Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in NC
Were you injured in a drunk driving accident in North Carolina? If so, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Recovering from painful injuries and dealing with the financial strain can be daunting without the right support. That’s where Ward Black Law comes in.
Our team at Ward Black Law understands the challenges you face after a crash with a drunk driver. We have a proven track record of fighting for the rights of people harmed by drunk drivers in North Carolina. When you turn to us for legal help, we’ll work tirelessly to pursue the maximum compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
Contact us today to set up a no-cost initial claim review and learn more about how we can help.
Why You Need Our Lawyers for a Drunk Driving Accident Case
Choosing Ward Black Law means selecting personal injury attorneys deeply committed to your well-being and recovery. For over 30 years, our Christian-led law firm has been dedicated to supporting people who have suffered serious injuries due to harmful incidents like drunk driving crashes in North Carolina. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients and possess the experience and the commitment necessary to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our firm stands out because of our unique approach to handling legal challenges. We combine compassion with assertive legal strategies to ensure every client receives personalized and effective representation. Our team uses advanced technology to enhance communication and case management and to make the legal process as transparent as possible for you.
We operate on a contingency basis, which means you pay only if and when we win your case. That removes the financial risk from you and aligns our goals with yours. Ward Black Law aims not only to win your case but to make a lasting difference in your life and in the world. Here’s what one of our clients had to say about their experience with us:
“Ward Black Law has always been professional, timely, and very nice to me. I was a little nervous to contact attorneys but I’m so glad I did now because they really make you feel comfortable.” — Nicole
Understanding Drunk Driving Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina law defines drunk or impaired driving as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent for non-commercial drivers over 21. The state enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, meaning any amount of alcohol in their system is illegal.
Impaired driving can result in both civil and criminal penalties in North Carolina. If someone drives with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, North Carolina law considers it a criminal offense. Even lower BAC levels can lead to criminal charges if the driver shows signs of impairment, like weaving across the road or slurring words.
Criminal charges can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and previous convictions.
Drunk drivers can also be held civilly liable if they cause accidents while impaired. That means the injured parties can sue the driver for monetary compensation. Civil liability is separate from any criminal charges the driver may face and focuses on reimbursing the victims for their personal and financial losses. Since civil and criminal cases are separate, it’s possible to win a civil case against a drunk driver even if they are acquitted or never charged in a criminal drunk driving case.
Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents and Injuries in NC
Alcohol affects a driver’s ability to react quickly, make sound judgments, and control the vehicle, which increases the risk of accidents like:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- T-bone or side-impact collisions
- Single-car accidents
- Rollovers
- Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists
- Multi-car pile-ups
Drunk driving accidents can lead to severe, life-altering injuries, such as:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken ribs
- Internal bleeding
- Punctured lungs
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Facial and dental injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue injuries
- Emotional trauma
Establishing Liability for a Drunk Driving Car Crash
Our knowledgeable car accident lawyers can help you establish liability in a drunk driving accident case, even if the driver has not been charged with or convicted of DUI. The process of establishing liability involves collecting evidence that shows the driver was under the influence and at fault for the accident. It is a separate matter from drunk driving charges in the criminal system.
Evidence of liability for a drunk driving crash could include police reports, witness statements, and results from breathalyzer or blood tests performed at the scene. Even if these tests are unavailable or the driver was not officially charged, our lawyers may be able to use other evidence, like videos or testimony, to prove the driver’s impairment.
Our lawyers can also analyze the details of the crash to prove negligence in a personal injury lawsuit. For example, if the intoxicated driver was speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or driving erratically, these actions can all support a liability claim.
Potential Compensation for People Hurt by Drunk Drivers in North Carolina
If you get hurt in a drunk driving accident in North Carolina, you could be entitled to compensation for various losses related to your injuries. The purpose of this compensation is to cover your immediate bills and address the long-term financial impacts and personal suffering you endured due to the accident.
With the help of our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – The costs of hospital stays, doctor’s visits, emergency room care, and any other treatments you require after the accident
- Future medical costs – Expenses from ongoing medical treatment, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and any future surgeries or medical care you will need
- Lost income – Any income you lose from being unable to work while recovering from the crash
- Diminished earning potential – Reduction in earning capacity due to injuries that prevent you from returning to your previous job or from working in the same capacity as you did before the accident
- Pain and suffering – The physical pain and emotional distress you experience due to the accident
- Impaired quality of life – Changes in your lifestyle and losses of enjoyment in hobbies or everyday activities that were part of your life before the accident
Our NC Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help You Now
If you’re seeking justice after a drunk driving accident in North Carolina, Ward Black Law wants to help you. Contact us today to arrange your free initial claim review.