Hurt by a Drunk Driver? Need a Drunk Driving Lawyer?
It is illegal to drink and drive in Raleigh, North Carolina. Unfortunately, some people still drink and drive. Drunk driving can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and sometimes fatal injuries. Car accidents caused by drunk driving involve significant legal complexities and severe consequences, making it crucial to have experienced representation. Have you been injured in a drunk driving accident in Raleigh? Hiring a Raleigh drunk driving lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Remember, you might be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. A skilled drunk driving accident attorney in Raleigh can help you navigate the legal system, handle insurance companies, and secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. Having strong legal representation levels the playing field.
Mogy Law has been successfully representing drunk driving accident victims in Raleigh, NC for many years. Our team of skilled drunk driving lawyers understands drunk driving laws in Raleigh and is very experienced in handling complex cases. We will use our experience and expertise to help you pursue monetary compensation.
To book a FREE initial consultation, contact us today
What Is a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in North Carolina?
It is a civil action that allows an injured drunk driving accident victim to recover monetary compensation for the injuries and losses they suffered due to the accident. Drunk driving accident liability involves determining responsibility for damages and injuries caused by such accidents, which may include the intoxicated driver and potentially other parties, such as establishments serving alcohol under dram shop laws.
Drivers are not legally allowed to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher. Therefore, if the driver’s BAC is 0.08 or higher, they could be charged for driving under the influence. And if the driver caused the accident, they could be held liable for damages.
Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Raleigh, NC
A drunk driving accident in North Carolina can result in minor and severe injuries. If you were involved in a drunk driving accident, you must seek immediate medical attention. A medical doctor can determine the type and extent of your injuries. Your lawyer will use your medical report to build a strong case on your behalf.
Here are the common injuries caused by drunk drivers in Raleigh, NC:
Spinal Cord Injuries – A sudden blow to your spine can lead to dislocation, vertebrae fracture, nerve damage, and even paralysis. You could lose function and sensation below the injured area. Spinal cord injuries can also result in severe problems, including infections, blood clots, and chronic pain.
Neck Injuries – A neck injury can occur after any type of impact on your body. This is because your head will move back and forth quickly during an accident. The sudden force or movement strains the neck and damages the ligaments, bones, nerves, and even muscles.
Broken Bones – A direct blow from a vehicle can lead to broken bones. You can, therefore, break your leg, wrist, arm, and ankle if you are involved in a drunk driving accident. Broken bones can lead to infections, prolonged pain, blood poisoning, nerve damage, and delayed healing.
Eye Injuries – Your eyes can be damaged in a drunk driving accident. Hitting the seat, airbag, or any hard surface can cause serious eye injuries. Eye injuries can be dangerous. They can lead to redness, swelling, and pain. And they can cause low vision and even blindness.
Hearing Loss – You can also suffer from hearing loss after a drunk driving accident. Head trauma and airbags, for instance, can cause hearing loss. Signs of hearing loss include; dizziness, pressure or fullness in the ears, muffled hearing, and tinnitus.
Traumatic Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one of the serious injuries frequently resulting from drunk driving accidents. A TBI can have severe and long-lasting impacts, including cognitive impairment, memory loss, and emotional instability. The severity of TBIs underscores the critical need for immediate medical evaluation and ongoing treatment.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
There are some things you need to do after a drunk driving accident in Raleigh. You must do these things to protect yourself and increase your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries and losses. But your safety should always come first.
Here is what to do after a drunk driving accident:
Filing a personal injury claim is crucial to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of the accident.
Call the Police
The first thing you need to do is call the police. Do not be afraid of the police. They will not force you to admit fault. Why? Because some rights protect you. The officers will assess the accident scene and prepare a police report, which will include details about the intoxicated driver and the legal implications of their actions. Your Raleigh drunk driving lawyer will use the police report to recover compensation on your behalf.
Gather Evidence
You are probably injured in your drunk driving accident. And you are not at fault for the accident. This means you are eligible to pursue monetary compensation for your injuries and losses. That is why you need to gather evidence. How? Use your smartphone to take pictures of your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and the surrounding area.
