If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in Paramus, New Jersey, you have the right to pursue compensation. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our DUI accident lawyers in Paramus understand the devastating impact intoxicated drivers have on victims and their families. We represent injured individuals throughout Bergen County and New Jersey, holding drunk drivers accountable and recovering compensation for our clients.
With over 50 years of combined firm experience, our team includes certified civil trial attorneys who have recovered more than $535 million for injured clients across all practice areas. We handle DUI accident cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Hire Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for your DUI Accident Case
Drunk driving accidents differ significantly from standard motor vehicle collisions. When an intoxicated driver causes an accident, the legal situation shifts in favor of injured victims. Our attorneys use this advantage to pursue fair compensation for our clients.
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s Track Record with Drunk Driving Cases
Our firm brings experience and courtroom knowledge to every DUI accident case. Edward P. Capozzi, founder and chair of our personal injury department, holds certification as a civil trial attorney from the New Jersey Supreme Court and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer since 2012. He served as the 59th President of the New Jersey Association for Justice and was inducted into the New Jersey Law Journal Hall of Fame in 2014.
Our team includes multiple attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers Rising Star designations. We maintain lifetime membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, reflecting our consistent success in securing substantial recoveries for clients. Our approach to car accident lawyer representation focuses on thorough investigation and aggressive advocacy.
We understand DUI accident litigation. Our representation focuses on:
- Investigating the intoxication evidence thoroughly
- Coordinating expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals
- Negotiating with insurance carriers
- Preparing cases for trial when necessary
- Presenting evidence to juries
Our Paramus office location ensures local accessibility and familiarity with Bergen County courts and procedures.
How Drunk Driving Accidents Differ from Other Car Crashes
Punitive Damages and Enhanced Liability
A critical distinction between DUI accidents and standard car crashes involves the availability of punitive damages. In New Jersey, when a driver operates a vehicle while intoxicated, they face heightened legal liability. This opens the door to punitive damages—compensation designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct—in addition to standard compensatory damages. Understanding motor vehicle accidents and their legal implications is crucial for your case.
Intoxicated drivers are held to a higher standard of care. New Jersey courts apply the doctrine of “negligence per se,” which means that violating a statute (such as driving under the influence) constitutes negligence as a matter of law. This strengthens your case considerably.
Evidence collection in DUI cases includes:
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) levels from breathalyzer or blood tests
- Police reports documenting observations of impairment
- Toxicology results
- Witness statements regarding the driver’s behavior
- Video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams
- Field sobriety test results
Dram Shop Liability
In many DUI accidents, injured victims can pursue claims against the establishment that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver. New Jersey recognizes dram shop liability, allowing victims to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable when they serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who subsequently cause accidents. This expands the potential sources of compensation beyond the drunk driver’s insurance policy.
Types of Compensation in DUI Accident Cases
DUI accident victims can recover various categories of damages, depending on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the accident.
- Medical Expenses cover all healthcare costs related to your injuries, including emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing medical care, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and future medical treatment. In catastrophic injury cases, lifetime medical care costs can be substantial.
- Lost Wages compensate you for income lost during recovery and treatment. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can recover damages for loss of earning capacity—the difference between what you would have earned and what you can now earn given your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering Damages address the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries. These non-economic damages often represent the largest component of DUI accident settlements and verdicts.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement damages apply when injuries result in lasting physical changes or functional limitations. Scarring, amputation, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, or chronic pain conditions qualify for these damages.
- Wrongful Death Damages apply when a drunk driver kills a family member. Surviving family members can recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and pain and suffering. If you’ve lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, our wrongful death attorneys can help you pursue justice and compensation.
- Property Damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
What to Do After a DUI Accident in Paramus
Your actions immediately following a DUI accident significantly impact your case. Follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention First. Even if you feel fine, some injuries manifest hours or days after an accident. Prompt medical evaluation creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident—critical evidence for your claim.
