Drinking and Driving Destroys Lives. So Can Overserving.
Atlantic City is known for its energy—nightlife, casinos, concerts, restaurants. But once the drinks stop flowing, too many drivers still get behind the wheel, putting innocent lives at risk. We’ve seen firsthand how devastating the consequences can be.
One of our clients was driving on the Atlantic City Expressway when another car stopped suddenly in the middle of the highway. No hazards. No warning. Just recklessness—and a crash that changed everything.
We’ve also represented clients hurt in other Shore towns, including near nightlife areas, where pedestrians or cyclists were struck after evenings out. While we don’t always know if alcohol played a role in every case, we do know this: when drivers drink and drive—or when bars ignore their legal responsibility to stop serving intoxicated patrons—people get hurt.
🎰 Why Atlantic City Nights Can Turn Dangerous Fast
Atlantic City draws huge crowds year-round—locals, tourists, weekenders. And with that comes a dangerous mix:
- Bars and clubs operating late into the night
- Casinos emptying by the thousands after shows and events
- Pedestrians navigating dimly lit areas near valet lanes and side streets
- Heavy rideshare traffic leading to sudden stops and illegal turns
These conditions, especially when paired with alcohol, make Atlantic City a high-risk area for nighttime collisions.
⚖️ What New Jersey Law Says About Overserving and Liability
New Jersey’s Dram Shop Law (N.J.S.A. 2A:22A-1) holds bars, restaurants, and other licensed establishments responsible if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, and that person later causes an accident.
That’s not just a moral obligation—it’s the law.
And while it’s rare to see bartenders intervene, we were recently impressed by a moment that stood out: at Tomatoes in Margate, a bartender stepped out from behind the bar, walked over to a visibly intoxicated patron, and asked his friend to confirm he wouldn’t be driving home. She didn’t have to do that—but she did. And that one choice may have prevented a tragedy.
We shouldn’t be surprised by that kind of behavior. It should be the norm. Unfortunately, it’s not. That’s why these laws exist—to protect the public and to hold businesses accountable when they don’t act responsibly.
📚 What If the Driver Was Drunk?
If you were injured by someone who was drinking before they drove, your civil case could be significantly stronger. Under New Jersey law, you may be able to seek damages for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages and inability to work
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Permanent disability or loss of mobility
In cases involving drunk drivers, the recovery can be higher—especially if a bar, casino, or restaurant overserved that person.
Even when a crash doesn’t involve confirmed intoxication, reckless behavior—like stopping in traffic or swerving through intersections—can still result in compensation for victims. The key is to act quickly, gather evidence, and speak to an attorney who knows the local landscape.
🚨 What to Do After a Crash in Atlantic City
- Call 911 immediately—report any injuries and ask for police.
- Get checked by medical professionals, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Request the police report, especially if the crash occurred on the Atlantic City Expressway (State Police jurisdiction).
- Photograph the scene, including street signs, vehicle positions, lighting conditions, and nearby establishments.
- Contact a personal injury attorney who knows Atlantic City streets, laws, and what’s required to build a successful claim.
👨⚖️ Our Firm Knows Atlantic City—and We’re Here to Help
From the Expressway to Pacific Avenue, we’ve handled serious injury cases involving late-night crashes, valet-related accidents, and pedestrians struck near casino zones. We understand how nightlife, alcohol, and negligent decisions intersect—and how to uncover what really happened.
Whether the other driver was confirmed drunk or simply reckless, you deserve answers, and you deserve to be heard.
💬 Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash after a night out in Atlantic City, call 1-800-CANT-WORK or visit www.1800CantWork.com.
Let us fight for accountability—because drinking and driving isn’t just illegal. It’s deadly.
