Drunk drivers cause accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, by impairing their judgment, reaction times, and coordination. Alcohol affects a driver’s ability to make quick decisions, stay in their lane, and respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions. This can lead to rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, and even pedestrian accidents. Drunk drivers are also more likely to speed, run red lights, or fail to yield, making accidents more severe.
If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident in Hackensack, the skilled lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., can help by investigating the crash, gathering evidence, and holding the drunk driver accountable. We will negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related losses.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Hackensack drunk driving accident attorney, please call our office at (201) 585-9111 or contact us online today.
Why Should We Represent You?
Drunk driving collisions can result in debilitating injuries, especially when they occur at high rates of speed. The knowledgeable Hackensack drunk driving accident attorneys at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., are prepared to fight for your rights and advocate for your interests throughout your case.
Our lawyers have more than 90 years of combined trial experience and have successfully collected more than $300 million in compensation for injured clients over the years. We welcome the opportunity to litigate your case in the court system – and, if necessary, take your case to trial – for a successful result.
Our office is conveniently located at Court Plaza South, 21 Main St., Suite 206, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
After thirteen surgeries, multiple procedures and over two months in the ICU, all due to the negligence of one of my doctors, I was referred to Michael Maggiano to pursue a medical malpractice case. I had never been involved in a lawsuit in my life and from the moment I met Michael and his team at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi I knew I was in extremely competent hands. Michael is the best lawyer you could imagine – he is intelligent, detail oriented, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his work and his clients. Michael is a consummate professional and I will forever be impressed by, and indebted to, both him and his team. The entire staff at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi is friendly, welcoming and do everything to make their clients comfortable. I would like to specifically thank Linda Reid and Bernadette Elbert who both went above and beyond to make my experience as comfortable as possible, from including me in all detailed correspondence to sending encouraging texts and even giving hugs when needed. Thank you so much to everyone at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi – I highly recommend this law firm to anyone looking for a compassionate team to handle a personal injury claim.
I wanted to make sure that you were aware of my extreme gratitude to Chris DiGirolamo, and his law firm, for the work done on my behalf.
As a 33 year licensed motorcyclist in the state of NJ, I have seen a lot of friends/family go through the process of a personal injury suit, and many times the outcome is less than favorable. Let’s face it, there is a lot of bias against bikers out there… So when it was my turn to experience the process first hand, I didn’t hold a lot of hope that I would recover any of what I lost.
Chris DiGirolamo not only got me enough of a settlement to recover what was lost, he got the max available, allowing me to have a little piece of mind for the future as well.
He was patient when I sent endless emails full of questions and kind and understanding with regard to my case. I will ALWAYS refer my friends to this firm, and use them again myself, if the situation ever arises…
Thank you again for all your hard work!
I want to express my deepest appreciation to the firm “MAGGIANO, DiIGIROLAMO
& LIZZI P.C. and to Cristopher DiGirolamo, in particular, for professionally and timely manner. The most important result for me is the successful completion of the case.
I also wish to express my thanks to the paralegal Nirelly Echanique and to Katty, the nice lady at the front desk.
Without any hesitation, I would recommend your firm to others.
Many thanks for your fruitful work.
How Much Compensation Is My Hackensack Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
The value of a drunk driving accident case in Hackensack, New Jersey, can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the accident and the severity of the victim’s injuries.
New Jersey follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that, in most cases, each driver’s own insurance company will cover their medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, in drunk driving accidents, the situation becomes more complicated because the drunk driver’s actions are considered negligent and reckless. If a person suffers an injury in a drunk driving crash, they may be able to step outside of the no-fault system and pursue a personal injury claim against the drunk driver (via the drunk driver’s insurance company) for additional compensation.
