How does a criminal DUI case affect my civil claim against a drunk driver?

Criminal and civil cases proceed separately in the legal system, but the criminal case can significantly strengthen your civil claim. If the driver is convicted of DUI, this can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your personal injury case. You don't need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before pursuing your civil claim. Our attorneys can use evidence from the criminal investigation, including police reports, breathalyzer results, and field sobriety test outcomes, to build your case for compensation.

Can I sue a bar or restaurant that served alcohol to the driver who hit me?

Yes, New Jersey's dram shop laws allow injury victims to pursue claims against establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause accidents. To succeed in a dram shop claim, we must prove the establishment continued to serve alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated or whom they should have known was underage. These claims require prompt investigation to secure evidence such as receipts, surveillance footage, and witness testimony before it disappears.

Will my case have to go to trial if I sue a drunk driver?

Most drunk driving accident claims settle before reaching trial, but having attorneys prepared for trial gives you leverage during negotiations. Insurance companies often offer higher settlements when they know your legal team has courtroom experience and is prepared to present a compelling case to a jury. If the drunk driver's insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our Clifton drunk driving accident attorney team includes four Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorneys who will confidently take your case to court to pursue maximum compensation.

What if the drunk driver who hit me was uninsured or underinsured?

If you're injured by an uninsured or underinsured drunk driver, you may still have options for recovering compensation. You may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is required in New Jersey insurance policies unless specifically waived. Additionally, we can investigate whether other parties share liability, such as establishments that served alcohol to the driver or social hosts who provided alcohol at a party. Our thorough investigation explores all potential sources of compensation.

How does New Jersey's no-fault insurance system affect my drunk driving accident claim?

New Jersey follows a modified no-fault insurance system, which typically limits your ability to sue another driver regardless of fault. However, drunk driving accidents often result in injuries serious enough to meet the state's "verbal threshold" or "limitation on lawsuit" exception. This allows victims to step outside the no-fault system and pursue claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A drunk driving accident lawyer in New Jersey can help determine if your injuries qualify under these exceptions and guide you through the process of seeking full compensation beyond what your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides.

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Car Accident Lawyers In New Jersey/

Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in New Jersey

Clifton Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Seeking Fair Compensation for Victims in Essex County, Hudson County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Union County, and Throughout North Jersey

Clifton Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Seeking Fair Compensation for Victims in Essex County, Hudson County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Union County, and Throughout North Jersey
Types of Car Accident Cases Corradino & Papa, LLC Handles in New Jersey
Understanding Your Rights and Compensation After an Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver
New Jersey State Laws and Their Impact on Your Case
How Corradino & Papa, LLC Can Help
Why Choose the Clifton Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?
About Drunk Driving Auto Accident Claims in New Jersey
Contact the Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation

Car accidents involving drunk drivers create some of the most devastating and preventable tragedies on New Jersey roads. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or death, leaving victims and families to cope with overwhelming medical expenses, lost income, and profound emotional trauma. When an impaired driver's reckless choice to drive under the influence causes harm, victims need a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer in New Jersey who can fight for the justice and compensation they deserve.

At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we've dedicated more than 25 years to representing victims of drunk driving accidents throughout New Jersey. Our team understands the unique legal complexities these cases present and works relentlessly to hold intoxicated drivers and other responsible parties accountable. With over $500 million recovered for our clients and a proven record of securing maximum compensation for victims, we handle every aspect of your claim while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Types of Car Accident Cases Corradino & Papa, LLC Handles in New Jersey

With over 130 years of combined legal experience, Corradino & Papa, LLC has established a reputation for excellence in car accident litigation throughout New Jersey. Our attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of state traffic laws, insurance regulations, and court procedures essential for successful accident claims.

Our team brings decades of specialized experience to every case, applying proven strategies developed through years of successful representation. We've secured millions in compensation for car accident victims through both skillful negotiations and aggressive courtroom advocacy.

Our firm handles a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:

Drunk Driving Accidents
Distracted Driving Accidents
Fatigued Driver Accidents
Hit and Run Accidents
Intersection Accidents
Rear End Accidents
Texting While Driving Accidents
Unsafe Roadway Accidents
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Highway Accidents
Rideshare Accidents
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
And more…

As a Clifton drunk driving accident attorney team, we understand the unique challenges that arise in alcohol-related crashes. These cases often involve criminal proceedings against the driver, potential dram shop liability against establishments that served alcohol, and complicated insurance scenarios.

We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and build compelling arguments designed to secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

Injured & Have Questions? We Can Help.

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973-381-1706

Understanding Your Rights and Compensation After an Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver

Being injured by a drunk driver can turn your life upside down in an instant. Understanding your legal rights is essential to securing the compensation you need to recover and move forward.

Legal Rights of Drunk Driving Accident Victims in New Jersey

As a victim of a drunk driving accident in New Jersey, you have the right to pursue compensation from all parties responsible for your injuries. This includes not only the intoxicated driver but potentially other parties as well.

When a drunk driver faces criminal charges, you have the right to be informed about the case progression. While the criminal case is separate from your civil claim, a criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case by establishing negligence.

Types of Compensation Available to Victims

Victims of drunk driving accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to several types of compensation:

Medical expenses: Coverage for all accident-related medical costs, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical needs related to your injuries.
Lost income: Reimbursement for wages lost while recovering, as well as compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Pain and suffering: Monetary damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma resulting from the accident and injuries.
Property damage: Payment for vehicle repairs or replacement and other damaged personal property.
Loss of quality of life: Compensation for permanent disabilities or limitations that affect your ability to enjoy life and participate in activities you valued before the accident.
Punitive damages: In drunk driving cases, courts may award additional punitive damages specifically designed to punish particularly reckless behavior and deter similar conduct.

