Every 51 minutes, someone in the U.S. is killed by a drunk driver. Despite tough state laws and national public campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, drunk driving car accidents are still happening at an alarming rate. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving-related fatalities account for 31% of all fatal car accidents in the United States.
Driving while intoxicated is a reckless and negligent act that demonstrates a complete lack of regard for the safety of others. In addition to the loss of life, drunk driving causes accidents that lead to property damage, injuries and arrests that cost the American public more than $71.6 billion every year. More than the financial costs, victims of drunk driving accidents and their families suffer devastating personal losses from these tragic and entirely preventable accidents.
Though no amount of financial compensation can bring back a loved one or make someone who has suffered a catastrophic injury whole again, a lawsuit can help to bring victims piece of mind that the responsible party will be held accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driving car accident, an experienced lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve and the compensation you need to pay for the many expenses resulting from a drunk driving accident.
Driver Liability
A driver who is found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or above can be held liable if they cause an accident that results in injury or death. However, a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) is not limited to alcohol consumption. Any substance that reduces a driver’s reaction time or ability to focus on the task of driving causes a risk to everyone on the road. A driver under the influence of any mind-altering substance, including marijuana and other illegal drugs, as well as some prescription or over-the-counter drugs, can also be held liable for damages they cause in an accident. A DUI lawyer in New Jersey could help secure compensation for losses after a collision.
Third Party Liability
Restaurants, bars, and liquor stores have a duty to serve responsibly. Thirty states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have statues that place liability on these and other licensed establishments. Under the Dram Shop Act, businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages to minors or individuals who are obviously intoxicated can be held liable for injuries or deaths caused by that person.
Many states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, also impose liability to a social host if a party guest is involved in a drunk driving accident that causes injuries or fatalities. These statutes apply to hosts who serve alcohol, or make alcohol available to minors, and to hosts that provide alcohol to guests that are visibly intoxicated. It is important to note that New Jersey courts have extended the definition of “provide” to include self-service by guests. A drunk driving car crash attorney in New Jersey could help you start a claim.
Compensable Damages
Individuals and families harmed by the reckless actions of another are entitled to pursue compensation for their losses. By filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages (including future lost wages), emotional distress, pain and suffering, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Call our team today to discuss your legal options after drunk driving accidents in New Jersey.
Testimonials
This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Paul D.My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Pamela A.Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Ahmed A.My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Patrick G.I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Sheila L.Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Michael M.First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Rachel F.From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Jeffrey F.This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Pat G.This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Aminah M.A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
MickeyI had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court JudgeThank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
HDIt was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
GregoryI had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
DeniseHi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Bob
Grungo Colarulo
N/a