New Jersey’s no-fault law applies primarily to medical expenses and some lost income. Still, if the injuries are severe enough or if certain financial thresholds are reached, victims can file a lawsuit against the drunk driver to pursue more extensive damages. For example, pain and suffering is a more subjective loss. The compensation for this damage is intended to cover the emotional and physical distress resulting from the accident, including anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Most Common Locations for Drunk Driving Accidents in Hackensack
Drunk driving accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, can happen in various locations, with certain areas being more prone to accidents due to high traffic volume, poorly lit roads, or a higher presence of bars and restaurants.
One of the most common locations for drunk driving accidents is along major roadways like Route 4 and Route 17. These highways are busy – especially during rush hour – and can become dangerous when drivers are impaired. The speed limits on these roads can lead to more severe accidents when a drunk driver is unable to stop in time or loses control of their vehicle.
Another area where drunk driving accidents occur frequently in Hackensack is in residential neighborhoods. Many drivers, particularly those who have been drinking at local bars or parties, attempt to drive home on these quieter streets. Residential roads may have more obstacles like parked cars, narrow lanes, and children playing, which increase the risk of accidents. These areas can be especially dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, or people walking to nearby shops or homes.
Hackensack’s downtown area, near Main Street, is also a common place for drunk driving accidents. This part of the city sees a lot of foot traffic as people visit the many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Drunk drivers may struggle to navigate the busy intersections or fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street. Accidents in this area often involve collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, and the injuries can be serious due to the high number of people around.
In addition to these urban areas, highways leading to and from Hackensack, like the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, are also locations where impaired driving accidents happen. These highways see a large number of travelers, and drunk drivers may find it more difficult to stay in their lane, causing accidents that result in severe injuries.
In all of these locations, victims of drunk driving accidents can suffer serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or even fatalities. These accidents are particularly dangerous because alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, making it harder for drivers to avoid crashes or stop in time.
Most Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents in Hackensack
Drunk drivers in Hackensack, New Jersey, are more likely to cause certain types of accidents due to their impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and lack of control.
- One of the most common types of accidents drunk drivers cause is rear-end collisions. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly to changes in traffic conditions, such as when the vehicle in front of them slows down or stops. This delayed reaction can lead to a crash, where the drunk driver slams into the back of another car. These accidents often result in whiplash or back and neck injuries, which can be severe.
- Another common type of accident resulting from drunk drivers is head-on collisions. Alcohol affects a driver’s ability to judge distances and stay in their lane, especially on roads with multiple lanes or unclear boundaries. In these situations, a drunk driver may drift into oncoming traffic, causing a dangerous head-on crash. These accidents are particularly hazardous because of the high speed and force involved, often leading to serious injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities.
- Side-impact crashes, also known as T-bone accidents, are another frequent result of drunk driving. In these accidents, a drunk driver may run a red light or fail to yield at an intersection, striking another vehicle on the side. Side-impact crashes can be especially dangerous for occupants in the vehicle that is hit, as the side of a car generally offers less protection than the front or rear. Serious injuries like rib fractures, internal injuries, or head trauma are common in these types of collisions.
- Drunk drivers are also more likely to cause accidents involving pedestrians. Impaired drivers often fail to notice people crossing the street or misjudge the timing of a light or stop sign, leading to pedestrian accidents. Hackensack, with its busy downtown area, is especially vulnerable to these kinds of accidents, where pedestrians and cyclists are at risk due to drivers’ inability to react quickly or safely.
- Finally, rollovers are another type of accident that drunk drivers frequently cause. Alcohol affects a driver’s balance and control over their vehicle, which can lead to sharp turns, overcorrections, and, ultimately, the vehicle rolling over. These accidents are often very severe, with victims suffering spinal injuries, head trauma, or even paralysis.
Most Common Hackensack Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Hackensack, New Jersey, often suffer a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-threatening or cause long-term complications. The severity of the injuries depends on factors like the speed of the crash and the type of collision that occurs.
One of the most common injuries is whiplash – a neck injury that occurs when the victim’s head is suddenly jerked forward and then immediately backward during a crash. This movement can lead to severe neck pain, headaches, and stiffness.
