Drunk drivers cause thousands of accidents across New Jersey each year. In Mercer County, impaired driving remains a common cause of serious injuries and fatalities. When a drunk driver strikes your vehicle, the consequences extend far beyond vehicle damage. Contact a DUI accident lawyer in Trenton, NJ, after an accident.
You face mounting medical bills, lost income, and physical pain. These effects may last months or years. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident in Trenton, you have the right to pursue compensation from the impaired driver.
At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our experienced trial attorneys work to hold drunk drivers accountable. We recover full compensation for our clients. With decades of combined experience, our Trenton office has recovered millions for accident victims.
We handle every aspect of your case. This includes investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (609) 604-5002 for your free consultation today. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your DUI Accident Claim
When you hire Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, you gain access to experienced trial attorneys. We are dedicated to your recovery. Our firm brings decades of experience handling motor vehicle accidents and catastrophic injuries.
Our Qualifications
- Certified Civil Trial Attorneys recognized by the New Jersey Supreme Court
- Super Lawyers recognition for personal injury litigation
- Best Lawyers in America designation
- Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in motor vehicle accident cases
- Decades of combined experience in personal injury law
- 10 office locations across New Jersey, including a dedicated Trenton office
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers‘s Approach
We don’t settle for inadequate offers. Our attorneys prepare to take your case to trial if necessary. We secure fair compensation for you. We handle every detail of your claim.
This includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. We represent you in court when needed.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours. We succeed when you succeed.
Local Presence
Our Trenton office is located at 439 Broad Street, Suite 307. This puts experienced legal representation within reach of accident victims throughout Mercer County. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case and answer your questions. Learn more about our attorneys and their experience.
How Drunk Drivers Cause Serious Accidents in Trenton
Impaired driving dramatically increases accident risk. When a driver consumes alcohol or drugs, their ability to operate a vehicle safely deteriorates rapidly.
Intoxication affects:
- Reaction time to hazards and traffic changes
- Judgment and decision-making ability
- Coordination and vehicle control
- Vision and awareness of surroundings
Drunk drivers often fail to maintain proper lane control. They exceed safe speeds and ignore traffic signals. They may not see pedestrians or other vehicles until it’s too late to stop.
The consequences are severe: rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, pedestrian strikes, and multi-vehicle pileups.
Under New Jersey law, a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is legally intoxicated. However, impairment can occur at lower BAC levels. Some drivers show signs of impairment even before reaching the legal limit. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and motor control—all critical for safe driving.
Holding a Drunk Driver Accountable for Your Injuries
When a drunk driver injures you, two separate legal processes may occur. First, prosecutors handle a criminal DUI prosecution. Second, you pursue a civil personal injury claim.
Your civil claim allows you to recover compensation directly from the impaired driver. New Jersey law provides an important tool: the negligence per se doctrine.
This legal principle establishes that a driver who violates traffic laws is automatically negligent. You don’t need to prove the driver was careless. The law presumes negligence based on the violation itself.
In your civil case, you must prove your claim by a preponderance of the evidence. This means it’s more likely than not that the drunk driver caused your injuries. This is a lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” requirement in criminal cases.
Civil recovery is therefore more achievable. Our attorneys build strong cases by gathering police reports, witness statements, and medical records. We also obtain expert testimony, investigate how the accident occurred, and document your injuries. We also calculate the full extent of your damages. Learn more about how we handle car accident claims.
Types of Compensation Available in DUI Accident Cases
Victims of drunk driving accidents can recover several categories of damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, and surgery
- Ongoing treatment and future medical costs
- Lost wages during recovery
- Lost earning capacity if injuries prevent you from working
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Transportation costs and home care expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Physical pain and suffering from your injuries
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Reduced quality of life
- Scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disability
- Loss of consortium (companionship) for family members
Punitive Damages
In cases where the drunk driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or willful, New Jersey law allows punitive damages. These damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Punitive damages are available when the defendant’s actions demonstrate a conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others. Driving while intoxicated often qualifies for punitive damages.
Our attorneys calculate damages comprehensively. We ensure you receive compensation for all losses—past, present, and future. We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to document the full impact of your injuries. For more information on how we calculate damages, see our guide on lost wages recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a DUI accident in New Jersey?
New Jersey law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
However, don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses’ memories fade. Insurance companies may dispute your claim if you delay.
Acting quickly preserves crucial evidence and strengthens your case. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, different timelines may apply. Consult an attorney immediately.
Will I have to go to court for my DUI accident injury claim?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. Insurance companies often prefer to resolve claims through negotiation. They avoid facing a jury trial.
However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our team is prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have extensive experience presenting cases to juries and judges. We represent you forcefully to secure the compensation you deserve. See our case results to learn about our track record.
What if I were partially at fault for the DUI accident?
New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule. You can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 10% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $90,000. However, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover.
Our team defends against comparative negligence arguments. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you. Learn more about determining fault in car accidents.
Can I recover punitive damages in a DUI accident case?
Yes. Punitive damages are available when the drunk driver’s conduct demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others. Driving while intoxicated often qualifies for punitive damages.
The driver knowingly chose to operate a vehicle while impaired. Punitive damages serve two purposes. They punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Our attorneys pursue punitive damages to help maximize your recovery.
What if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, you may have options. Check your own insurance policy. Most New Jersey drivers carry uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
These provisions allow you to file a claim against your own insurance company. You can recover damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. We handle UM/UIM claims. We fight to ensure you receive full compensation from your own policy. Learn more about uninsured drivers.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Free DUI Accident Consultation
If you suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident in Trenton or anywhere in Mercer County, don’t face the insurance company alone. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers provides strong representation to hold drunk drivers accountable.
We work to recover the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Time is critical in accident cases. Evidence can disappear. The statute of limitations limits how long you have to file a claim.
Call Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers today to protect your rights. Pursue full compensation for your injuries.
Contact our firm today for your free case evaluation:
Phone: (609) 604-5002 (Available 24/7)
Trenton Office: 439 Broad Street, Suite 307, Trenton, NJ 08611
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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