- Document the Scene. If you can safely do so, photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible signs of the other driver’s impairment. Obtain contact information from witnesses.
- Request the Police Report. The police report documents the officer’s observations, including any signs of impairment, BAC results, and citations issued. Request this report promptly.
- Preserve Evidence. Keep all medical records, photographs, repair estimates, and receipts related to the accident. Do not discard damaged clothing or personal items.
- Contact an Attorney Before Speaking with Insurance Companies. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. An attorney protects your rights and ensures you don’t inadvertently harm your claim through statements to insurers.
- Avoid Social Media. Do not post about the accident, your injuries, or your case on social media. Insurance companies monitor social media and may use your posts against you.
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s Approach to DUI Accident Cases
Our attorneys begin with a thorough investigation of all intoxication evidence. We obtain police reports, BAC results, toxicology reports, and witness statements. We review dashcam footage, traffic camera recordings, and any other video evidence.
Our lawyers coordinate with expert witnesses who can testify regarding accident reconstruction, the effects of alcohol on driving ability, medical causation of injuries, and future medical needs. These experts strengthen our presentation to juries and enhance settlement negotiations.
Our attorneys work with insurance carriers, presenting evidence of liability and damages. When insurers refuse reasonable settlement offers, we prepare cases for trial.
Our trial preparation includes jury selection strategy, witness preparation, expert coordination, and presentation of evidence. We have secured multiple top 20 verdicts in New Jersey, including a $2.799 million jury verdict in 2024 (12th highest in the state) and a $2.75 million jury verdict in 2024 (13th highest in the state).
Our DUI accident attorneys in Paramus understand that every case is unique. We tailor our approach to your specific circumstances, injuries, and needs. Our goal is to pursue the maximum compensation available under New Jersey law.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accidents in Paramus
What is considered a DUI accident?
A DUI accident occurs when a driver operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher causes a collision resulting in injury or property damage. In New Jersey, drivers under 21 face a lower threshold of 0.01% BAC, and commercial drivers face a 0.04% threshold.
Can I sue a drunk driver directly?
Yes. You can pursue a personal injury claim against the intoxicated driver for damages resulting from their negligence. Your claim is typically filed against the driver’s auto insurance policy. If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may pursue an uninsured motorist claim under your own policy.
What is dram shop liability?
Dram shop liability holds bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable when they serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who subsequently cause accidents. In New Jersey, establishments can be held liable if they knowingly served alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated and that person caused an accident resulting in injury.
How long do I have to file a DUI accident claim in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury. However, certain circumstances may extend or shorten this deadline. It is critical to consult an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable deadline.
What evidence proves the driver was intoxicated?
Evidence of intoxication includes BAC test results (breathalyzer or blood test), police observations of impairment (slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteady gait), field sobriety test results, witness statements, and the driver’s admission of alcohol consumption. Police reports document these observations.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence standard. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can recover $80,000.
How much is my DUI accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on multiple factors: the severity of your injuries, medical expenses incurred and anticipated, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, the defendant’s insurance policy limits, and the strength of liability evidence. Our attorneys evaluate these factors to estimate your case value and pursue appropriate compensation.
What if the drunk driver was uninsured?
If the drunk driver lacks insurance, you may pursue an uninsured motorist (UM) claim under your own auto insurance policy. UM coverage provides compensation when the at-fault driver is uninsured. If your UM coverage is insufficient, you may pursue a claim directly against the driver’s personal assets, though collection can be challenging.
Do I need to go to trial for my DUI accident case?
Most DUI accident cases settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses a reasonable settlement offer, we prepare your case for trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience and are prepared to present your case to a jury if necessary.
How long does a DUI accident case take?
The timeline varies depending on case complexity, injury severity, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. Simple cases may resolve within months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries may take one to three years or longer. We keep you informed throughout the process.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Today
If you suffered injuries in a DUI accident in Paramus or elsewhere in Bergen County, contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and discuss how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call our Paramus office at (973) 364-8300 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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