The Independent Press reports that a woman was recently put in jail after almost hitting a Chatham Borough patrol car. The 30-year-old woman of Dingmans Ferry, PA was driving with her six-year-old daughter in the car, as well as an adult passenger and that passenger’s six-year-old son. The vehicle being driven by the woman reportedly drifted across Main Street in Chatham, New Jersey, nearly striking an on-duty officer’s vehicle. When the officer stopped the suspect vehicle the driver apparently displayed signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The two children, who were not properly restrained, were handed over to relatives since the other adult passenger was also found to be intoxicated. Police also stated that a hypodermic needle was seen in the vehicle.
The female driver was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to keep right, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of a syringe.
Information from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, notes that an individual with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater who operates a motor vehicle is driving under the influence (DUI). In this particular story, if the woman had caused an accident that resulted in injury or death, she could have faced serious criminal penalties and civil liability. In addition, if the alcohol consumed was served to her in a bar, restaurant or hotel, it is possible that the establishment where she consumed the alcohol might have liability as well for potentially over-serving a patron who shows signs of impairment.
The New Jersey car accident lawyers at Blume Forte have decades of experience holding impaired drivers legally responsible for the harm that they cause. Injured accident victims may be able to obtain compensation for their physical injuries and other damages. Contact our law firm at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation.