soon as you can so your rights are protected.
Talk to us about your case
Free case review. No fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.