Understanding the legal timeframes for filing personal injury cases related to car accidents is crucial, as these statutes of limitations can vary based on specifics such as whether the accident involved a drunk driver or resulted in fatalities.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. So, do not ignore minor injuries. A drunk driving accident can lead to minor injuries. Please do not ignore them. Instead, seek medical attention immediately. See a doctor to examine your injuries and determine the type and extent of these injuries.
Collect the Necessary Information
Get the names and contact information of the driver and witnesses. Remember, your case can go to trial. If you do not have witnesses, you can lose your case. That is why you must get their names and contact information before they leave the accident scene. Your lawyer will be able to get witness statements.
Contact Your Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you suffered serious injuries in a drunk driving accident, car accident lawyers can help you recover compensation from the at-fault party. You may not have any experience handling these types of cases. It is better to let a professional handle your case. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure you get fair compensation.
Are you looking for a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina? Contact (901) 443-9133 to talk to a drunk driving accident attorney from Mogy Law.
Statute of Limitations in North Carolina for Drunk Driving Accidents
The statute of limitation for drunk driving accidents in North Carolina is 3 years from the date of the injury or accident. If, however, the drunk driving accident resulted in wrongful death, you have 2 years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim.
You do not want to miss these deadlines. Why? You can lose your right to pursue compensation. We, therefore, recommend retaining the services of a knowledgeable drunk driving accident attorney.
Motor vehicle accidents related to drunk driving are prevalent in North Carolina, with significant fatalities and injuries reported, particularly in Wake County.
Damages and Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
There are three types of damages you can recover from drunk driving accidents in North Carolina. These damages are intended to compensate you with enough money to cover the injuries and losses caused by the drunk driving accident.
These damages include:
- Economic Damages – They are compensatory damages for monetary losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, future medical expenses, and more. It is easy to calculate these damages.
- Non-Economic Damages – They are compensatory damages for non-monetary losses, including pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional distress, inconvenience, and more. That is why it is not easy to calculate them.
- Punitive Damages – The court usually awards these damages to punish the responsible driver for their reckless actions or outrageous conduct.
Raleigh car accident lawyers have a proven track record of securing significant settlements for their clients.
Liability and Negligence in Drunk Driving Accidents
You will need to determine liability and negligence in your drunk driving accident. Victims injured by a drunk driver face severe consequences and have legal rights to seek compensation for their injuries.
How?
You must prove the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty of care, the breach directly caused your injuries, and you suffered damages due to the breach.
- Duty of Care – Drivers have a duty of care to other road users. They should exercise a reasonable standard of care.
- Breach of Duty of Care – So, if the driver was driving under the influence and caused an accident, they have breached their duty of care.
- Causation – You must prove that the at-fault driver’s breach of duty of care caused your losses. You could prove that the at-fault driver’s breach of duty directly caused your drunk driving accident.
- Damages – You must prove that you suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, in that drunk driving accident.
How Much Does a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, NC Charge?
Many drunk driving accident lawyers in Raleigh work on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay any money upfront. In fact, these lawyers offer a FREE initial consultation. A lawyer will meet you to discuss your case. Your lawyer will only take a small percentage of the compensation.
Get Help from an Experience Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
It is no secret that a drunk driving accident can leave you with physical, financial, and emotional hardship. You could lose your job and your family. And the accident could potentially cause severe injury or even death. Thankfully, North Carolina allows drunk driving accident victims to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses.
We, however, highly encourage you to hire a good drunk driving accident attorney to handle your case. A good lawyer understands the ins/outs of drunk driving laws, protects their client’s rights, handles settlement negotiations on behalf of their clients, and represents their clients in court if needed.
Our drunk driving accident lawyers at Mogy Law are ready to help you recover the maximum settlement from the insurance provider. We will not let the insurance company intimidate or force you to accept their lowball offer. We will fight hard for the settlement you deserve. We only get paid if we recover compensation.
Contact us at (901) 443-9133 for a FREE consultation. Our Raleigh drunk driving accident lawyer is ready to help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation.
