It's been almost a year since a 49-year-old Bayville woman endured her worst nightmare -- being hit by a drunk driver. Since that time she has been dependent on her family for assistance and emotional support to get through her daunting physical recovery; knowing now that she may not ever return to where she was prior to the accident.

The single mother already had enough on her plate prior to the March 23, 2010 accident. Before the accident, she was working three jobs to support her kids; saving up to pay down her mortgage. Now she whittles away at her small savings, hoping that she may qualify for permanent disability soon. Today she is forced to depend on public assistance since she is incapable of working.

The accident occurred during the early morning hours near Toms River. As fate would have it, the woman's worst fears came true when her car was met head-on by a drunk driver. After being horrifically trapped inside her vehicle, she endured over 12 hours of surgery to have an orthopedic surgeon perform reconstructive surgery. She shattered her right femur and knee. She also broke her right arm, left leg and both ankles. Despite her physical limitations she still considers herself fortunate. Doctors questioned whether she would ever be able to walk again.

Months prior to her accident, she witnessed firsthand the horror of a patrolman from Ocean Gate being killed by a drunk driver. She was driving behind the vehicles when a drunk driver slammed into the other car forcing it off the road and causing it to "burst into flames."

These tragedies are just two instances of the many terrible drunk driving accidents that have occurred on our New Jersey roadways. For many victims who have been injured due to another driver's negligence, compensation is available. Financial recovery may include reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, as well as any future medical expenses.

Source: Toms River Patch, "The Long Road Back for Toms River Accident Victim," Patricia A. Miller, Jan. 10, 2012