Washington, New Jersey - 3-Car Collision Allegedly Caused by Drunk Driver Dennis Guzman Leaves One Person Injured

Police: Drunk Driver Responsible for 3-Vehicle Crash on Route 31

Washington Township Police say a drunk driver was responsible for causing a three-vehicle collision near the ShopRite on Route 31 last Friday, January 25. The accident occurred at around 6:20 p.m. north of Hawk Pointe Boulevard on Route 31.

Police say that 51-year-old Dennis Guzman was traveling north in a Ram pickup truck and rear-ended a car being driven by Alen Risbrook. The impact of this collision caused the Ram to cross over the center line and strike a Dodge Journey being driven by 28-year-old Denis Patron, who was driving south. The Ram eventually stopped on a field south of a Burger King restaurant.

Patron was trapped inside of her vehicle and was extricated by emergency responders. She was brought to Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township. No information has been released on her condition.

Risbrook and Guzman both walked away from the accident uninjured. Guzman has been charged with drunk driving and several traffic offenses, including failure to maintain lane and careless driving.

Route 31 was closed for about an hour and a half while emergency personnel worked to clear the scene.

Legal Recourse for Drunk Driving Accident Victims and Their Families in New Jersey

Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea helps DUI accident victims and their families find the justice and financial support they need by filing civil lawsuits. Here is Brian’s perspective on the legal options available to these victims and families in New Jersey:

Like most other states, New Jersey has “dram shop” laws that allow victims of drunk driving accidents to bring lawsuits against the alcohol vendor who provided the drunk driver with alcohol, depending on certain circumstances surrounding the crash. According to New Jersey dram shop laws, these businesses can be sued for drunk driving injuries and deaths if they provided alcohol to someone who was either “visibly intoxicated” or under 21 years of age and that person went on to cause an alcohol-related accident.

If you or a loved one has recently been hit by a drunk driver, we understand how troubling this time is for your family. We want to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve suffered. Get in touch with one of our experienced drunk driving accident victims attorneys today to learn more about your legal options.