Charlotte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

A man in an expensive suit drinks beer at the wheel of a car causing the danger of an emergency. A businessman drinks while driving. Drunk driver concept

Car accidents caused by drunk drivers often leave victims with severe or life-threatening injuries. These injuries result in physical, emotional, and financial challenges that victims may have to deal with for the rest of their lives. If you suffered an injury caused by a drunk driver, it’s essential that you understand how to seek compensation for your injuries through insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.

North Carolina’s Drunk Driving Laws

North Carolina has strict laws against driving while intoxicated (DWI) that are in place to protect the public. However, after a collision caused by a drunk driver, these laws are also helpful in determining liability for the crash. North Carolina’s DWI laws include:

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for most drivers 21 or older
  • A BAC limit of 0.04% for commercial drivers
  • A BAC limit of 0.0% for drivers under 21

If the driver who caused your collision exceeded the BAC limit, you may be able to use that as evidence in your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Common Types of Accidents Caused By Drunk Drivers

Drunk driving can lead to several different kinds of accidents, including:

  • Head-On Collisions – These accidents happen when drunk drivers cross the dividing line between lanes and collide with oncoming traffic, often resulting in fatal injuries.
  • Rear-End Collisions – Impaired drivers may not brake in time to prevent collisions with stopped or slowed traffic ahead of them.
  • T-Bone Accidents – Drunk drivers may run red lights or fail to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left, leading to T-bone accidents.
  • Sideswipe Accidents – These accidents occur when the drunk driver drifts out of their lane, colliding with the side of another vehicle.
  • Pedestrian Accidents – Impaired motorists are less likely to spot pedestrians in the street and may even veer onto sidewalks, causing significant injuries.

Common Injuries Suffered in Drunk Driving Collisions

Accidents caused by drunk drivers can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can have life-altering consequences. Common injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries – TBIs frequently occur in high-impact collisions that cause the head to shake suddenly. This shaking can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in memory loss, cognitive impairment, and long-term disability. TBIs can also result from penetrating skull injuries.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – The force of a collision can damage the spine, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Victims of spinal cord injuries may require lifelong care and assistance.
  • Bone Fractures – The impact of a vehicle crash can easily cause bone fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries – Strained and torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles are common in drunk driving accidents. Whiplash, a soft tissue injury of the neck, is one of the most frequent injuries suffered in motor vehicle collisions.
  • Lacerations – Broken glass, sharp metal, and other debris can cause deep lacerations that require stitches and may result in permanent scarring.

Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Collision Victims in North Carolina

Victims of drunk driving accidents in North Carolina can seek compensation for their injuries in two ways. The first option is to file an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. The second option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. In both cases, victims can seek compensation for their:

  • Medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, medical treatments, and prescription medications
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning potential if their injuries impact their ability to work
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident and their injuries
  • Property damage caused by the crash, including damage to their vehicle

How to Prove Fault After a Drunk Driving Collision

To recover compensation through an insurance claim or injury lawsuit, you must prove that the other driver was responsible for the accident and your injuries. Some evidence your attorney can use to do this includes:

  • Police reports noting that the other driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Field sobriety or chemical tests that show the other driver was impaired at the time of the collision
  • Traffic camera footage showing the other driver’s impaired driving
  • Eyewitness statements about the driver’s impairment and driving
  • Accident scene photographs showing the damage to the vehicles and the surrounding area
  • Expert testimony, such as from a crash reconstruction specialist who can provide an opinion about how the crash occurred
  • Your medical records demonstrating that you suffered an injury because of the collision

Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit Against a Drunk Driver in North Carolina

Under North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injuries, victims have three years to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver who caused their injury. Failure to file suit within this period may result in losing your right to seek compensation.

In the case of a hit-and-run involving a drunk driver, the time limit for filing your claim may not begin until the driver is identified.

How a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A car accident attorney can play an essential role in helping you seek the compensation you deserve after a drunk driving collision. An attorney can assist you by:

  • Investigating the accident to determine liability
  • Gathering evidence in support of your claim or lawsuit
  • Filing your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit within the allocated period
  • Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement that covers all of your expenses
  • Representing you at trial and seeking the maximum compensation available if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement

Contact a Charlotte, NC, Drunk Driving Collision Injury Attorney

If you suffered an injury in a collision with a drunk driver in Charlotte, North Carolina, contact Bradford Law for a free consultation. One of our attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you calculate the full extent of your injuries and accident-related losses. Contact us today.