Drunk driving accidents rank among the most devastating types of collisions on New Jersey roads, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving crash, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of your next steps, or unsure how to seek justice. Fortunately, a New Jersey drunk driving accident attorney from a recognized legal firm can guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we have decades of experience handling different injury cases and winning substantial settlements. Our attorneys have a strong track record of delivering results to assist victims in rebuilding their lives. If you’re uncertain about what to do next, reach out to us to share your story, and we’ll guide you accordingly.
New Jersey takes a tough stance on drunk driving. The state has enacted strict laws to help alleviate the issue of alcohol-related accidents on the state’s roads. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated NJSA 39:4-50, it is illegal for anyone to drive with a 0.08 BAC and above. Drivers caught exceeding this limit will face penalties. These include:
New Jersey law also prohibits the possession of open or unsealed alcoholic beverage containers in the passenger area of a vehicle, whether the vehicle is in motion or parked. Violation of this law can result in:
Additionally, if a driver is found to be intoxicated and has a minor (17 years old or younger) in the vehicle, the penalties increase significantly. This is considered a “disorderly persons offense.” The penalties include:
For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol level can lead to severe consequences. If an underage driver is found with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, they face:
In addition to penalties, New Jersey’s drunk driving laws have significant implications for personal injury claims following a drunk driving accident. For instance, if you can prove that the driver who was responsible for your accident was over the legal BAC limit, this can be strong evidence of negligence. A lawyer can elucidate the laws to help you comprehend their impact on your claim.
Drunk driving accidents are known to cause serious injuries, given the impaired driver’s diminished ability to react, slow down, or avoid collisions. These accidents are frequently high-impact and occur at high speeds, making the injuries more severe than in other types of car accidents.
Common injuries reported in most drunk driving accidents include:
In extreme cases, these injuries may require extensive medical treatment, and some may result in permanent disabilities. Other victims may need ongoing physical therapy, home modifications, or long-term care, which highlights the importance of seeking fair compensation to address these expenses.
If you suffered losses in a drunk driving-related accident, your priority will be seeking compensation for your losses. Compensation can help you recover financially, physically, and emotionally from the accident’s impact.
Compensation you can pursue in a drunk driving accident case includes:
Seeking compensation is the pathway to recovering from the financial strain of the accident and also holding the liable driver accountable for their actions. A New Jersey drunk driving attorney can assist in evaluating the worth of your claim and negotiate for an adequate settlement.
Establishing liability in a drinking-under-influence accident case is critical for securing compensation. In New Jersey, liability is generally determined based on negligence, which means proving the driver didn’t uphold their duty of care and caused the crash.
To establish liability, you’ll need to show the following elements:
A lawyer’s experience is key in gathering the necessary evidence, such as BAC test results, to prove the drunk driver’s liability. They will also communicate with defendants, who may try to minimize your claim and ensure your rights are protected.
New Jersey operates based on a no-fault insurance system. Thus, after a car accident, your own insurance company typically pays for your damages regardless of who was at fault. This system is governed by the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act (N.J.S.A. 39:6A).
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If your injuries are serious, you might be able to step outside the no-fault system to launch a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages from the driver deemed at fault. Severe injuries typically include:
In drunk driving cases, victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, making it possible to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
A successful drunk driving claim in New Jersey requires the experience of an attorney who understands the NJ drunk laws and insurance systems. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we have a track record of holding drunk drivers accountable and securing compensation for our clients. If you were injured in an accident caused by impaired driving in New Jersey, a drunk driving lawyer will help safeguard your rights and ensure you obtain a fair recovery.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Need Help? Contact us 24/7
Free ConsultationNew York & New Jersey Personal Injury & Litigation Lawyers
Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced legal professionals by filling out the form below, or call us at (800) 616-2916
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
December 19, 2025
What to Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident in New Jersey Tractor-trailer crashes on New Jersey’s congested highways, such as I-95 or the Turnpike, can cause catastrophic injuries and complex ...
December 17, 2025
The Role of a Bicycle Crash Lawyer in Hit-and-Run & Door Collision Cases Bicycle accidents, particularly hit-and-run and door collision cases, can result in severe injuries and complex leg...
December 11, 2025
NJ Juries Recognize the Severe Impact of a Traumatic Brain Injury A recent Hunterdon County jury verdict sends a powerful message: even when an injured person appears to have made a strong recovery,...
December 09, 2025
[caption id="attachment_10031" align="alignnone" width="1664"] Car accidents in New Jersey can cause serious injuries and financial strain. Securing a fair settlement is essential for recovery. In 20...