Every case is unique, with compensation amounts varying based on the specific circumstances and severity of injuries involved. A Clifton drunk driving accident attorney at Corradino & Papa, LLC will review the details of your accident during a free consultation to provide personalized guidance about the compensation potentially available in your case.

New Jersey State Laws and Their Impact on Your Case

Several state-specific laws directly impact drunk driving accident claims in New Jersey:

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, though this rarely applies in drunk driving cases.

There is a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits in New Jersey. This makes it crucial to consult with a drunk driving accident lawyer in New Jersey promptly to protect your right to compensation.

When pursuing compensation for a drunk driving accident in New Jersey, documentation is key to strengthening your claim. Keep all medical records, follow your doctor's treatment plan, and maintain a journal documenting your pain levels and how injuries affect your daily life. Report the accident immediately to police and your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers without legal counsel.

How Corradino & Papa, LLC Can Help

At Corradino & Papa, LLC, we provide comprehensive legal support for victims of drunk driving accidents throughout New Jersey. Our dedicated team handles every aspect of your claim, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery.

Thorough Investigation

As your drunk driving accident lawyer in New Jersey, we conduct detailed investigations to build a powerful case. We collect police reports and breathalyzer results, interview witnesses, secure surveillance footage, and work with accident reconstruction specialists to establish exactly how the crash occurred. We also investigate whether bars or restaurants may share liability under dram shop laws.

Skilled Negotiation

We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from their tactics to minimize payouts. Our attorneys have negotiated hundreds of favorable settlements for drunk driving accident victims. Insurance adjusters recognize our reputation for thorough preparation and willingness to take cases to trial if necessary.

Why Choose the Clifton Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC?

When selecting legal representation after being injured by a drunk driver, your choice of drunk driving accident lawyer in New Jersey can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Corradino & Papa, LLC stands apart from other firms for several compelling reasons.

Proven Track Record in Drunk Driving Cases

Our firm has recovered over $500 million for injury victims, including substantial settlements and verdicts specifically for victims of drunk driving accidents. This demonstrated success reflects our ability to maximize compensation in these complex cases and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Supreme Court Certified Trial Attorneys

Four of our attorneys hold certification from the New Jersey Supreme Court as Civil Trial Attorneys—a distinction earned by fewer than 3% of lawyers in the state. This advanced certification demonstrates our superior litigation skills, which is particularly valuable in drunk driving cases that often involve significant damages and require strong courtroom advocacy.

Client-First Philosophy

Our firm was founded on the principle that clients come first. This means we handle all aspects of your claim while you focus on recovery. We provide regular updates, promptly return calls and emails, answer all your questions, and ensure you're fully informed about your options at every stage of the process.

About Drunk Driving Auto Accident Claims in New Jersey

Drunk driving accidents frequently occur on New Jersey's major highways, including the Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike, Route 3, and Interstate 80. These crashes spike during late evening hours, particularly on weekends and holidays. In Clifton and surrounding Passaic County, Routes 46, 21, and 20 see numerous alcohol-related collisions. A Clifton drunk driving accident attorney at our firm can handle cases from these areas, where bar districts often become hotspots for these preventable tragedies.

Injuries from drunk driving accidents tend to be more severe because impaired drivers typically fail to brake before impact and often travel at excessive speeds. Victims commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal injuries. These catastrophic injuries frequently require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, and lengthy rehabilitation. The physical recovery is often accompanied by significant psychological trauma, creating impacts that extend far beyond the initial collision.

Contact the Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC for a Free Case Evaluation

Take the first step toward holding the drunk driver accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. The dedicated drunk driving accident lawyers in New Jersey at Corradino & Papa, LLC are ready to review your case and explain your options. Our multilingual staff and no-fee-unless-we-win policy make quality legal representation accessible to all accident victims, regardless of their financial situation. Call us today at 973-381-1706 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in New Jersey

Criminal and civil cases proceed separately in the legal system, but the criminal case can significantly strengthen your civil claim. If the driver is convicted of DUI, this can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in your personal injury case. You don't need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before pursuing your civil claim. Our attorneys can use evidence from the criminal investigation, including police reports, breathalyzer results, and field sobriety test outcomes, to build your case for compensation.
Yes, New Jersey's dram shop laws allow injury victims to pursue claims against establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who later cause accidents. To succeed in a dram shop claim, we must prove the establishment continued to serve alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated or whom they should have known was underage. These claims require prompt investigation to secure evidence such as receipts, surveillance footage, and witness testimony before it disappears.
Most drunk driving accident claims settle before reaching trial, but having attorneys prepared for trial gives you leverage during negotiations. Insurance companies often offer higher settlements when they know your legal team has courtroom experience and is prepared to present a compelling case to a jury. If the drunk driver's insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our Clifton drunk driving accident attorney team includes four Supreme Court Certified Civil Trial Attorneys who will confidently take your case to court to pursue maximum compensation.
If you're injured by an uninsured or underinsured drunk driver, you may still have options for recovering compensation. You may be able to file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is required in New Jersey insurance policies unless specifically waived. Additionally, we can investigate whether other parties share liability, such as establishments that served alcohol to the driver or social hosts who provided alcohol at a party. Our thorough investigation explores all potential sources of compensation.
New Jersey follows a modified no-fault insurance system, which typically limits your ability to sue another driver regardless of fault. However, drunk driving accidents often result in injuries serious enough to meet the state's "verbal threshold" or "limitation on lawsuit" exception. This allows victims to step outside the no-fault system and pursue claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A drunk driving accident lawyer in New Jersey can help determine if your injuries qualify under these exceptions and guide you through the process of seeking full compensation beyond what your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides.

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