Drunken driver charged in New Jersey man’s death

Many people relax on the weekends to manage the stresses they experience during the work week. For some people, relaxing involves engaging in social settings and having some alcoholic drinks. Unfortunately, sometimes innocent people are hurt when others who have had too much to drink get behind the wheel and cause car accidents.

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, a young New Jersey man was killed while walking down Patterson Plank Road in Hoboken when a vehicle travelled onto the curb and struck him. The driver is alleged to have been intoxicated while operating the vehicle, and after striking the victim the driver attempted to get away and caused additional damage when he hit several cars. The driver was caught by local law enforcement and has been charged with death by automobile and leaving the scene of an accident.

Though the drunken driver was apprehended, the family of the victim must now deal with the heartbreaking tragedy of his loss. While the emotional toll will be significant, individuals who survive car accidents and the family members of people killed in a crash have the rights to seek compensation against negligent vehicle drivers. Such rights include the recovery of incurred medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for other quantifiable and intangible losses.

The negligent actions of drunken drivers damage the lives of New Jersey residents every day. While driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances can support a finding of liability against a driver, people who have suffered losses as a result of drunken drivers may be able to seek recovery against other parties who were involved in providing alcohol to the driver or who failed to keep the driver from driving the vehicle. While no lawsuit can bring back a loved one killed by a drunken driver, the legal system can help victims recover losses to become financially whole.

Source: Wall Street Journal, “NYC man charged in fatal NJ hit-and-run accident,” May 11, 2013