Winston-Salem Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Winston-Salem Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

When an individual decides to get in a car under the influence of alcohol and drugs, they are putting the well-being and livelihoods of other people in their community at risk. Unfortunately, after drunk driving accidents, innocent victims often pay the ultimate price. A Winston-Salem drunk driving accident lawyer from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can help you hold negligent parties accountable and obtain the compensation to which you’re entitled.

The skilled personal injury legal team at Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, has seen far too many people unnecessarily injured and devastated by preventable drunk driving accidents. We understand the profound losses after these accidents, such as mounting medical bills, loss of the accident victim’s autonomy, and even diminished quality of relationships. We can fight to get you compensation that fully reflects all you have lost.

North Carolina Drunk Driving Accidents: What You Need To Know

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense in North Carolina. Under state law, an individual is considered impaired if their blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under the age of 21, any trace of alcohol in the blood is illegal. Commercial drivers have a limit of 0.04%.

Drunk driving poses a risk for everyone else on the road because it impairs an individual’s ability to react, judge situations, and have the physical coordination required to successfully operate a vehicle. Due to the lack of physical and cognitive ability, drunk driving accidents commonly lead to significant damages, such as totaled or damaged vehicles, severe injuries, and psychological and emotional trauma for accident victims and their family members.

A Winston-Salem Lawyer Can Help Following a Drunk Driving Accident

Individuals and their families who have suffered from a drunk driving crash should quickly protect their rights and interests by hiring a seasoned drunk driving accident lawyer in Winston-Salem who can help them build their case. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help with the following:

• Evaluating case details. Your attorney can look into the details of your accident, working to collect evidence to gain an understanding of what happened, such as chemical test results, statements from witnesses, police reports, and any traffic cam footage.
• Establishing liability. Based on the evidence they collect, your attorney can build up a strong case to show that the driver’s inebriation was what led to your crash, holding them responsible for paying for subsequent damages.
• Evaluating the extent of your damages. Your attorney can determine the full extent of your damages, such as economic losses, including past, current, and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and damage to your car. They can also evaluate noneconomic damages such as mental anguish, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
• Securing compensation. Your lawyer can handle all communications and negotiations with the at-fault driver’s car insurance company to secure an optimal compensation package. If insurance stakeholders are not willing to negotiate a fair and just settlement, they can take your case to court.

Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to hold the establishment that served alcohol to the drunk driver accountable for negligence under North Carolina’s Dram Shop Law. An attorney from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can help you leverage all potential legal tactics to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to after your devastating accident.

FAQs

Q: What Does a North Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Do?

A: A North Carolina drunk driving accident lawyer can assist individuals who have been harmed in drunk driving accidents with pursuing compensation for their losses. They can help gather crucial evidence to prove the liability of other parties, document the extent of their client’s damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement. They can even take the case to court to fight for compensation if necessary.

Q: Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Damages in North Carolina?

A: Yes, you can sue a drunk driver for damages in North Carolina if their negligent or wrongful behavior led to an accident that caused your injuries. An experienced attorney can go over the details of your case to determine whether you have a legal premise for a claim. They can help you understand your options for recovering damages, which may be obtainable without having to go to court.

Q: What Compensation Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident in North Carolina?

A: After a drunk driving accident in North Carolina, the compensation you can recover includes both economic and noneconomic compensation. Economic compensation you may be entitled to includes recovery of medical costs, loss of income and benefits, lost earning potential, property damage, and disability payments. Noneconomic compensation can include payments for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Q: What Is North Carolina’s Dram Shop Law?

A: The Dram Shop Law in North Carolina allows restaurants, bars, and other entities to be held legally accountable if they serve alcohol to an individual who is clearly inebriated or underage and that individual proceeds to cause an accident. A knowledgeable lawyer can go over the details of your case to help you understand whether the Dram Shop Law could apply.

Q: What Should I Do Immediately After a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: After a drunk driving accident, it’s critical to put your health and safety first. If safe to do so, pull to the side of the road and get out of the way of any further danger. Call law enforcement and let them know if anyone has suffered life-threatening injuries. Collect contact information from the other parties involved and crucial evidence to document the accident, such as photos and videos. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and get in touch with a proficient attorney.

Secure Compensation You’re Entitled to With a Winston-Salem Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

When drunk driving accidents happen, accident victims should be able to recover the compensation they deserve and not have to foot the bill for any catastrophe that wasn’t their fault.

If you or a loved one is suffering in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, a seasoned attorney from Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can help you hold negligent parties accountable. Contact us today to start discussing the details of your case and mapping a clear path forward.