Another common injury in drunk driving accidents is head trauma. Due to the force of the crash, victims may hit their heads on the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield, leading to concussions or more severe brain injuries. These types of injuries can have lasting effects, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes even permanent cognitive impairment. In the worst cases, head trauma can result in a coma or death.
Spinal cord injuries are also frequent in drunk driving accidents. The force of a collision can cause damage to the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Some spinal injuries can cause long-term pain and mobility issues, while more severe injuries may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Fractures and broken bones are also common, particularly in the ribs, legs, and arms. The impact of the crash can throw victims against the interior of the vehicle, causing broken bones and contusions. Rib fractures are especially dangerous because they can puncture internal organs, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
Internal injuries are another serious concern after a drunk driving accident. The force of the crash can damage vital organs such as the liver, lungs, or kidneys. Internal bleeding from these injuries may not be immediately visible, but it can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Finally, victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological effects of being in a violent crash can linger long after the physical injuries heal. These emotional injuries can be just as debilitating as physical wounds.
Verdicts and Settlements
$240,000 - Slip & Fall
To a 66 year old individual “visiting” the college to attend a course on job interviewing skills and resume building, who was injured when he was caused to trip and fall on an exterior walkway outside the school building where he was attending the “meet and greet” session.
$500,000 - Medical Negligence
To the mother and father of an adult female daughter who died following a plane flight of a pulmonary embolism from taking of birth control pills prescribed even though her chart was red flagged against birth control pills. We contended that this needless death, this loss of a young life was a family loss and the result of system errors brought about by failures in the system…
$190,000 - Premises Liability / Gym Injury
Settlement in the case of a 46-year-old man who hurt his right elbow while lifting barbells on the gym club’s incline bench when the bench suddenly and unexpectedly went from a 45 degree angle to zero degrees. The individual went on to have an ulnar transposition surgery to his right arm seven months after the incident and lost several months of work following the surgery.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Hackensack Drunk Driving Accident Case
In a Hackensack drunk driving accident case, the experienced lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., will fight the insurance company for you to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to recover. While New Jersey’s no-fault insurance system requires your own insurance to cover medical expenses and certain other costs, we understand that insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible. This is where our lawyers can step in to handle the complicated claims process and protect your rights.
First, we’ll ensure that your claim is properly filed and that all necessary medical documentation is provided to show the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of injuries or delay payments, but our legal team can make sure that the right evidence is submitted to support your case.
If your injuries are severe and you wish to pursue compensation beyond the basic no-fault benefits – such as for pain and suffering, emotional distress, or permanent disability – our lawyers can help you step outside the no-fault system. This requires proving that the drunk driver’s actions were particularly reckless and resulted in significant harm. We can gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case that supports your claim for additional damages.
We will also handle negotiations with the insurance company to ensure you’re not offered a low settlement. Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts, but we know how to advocate for the compensation you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our lawyers can take your case to court. We use our experience and knowledge of New Jersey law to fight for a favorable outcome.
Our lawyers are here to level the playing field, making sure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Most Important Steps to Take after a Hackensack Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve suffered an injury in a drunk driving accident in Hackensack, there are several important steps you should take right away. First, be sure to follow your medical provider’s treatment recommendations. This is vital for your recovery and ensures that your injuries are documented properly, which will be important for any potential insurance claims or legal action. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and keep a record of all treatments and prescriptions.
Next, obtain a copy of the police report. This report will document critical details of the accident, such as the police officer’s observations, witness statements, and any charges filed against the drunk driver. Having a copy of this report can be essential for proving liability and strengthening your case when seeking compensation.
Finally, speak with the Hackensack drunk driving accident lawyers at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., right away. Insurance companies may try to settle your case quickly and for less than you deserve, so it’s important to have legal representation from the start. We will handle the claims process for you, fight for fair compensation, and ensure your rights are protected. Early legal advice can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact an Experienced Hackensack Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., our lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights every step of the way in pursuit of the favorable settlement award or litigation result you need. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Hackensack drunk driving accident attorney, please call our office at (201) 585-9111.
