If you were injured because of a drunk driver, we are on your side. Read on and reach out to the experienced Sussex County drunk driving accident lawyers here at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP to learn more about these accidents, the dram shop law in New Jersey, and how our legal team can help if you’ve been hurt.
New Jersey’s Dram Shop Law
New Jersey’s dram shop law, formally known as the New Jersey Licensed Alcoholic Beverage Server Fair Liability Act, is codified in the New Jersey statutes at N.J.S.A. 2A:22A-1 to 2A:22A-7. This law is a critical legal protection for individuals injured by the negligent service of alcohol. It allows those hurt in accidents caused by intoxicated individuals to seek compensation not only from the drunk driver but also from the establishment that contributed to their intoxication.
Under this law, an injured party can hold an establishment liable if it is proven that:
- The establishment served alcohol to someone who was under the legal drinking age of 21.
- The establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated, meaning their behavior, speech, or physical appearance demonstrated clear signs of impairment.
For example, if a bar serves a visibly intoxicated patron who then gets behind the wheel and causes an accident, the injured party may pursue legal action against both the driver and the establishment. The intent of this law is to hold establishments accountable for responsible alcohol service and to prevent avoidable tragedies.
What Should I Do if I’m Harmed By a Drunk Driver in New Jersey?
If you are hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be so injured that you’re unable to do anything other than wait for emergency medical services to arrive at the scene. However, if possible, you should try to do the following:
- Call the police. When they arrive, they’ll see you get immediate medical attention, and, if they believe the other driver is intoxicated, they will typically require him or her to submit to a breath test. If the test determines the driver was, in fact, intoxicated, we will use these results to bolster your injury claim.
- If you can, you should take pictures of any damage caused by the accident.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information so they may verify your claim later on.
- Keep copies of medical documentation pertaining to your injuries.
- Hire a competent Sussex County personal injury attorney who can help gather and present all additional information needed to satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim.
Contact Our Sussex County Dram Shop Lawyers
The bottom line is that if you’ve been harmed by a drunk driver, our legal team stands ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve and need. Contact the dram shop lawyers here at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP for a free initial consultation today. We are on your side, and will be, every step of the way.
