Posted: July 11, 2014
Penalties facing drunk drivers continue to increase in severity across the nation, with mandatory sentencing for DUI offenders much more common than ever before. Individuals who are convicted of DUI in New Jersey, for example — even those who are first-time offenders—may have an ignition interlock installed in their car, regardless if it is owned or used by other family members.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the judge may impose this sanction anywhere from 7 months to two years if it is a first or second-time offense. If one has been convicted of DUI three times, the ignition interlock may be required for up to ten years.
In New Jersey, a DUI accident conviction can also result in:
- Imprisonment for the driver
- Penalties and fines
- Suspended drivers license
- Vehicle impoundment
- Required community service
Drunk driving accidents in New Jersey
According to MADD, drunk driving accidents in New Jersey account for 28 percent of all traffic-related deaths. While this represents a 15 percent decline from last year, such accidents are still commonplace in the state, as evidenced by recent headlines.
A fatal incident in North Bergen claimed the lives of two Leominster residents and one New Jersey woman, according to a July 5 news report in the Sentinel and Enterprise. Thirty-four-year old Miguel A. Barreto Jr. was traveling along Route 3 East where the highway merges with Route 495 when his car hit a guardrail, flipped into the air and landed on the driver’s side. The vehicle slid along the ground for more than 150 feet before smashing into a light pole. Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari confirms that Hector G. Perez, also of Leominister, and Margarita Santiago, age 32, of Passaic, were in the vehicle with Barreto at the time of the crash.
All three were killed in the accident, which authorities believe was caused by a deadly combination of alcohol and excessive speed. According to the Sheriff’s Department, officials also discovered marijuana, pain medication, cocaine and bottles of prescription sleeping pills inside Barreto’s station wagon.
It has yet to be determined if the families of Santiago and Perez plan to file suit with the aid of New Jersey drunk driver victim lawyers. Litigation is often the best route for such victims, who may seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages and future income of the deceased, property damage reimbursement and other financial losses.
The law firm of Eisbrouch Marsh has been helping victims of drunk driver accidents in New Jersey and New York City for more than 25 years. Our lawyers understand that while no amount of money can ever compensate the unexpected loss of a loved one, a jury verdict or settlement can help alleviate the economic insecurities associated with the sudden death of a family member.
Consult with New Jersey drunk driver victim lawyers
In tragic situations where a drunk driver claims an innocent life, our NJ car accident attorneys can file a wrongful death suit on behalf of the decedent’s estate or surviving relatives. And we always pursue the maximum damages that wholly account for all physical, emotional and financial losses.
If your life has been affected by a drunk driving accident and you have been injured or lost a loved one, call Eisbrouch Marsh today to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation. We are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions and will outline your options for legal recourse.
Resources
- MADD, Victim Services, http://www.madd.org/victim-services/
- Sentinel and Enterprise.com, 2 Leominster men among dead in N.J. crash, http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_26094415/2-leominster-men-among-dead-n-j-crash
- Huffington Post, More Reasons Not to Drink and Drive http://www.huffingtonpost.com/saul-segan/more-reasons-not-to-drink_b_5560230.html
