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Hit by Drunk Driver

New Jersey Attorneys Defending the Rights of Victims of Drunk Drivers

Filing civil lawsuits in DUI-related accidents

Drugs or alcohol can impair a person’s coordination, vision and reaction time — all of which are crucial elements of safe driving. Drunk and drugged drivers put you at risk of serious and fatal accidents. According to data from the Century Council, more than 26,000 people were arrested for driving under the influence in New Jersey in 2010. The number of people who actually drove while impaired during that time is likely much higher considering that not all drunk drivers were caught. This frightening statistic highlights the very real and dangerous conditions in which you drive every day.

Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC was established in 1950 and exclusively represents injury victims throughout New Jersey from our Elmwood Park, Bridgewater, Hackensack, Morristown, and Roseland offices. If you were injured or your loved ones were killed by a drunk driver, our attorneys aggressively pursue all legal recourses to hold the negligent parties responsible.

Criminal versus civil DUI claims

Prosecutors may file criminal charges against the drunk driver who ran into you. Although a judge may sentence the defendant to pay you restitution, the amount typically is not what your case is worth. To recover maximum damages, you must file a lawsuit in the civil court. However, the driver’s conviction for DUI is prima facie evidence of reckless behavior — a fact that we use to support your civil claim. Our auto accident lawyers obtain a civil judgment for the maximum value of your damages.

Liability under New Jersey dram shop and social host laws

The New Jersey dram shop law allows you to pursue damages from the bar, nightclub, restaurant or alcohol vendor that overserves the patron who causes the DUI accident. In addition, the New Jersey social host law holds noncommercial individuals liable if a guest leaves their home or event too impaired to drive. These statutes place some of the blame on the establishment that serves the drunk driver, in addition to holding the driver liable for your injuries. These dram shop and social host statutes are particularly important if the driver who hits you is uninsured or underinsured.

A Guide for Victims of Drunk Drivers

Being the victim of a drunk driving accident is traumatic, and many people don’t know where to go from there. At Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC, we’re dedicated to guiding you through the difficulties of legal proceedings. Whether you yourself have been involved in an accident or you’re acting on behalf of a loved one, we’re want to fight for your rights. In the aftermath of an accident, following these steps:

  • Get to Safety: Your safety always comes first. Make sure you’re out of harm’s way before taking any additional steps.
  • Accept Medical Attention: When ambulances arrive, always seek medical help. While you may not have visible injuries, you could have underlying issues that may worsen over time.
  • Call an Attorney: If you’ve been injured as a result of another party’s negligence, you could have a case for compensation. As soon as you’re able, get in touch with an attorney.

How You Can Benefit from an Attorney

Victims of drunk drivers should always seek legal help from an experienced lawyer. We have over 65 years of expertise, and we’ll use our knowledge to secure you the compensation you deserve. Our team has an advanced understanding of New Jersey law, and we can take care of the minutia of your case so you can worry about recovery. You deserve peace of mind during this trying time, and our attorneys are glad to help.

File Your Claim as Soon as Possible

It’s crucial to file your claim as soon as possible. Traffic accidents, as well as drunk driving incidents, are subject to a statute of limitations in New Jersey. That means you only have a limited amount of time to file your case before you no longer have the legal right to do so. For most drunk driving accidents, the statute is 90 days. However, it’s always advisable to file your claim right away. When you work with Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC, we’ll make sure all your documentation is in order.

Recover maximum compensation if you were hit by a drunk driver in New Jersey

For your convenience, we have offices in Elmwood Park, Bridgewater, Hackensack, Morristown, and Roseland, with Spanish-speaking translators available by request. If a drunk driver injured you or killed your loved one, call Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy at 862-263-0770 or contact us online to schedule your one-hour free initial consultation.

VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
  • In 2022, a year in which New Jersey courts were basically closed for trials, our firm still settled almost 100 cases for in excess of 8 million dollars.
  • Discuss the firm's 2022 settlements.
  • Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Our Offices
  • Elmwood Park Office
    One Broadway
    Elmwood Park, New Jersey 07470
    Phone: 862-263-0770
    Fax: 973-813-3360
  • Hackensack Office
    401 Hackensack Ave
    Suite 706
    Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
    Phone: 201-488-3366
  • Morristown Office
    19 Cattano Ave.
    Morristown, New Jersey 07960
    Phone: 973-922-3900
  • Roseland Office
    425 Eagle Rock Ave
    Suite 100
    Roseland, New Jersey 07068
    Phone: 973-274-5200
  • Bridgewater Office
    440 Route 22 E
    Suite 170
    Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807
    Phone: 908-927-0200