Every 4th of July, families across New Jersey head to the beach for fireworks, fun, and celebration. But behind the patriotic spirit, there’s a darker reality: a sharp spike in DUI-related crashes. If you were injured in a car accident with a drunk driver on the 4th of July—especially in high-traffic beach towns like Asbury Park, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, or Long Branch—you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding your legal rights after a holiday crash is crucial to protecting your health, finances, and future.
Why the 4th of July Is One of the Most Dangerous Driving Days
The 4th of July consistently ranks among the most dangerous holidays for driving in the U.S., especially when it falls near a weekend. In New Jersey, beach towns and nightlife destinations become DUI hotspots. Crowded roads, late-night drinking, and an influx of tourists make summer holiday weekends uniquely risky.
Roughly 40% of drivers killed in crashes over the Fourth of July holiday are alcohol-impaired, according to NHTSA. And areas like Seaside Heights and Long Branch—packed with bars, boardwalks, and beachgoers—are where many of these accidents happen.
What to Do Immediately After a Crash with a Drunk Driver
If you’re hit by a suspected drunk driver, your next steps can impact the strength of your personal injury claim. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 immediately. A police report is crucial in DUI-related claims.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or internal trauma may not show up right away.
- Take photos and videos. Capture the vehicles, damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible signs of intoxication from the other driver.
- Get witness contact information. Eyewitnesses can support your account of the crash.
- Do not confront the other driver. If they are intoxicated, they may become aggressive or uncooperative.
- Avoid social media. Anything you post can be used against you later.
Your safety comes first—but once that’s handled, your focus should shift to documenting the incident and contacting a New Jersey car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How Liability Works in Drunk Driving Accidents
In a car accident with a drunk driver, liability may seem straightforward—but there’s more to it legally than just blaming the other driver. To pursue compensation, your attorney must prove:
- The other driver was impaired (via breathalyzer, field sobriety test, police report, etc.)
- Their intoxication directly caused the crash
- You suffered actual damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
When alcohol is involved, fault is often easier to prove—but insurance companies may still try to minimize your payout. That’s why legal representation is critical in DUI crash claims.
Can You Sue a Bar or Restaurant for Overserving?
Yes—under New Jersey’s Dram Shop Law, a bar, club, or restaurant can be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person went on to cause a car crash.
If your accident occurred near nightlife-heavy areas like Asbury Park or Point Pleasant Beach, your lawyer may investigate whether a local establishment overserved the drunk driver. Holding all responsible parties accountable could increase your compensation.
Similar Post: What Are My Legal Options After a Car Accident Injury in New Jersey?
What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of drunk driving crashes often suffer serious injuries that result in long-term medical care, missed work, and emotional trauma. If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Emergency room visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing physical therapy and medication
- Lost income and reduced future earning potential
- Property damage (your vehicle and belongings)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior.
What If the Drunk Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?
Unfortunately, not every intoxicated driver has enough (or any) insurance. If that’s the case, you may still be covered through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate this process and ensure you’re not stuck with the bill for someone else’s dangerous decision.
Why 4th of July Accident Claims Require Legal Support
Holiday DUI cases can be legally complex. There may be:
- Multiple injured victims with competing claims
- Criminal charges against the driver that affect your civil case
- Questions of third-party liability (bars, clubs, even rideshare companies)
- Disputes over insurance coverage
A personal injury attorney will gather evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and deal directly with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. At Blume Forte Attorneys at Law, we’re here to help you pursue justice—and full compensation—after a devastating holiday crash.
Similar Post: Maximizing Compensation After a Car Accident in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade.
If your crash happened on or around the 4th of July, now is the time to document everything and speak with a lawyer.
Similar Post: Why You Should Think Twice Before Accepting the First Settlement Offer After a New Jersey Auto Accident
Protect Yourself on Future Holidays
While you can’t control other drivers, you can reduce your risk:
- Avoid driving late at night on holiday weekends
- Stay alert near beach towns and bar-heavy areas like Long Branch or Asbury Park
- Always wear your seatbelt
- Keep your headlights on, even during daylight hours
- Use defensive driving techniques
And if you do end up in a crash—especially one involving a drunk driver—know that legal help is just a call away.
Hurt in a Car Accident with a Drunk Driver on the 4th of July? Blume Forte Attorneys at Law Can Help.
If your Independence Day turned into a nightmare because of a car accident with a drunk driver, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Blume Forte Attorneys at Law, we have decades of experience helping injured victims across New Jersey—including in beach towns like Seaside Heights, Long Branch, and Asbury Park—fight back after preventable holiday crashes.
We’ll investigate the accident, gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation you need. Whether the driver was overserved at a bar or left the scene intoxicated, we know how to hold them—and any negligent third parties—accountable.
Call Blume Forte Attorneys at Law at 973-845-4421 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your rights, recover your losses, and move forward with peace of mind. Don’t let a drunk driver’s bad decisions cost you your future. We’re here to fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.
