Every year, drunk and drug-impaired drivers cause devastating crashes that shatter lives in New Brunswick. Victims are left facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the stress of lost income – all because of someone else’s reckless decision.

You do not have to go through this alone. A skilled New Brunswick DUI accident lawyer at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers is ready to fight for your recovery and peace of mind. Call (973) 364-8300 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help.

The Reality and Types of DUI Accidents in New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s position along major highways such as the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 18 means traffic is constant and often congested. Unfortunately, alcohol-impaired drivers add another layer of danger to these already busy roads. Each year, hundreds of crashes in New Jersey involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and many of these collisions cause catastrophic injuries or tragic fatalities for innocent victims.

DUI crashes are often more serious because drunk or drugged drivers can’t think straight, react fast, or handle sudden changes on the road. This usually leads to dangerous behaviors such as:

• Speeding far above posted limits
• Swerving into other lanes without warning
• Ignoring red lights and stop signs
• Failing to brake in time to avoid a collision

The impact on victims can be devastating, often involving spinal cord damage, brain injuries, organ trauma, or broken bones. These serious injuries require extensive treatment and rehabilitation, leaving families to cope with mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional strain.

Every DUI crash has unique factors, and certain types of collisions occur more frequently in New Brunswick:

• Head-on Collisions – Often caused by wrong-way impaired drivers
• Rear-End Crashes – Common when drunk drivers fail to stop in time
• T-Bone Accidents – Typically occur when intoxicated drivers run traffic signals
• Hit-and-Run Crashes – Require legal help to identify and hold drivers accountable

Because each case is different, an experienced New Brunswick DUI accident lawyer will carefully investigate the details and pursue a strategy that maximizes recovery for victims and their families.

Victims’ Rights After a DUI Crash in New Brunswick

In New Jersey, the law gives strong protections to people hurt in DUI crashes. The criminal case focuses on punishing the driver for breaking the law. But victims also have the right to file a civil claim, which is a separate case meant to help them recover money for their losses. This money can cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, or other losses. These legal protections are meant to help victims and their families move forward after a serious accident.

A DUI collision claim in New Brunswick may allow you to seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses – Emergency treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care
• Lost Income – Wages missed during recovery and reduced future earning ability
• Rehabilitation Costs – Physical therapy, counseling, and other long-term needs
• Non-Economic Losses – Pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
• Property Losses – Repair or replacement of damaged vehicles and personal items

When a crash results in the tragic loss of life, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages in these cases can include funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one’s companionship.

Victims are also entitled to court-ordered restitution and the right to have their protections explained and upheld throughout the process. Partnering with an experienced New Brunswick DUI accident lawyer ensures your rights are fully protected and your case is handled with care and determination.

Steps to Take After a DUI Crash

After a DUI crash, things can feel chaotic and overwhelming. Still, what you do right away can make a big difference for your health and your rights. Some important steps are:

• Call 911 to report the collision.
• Seek medical treatment right away.
• Exchange information with drivers and witnesses.
• Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries.
• Obtain a copy of the police report.
• Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for a free consultation about your case.

Acting quickly helps preserve vital evidence and strengthens your ability to pursue full and fair compensation.

Filing a DUI Crash Lawsuit and Pursuing Compensation in New Brunswick

Taking legal action after an impaired driving crash requires careful preparation. In New Jersey, you can still recover compensation if you are partly at fault, as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible (NJ Rev Stat § 2A:15-5.1).

An attorney from Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers can guide you through every stage of the process, including:

• Investigating the crash scene and collecting evidence
• Reviewing police reports and witness statements
• Securing toxicology results and New Brunswick BAC records
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Representing you in court if necessary

These steps strengthen your case and improve your chances of a fair settlement or trial award.

Additionally, many DUI crash claims resolve through settlements, which allow victims to avoid trial. However, insurance companies often undervalue claims, minimize medical costs, or overlook long-term needs. An experienced New Brunswick DUI accident lawyer can push back and negotiate for full and fair recovery.

Compensation may include:

• Economic Damages – Compensation for emergency care, ongoing medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity
• Non-Economic Damages – Compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life

A thorough evaluation of your case should include calculating the full extent of your losses and exploring every possible source of compensation.

Dram Shop Liability in New Brunswick

Sometimes responsibility for a DUI crash extends beyond the driver. Under New Jersey’s dram shop liability statute (N.J.S.A. 2A:22A-4), bars, restaurants, or liquor stores may be held accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated and that person later causes a collision. In these cases, the establishment’s role can make it partly liable for the losses you have suffered. A knowledgeable New Jersey DUI accident lawyer can investigate and determine whether dram shop liability applies to your situation.

Criminal Penalties vs. Civil Claims

Many victims assume that when an impaired driver faces criminal charges, financial compensation will automatically follow. Unfortunately, criminal cases and civil claims are separate processes.

• Criminal Penalties – In New Brunswick, a DUI conviction can lead to jail time, fines, losing a license, or using an ignition interlock device. These punishments hold the driver accountable and protect the public, but they do not cover the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, or other losses. That requires a civil case.
• Civil Claims – To recover financially, victims must file a civil lawsuit. Through this process, you may seek damages for medical treatment, wage loss, property repairs, and pain and suffering. Prosecutors handle the criminal case, but a civil claim allows you to focus on your own recovery.

By pursuing civil action, you take control of your financial future while the justice system holds the impaired driver accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accidents in New Brunswick

If you’ve been affected by a DUI crash in New Brunswick, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. These FAQs cover common questions about rights, deadlines, and available options.

How long do I have to file a DUI accident claim in New Jersey?

Most personal injury claims in New Jersey must be filed within two years of the crash. This legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strict. If you miss it, you may lose the ability to seek compensation altogether. Acting quickly helps preserve your right to recovery and ensures important evidence is not lost.

What if the impaired driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Even if the at-fault driver does not carry enough coverage, you may still have options. Many policies include uninsured or underinsured motorist protection that can step in to cover medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Reviewing your own policy carefully is essential to determine what compensation may be available.

Can passengers bring claims after a DUI crash?

Yes. Passengers are considered victims just like other injured parties. If you were riding with a drunk driver and suffered harm, you may still pursue financial recovery. Liability will depend on the circumstances, but passengers should never assume they are barred from filing a claim.

Every DUI accident is unique, and these answers provide only general guidance. The best way to fully understand your rights is to discuss your situation with a New Brunswick DUI accident lawyer who can explain your legal options and help you take the right steps forward.

Partner with Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers After a DUI Crash

Choosing the right lawyer after a DUI car accident makes a difference in your recovery. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has decades of litigation experience, a proven record of results, and a reputation for standing up to insurers and defense attorneys. The firm combines aggressive advocacy with compassionate support, guiding clients through every stage of the legal process.

You do not have to face these challenges alone. Legal action allows you to hold impaired drivers accountable and pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward.

Call (973) 364-8300 today to speak with a dedicated New Brunswick DUI accident lawyer at Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers. Your free consultation will provide clarity, direction, and peace of mind about the path ahead.