It takes just a moment for a person to decide to get behind the wheel of a car after a few drinks, believing they can make it home safely. Yet, when they fail, victims suffer devastating losses, including the risk of loss of life and long-term complications.
At Shane Smith Law, we fight for victims of such accidents. Our drunk driving accident lawyer in Raleigh becomes your advocate, fighting for justice against all parties that put your life on the line. We offer free consultations for victims of drunk driving accidents. Our Raleigh car accident lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience.
Who Is at Fault for Drunk Driving Accidents in Raleigh
Drivers who operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher are engaging in criminal activity. Commercial truck drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 are also violating the law. They are responsible for the injuries and losses they cause to others. However, other parties could also be held accountable.
North Carolina can hold third parties at fault for the accidents that drunk drivers cause. That includes dram shops, or locations that sell alcohol to customers and do so with careless disregard for safety.
If a location like a restaurant or bar overserves a person with visible or suspected signs of intoxication, that location could be held at fault for the victim’s losses. In all situations, if a location serves alcohol to someone under the age of 21, and that person, intoxicated or not, causes an accident, the location can be liable.
Third Parties Contributing to Drunk Driving
Others could also be held accountable, including a party host who overserved guests alcohol and knew the person was driving, but failed to stop them. Organizations, whether employer-sponsored, nonprofit, or other events, that knowingly allow an impaired person to drive may also be held responsible for the resulting harm.
Commercial Truck Drivers and Intoxication
Trucking companies can be held accountable if the driver of a tractor-trailer is in an accident, if you can show the company knew of the risk and failed to take action.
For example, if the semi-truck driver had a history of driving under the influence and the trucking company continued to employ them, the trucking company could be at fault. Work with a Raleigh personal injury lawyer who will help you hold every party responsible.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Raleigh, call (980) 246-2656
Drunk Driving Accidents Cause Devastating Losses
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares that, in its 2022 Traffic Safety Facts, 2,253 people were involved in fatal collisions on the state’s roadways. Of those, 499, or 22%, had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limits. When a person survives these accidents, the risk of serious injuries, such as the following, is very high:
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or full paralysis or chronic, debilitating pain
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and cognitive function changes
- Broken and crushed bones, including complex fractures requiring surgery
- Amputations of limbs and digits
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, torn ligaments, and contusions
- Internal damage resulting in internal bleeding and organ damage or failure
- Lacerations requiring surgical treatment
- Permanent disfigurement
At Shane Smith Law, our attorneys fight for victims in these cases to receive fair compensation. That means building a strong claim that incorporates all of the physical, emotional, and financial losses you endured. If your loved one lost their life, our DUI attorney can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit as well.
Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
Why Hiring a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Raleigh Is Critical
Hiring our DUI lawyer in Raleigh is a crucial step in building your case and protecting your right to recover damages. Victims of these accidents often struggle with getting the true compensation owed to them, and that can be a costly mistake. Some of the reasons you need a DUI attorney include:
- A criminal case will not help you. The person may suffer criminal charges and go to jail. That does not help you receive compensation. You must file a claim or lawsuit against them to see any compensation.
- Your losses are significant. It can be challenging to recover enough compensation from a drunk driver if they have no insurance or a very limited policy. We will evaluate the case to find any other parties liable and make them accountable to you as well.
- Your family member lost their life. You may know the insurance company owes for this, but proving the value of your case is very difficult. Let us handle the aggressive insurance adjusters who fail to take this loss seriously.
Our DUI lawyers in Raleigh have a single goal: holding others accountable for the losses they cause. Expect us to be aggressive in pursuing fair compensation for you. We will investigate, build your claim, and negotiate.
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What Your DUI Accident Claim in Raleigh Is Worth
The value of your drunk driving accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries and losses, including how well your DUI attorney can prove those damages. Your claim may include a wide range of losses. Common examples we seek include:
- Medical costs associated with the accident
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering losses
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Property damage
- Loss of long-term earning capacity
- Damage to your quality of life
With decades of experience, you can trust that we are going to make them pay for what happened to you. Let our DUI accident lawyer become your advocate when there is so much on the line. Our experience and dedication to our clients are second to none, and our long-term success rate in reaching out-of-court settlements is outstanding.
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Contact Us for a Free Consultation and Speak to a Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Seek legal guidance after you suffer injuries in a driving under the influence accident. Our Raleigh drunk driving accident lawyer represents victims who are facing incredible injuries and financial losses due to the carelessness of others.
Set up a free consultation with our team now. At Shane Smith Law, we take your case seriously and fight for true justice.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
