Impaired drivers in NJ are one of the leading causes of serious NJ road accidents. Whether due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue, distractions, or untreated medical conditions, impaired drivers pose a threat to everyone on the road. These collisions often lead to life-altering injuries, costly medical treatment, and a long recovery journey—if recovery is even possible.
If you were hit by impaired drivers in NJ road accidents, you may be entitled to more than just basic compensation. In many cases, the driver made a conscious choice to get behind the wheel while impaired—meeting the legal threshold for punitive damages. Here are the five most common types of impaired drivers in NJ that contribute to NJ road accidents:
1. Alcohol-Impaired Drivers
Drunk driving didn’t start with the pandemic, but the sudden drop in traffic enforcement during lockdowns gave bad habits room to grow. Now, intoxicated drivers continue to endanger NJ roads with little sign of slowing down.
Alcohol-related crashes tend to cause catastrophic injuries or death due to slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and poor motor control. Legally, if the driver was over the limit and caused the crash, they may be automatically liable under NJ’s negligence per se doctrine. That means you don’t have to prove they were careless—just that they broke the law.
In addition, New Jersey’s Dram Shop Law allows you to sue bars and restaurants that overserve visibly intoxicated patrons or minors who later cause crashes. That can open the door to additional compensation from third parties.
2. Drowsy Drivers
Driving while sleep-deprived can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Fatigue impacts brain function, coordination, and focus—key ingredients for safe driving.
Unlike DUI, there’s no simple breath test to prove drowsiness. But a personal injury attorney can build a case using clues like:
- Time of the crash (early morning or late night)
- Erratic driving behavior
- Driver’s own admission of being tired
Fatigued drivers may include long-haul truckers, late-shift workers, or anyone who’s pushing their body beyond its limits.
3. Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is one of the fastest-growing causes of road accidents in NJ. It’s not just texting anymore—voice commands, food, makeup, even emotionally charged conversations all pull attention away from the road.
New Jersey has strict laws banning the use of handheld devices, but hands-free isn’t risk-free. According to recent studies, drivers talking through Bluetooth may be just as impaired as drunk drivers.
Proving distraction requires creativity. Your legal team might pull phone records, surveillance video, or witness testimony to show that the driver wasn’t focused when the crash happened.
4. Drug-Impaired Drivers
Both legal and illegal drugs can seriously affect a driver’s ability to stay safe. Marijuana, prescription meds, painkillers, and stimulants all come with side effects that compromise judgment and reflexes.
Unlike alcohol, the effects of drugs like THC may hit fast and wear off in unpredictable ways. And while police can test for drugs, detection isn’t always immediate. That’s why legal claims may rely on circumstantial evidence, expert testimony, and any statements the driver made at the scene.
5. Medically Unfit Drivers
Medical conditions like epilepsy, heart disease, or even seasonal flu can turn everyday driving into a hazard. In the most severe cases, these conditions cause blackouts, seizures, or sudden loss of control.
Drivers are responsible for knowing when they’re not safe to drive—whether they’re sick, recovering from surgery, or managing a chronic condition. If they ignore the warning signs, that’s negligence.
What to Do After NJ Road Accidents With Impaired Drivers in NJ
Impaired drivers don’t just cause crashes—they create legal complexity. In some cases, multiple parties could be held liable: the driver, a bar, a rideshare company, or even an employer.
To maximize your compensation, you’ll need a legal team that knows how to investigate impairment, build evidence, and challenge insurance company tactics.
Get Legal Help Now
If you were injured by impaired drivers in NJ road accidents, don’t wait. Contact CourtLaw Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today. We offer virtual, in-home, and hospital visits to support you wherever you are in your recovery.
Involved With Impaired Drivers in NJ Road Accidents? Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Now
Injury victims are entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced NJ personal injury lawyer in Newark, contact CourtLaw. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to impaired drivers in NJ road accidents? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing.
Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled injury attorneys at CourtLaw NJ Personal Injury Lawyers represent clients injured in accidents in Perth Amboy, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, and throughout New Jersey. Call 732-442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 as well as offices in Jersey City, New Brunswick, Roselle, and East Orange.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
