DWI Accidents in Raleigh
In Raleigh, NC, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense that can have devastating consequences. Every year, thousands of innocent individuals are injured or killed in accidents caused by drunk drivers. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. In this essay, we will discuss the process of recovering compensation after a drunk driver accident, including the steps you can take to protect your legal rights and seek justice.
What to Do After a DWI Car Accident in Raleigh
The first priority after any car accident is to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. If you have been injured in a collision with a drunk driver, seek medical attention immediately and follow the advice of healthcare professionals. It is also important to contact law enforcement to report the accident and document the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police report will provide valuable information for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Once you have received medical treatment and reported the accident to the authorities, it is essential to gather evidence to support your claim for compensation. Retain photographs of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles, road conditions, and injuries sustained. Obtain contact information from witnesses who may have seen the drunk driver's behavior leading up to the accident. Additionally, keep records of all medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the collision.
After a drunk driver accident, it is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and advocate on your behalf. A an experienced car accident attorney can review the details of your case, assess liability, and identify all potentially responsible parties, including the drunk driver, their insurance company, and any establishments that may have served alcohol to the driver before the accident. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies and pursue legal action if necessary to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Finding the Best Raleigh DWI Car Accident Attorney for You
In order to recover compensation after a drunk driver accident, it is crucial to be proactive and assertive in protecting your legal rights. Do not hesitate to seek legal advice and representation from a qualified attorney who specializes in personal injury cases involving drunk driving. Your attorney will work diligently to gather evidence, build a strong case, and pursue maximum compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Contact Our Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Recovering compensation after a drunk driver accident can be a complex and challenging process, but with the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer, you can seek to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and seek fair compensation. By following the steps outlined in this essay and working with a dedicated car accident lawyer, you can protect your legal rights and seek justice for the harm caused by a drunk driver. Remember that you are not alone in this process, and there are resources available to help you recover and move forward after a traumatic accident.
Types of Injuries That Occur in DUI Accidents
There are a lot of injuries that can occur as the result of a car accident. Some possible ones include:
Broken Bones
These injuries can range in severity, depending on the nature of the break. For example, a shattered bone will require extensive healing periods and may impact the victim’s life forever. If the bone pierces the skin, the victim may experience heavy, even life-threatening blood loss. This also creates a risk of infection.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused when a blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. Like broken bones, they can range in severity. A victim may experience only a momentary lapse in consciousness, or they may experience long-term disability, including memory loss or functional impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can have a life-long impact on a drunk driving accident victim. They may have trouble walking and experience a loss of sensation and movement below the site of the injury. The majority of people who have spinal cord injuries require assistive devices like wheelchairs.
Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding can rapidly become a life-threatening injury, especially because victims do not always initially realize they are bleeding internally. Severe hemorrhaging, which can occur in catastrophic drunk driving accidents, can lead to external bleeding, organ failure, coma, or even death.
How Our Raleigh Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Being involved in a car accident is a stressful and traumatic experience, and things only become more complicated when alcohol is involved. If you were hit by a drunk driver in North Carolina, you may be dealing with injuries, property damage, missed work, and a whole host of legal issues. While you could attempt to handle the case on your own, having an experienced North Carolina DUI accident attorney in your corner is crucial. Here are 5 key reasons why you need legal representation for your drunk driving accident case.
Navigating the Legal Process in Raleigh Drunk Driving Cases
The legal process following a drunk driving accident can be complex and confusing, especially for those without legal training. An attorney understands the relevant North Carolina laws and procedures, and can guide you through each step, from filing an insurance claim to potentially taking the case to court. They will ensure all deadlines are met and that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Determining Liability in Raleigh Drunk Driving Cases
Establishing liability in a drunk driving accident case is often more complicated than it may seem. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and determine who was at fault. This may involve analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and more. With their expertise, our experienced Raleigh personal injury lawyer can build a strong case to support your claim for damages.
Maximizing Financial Recovery in Drunk Driving Cases in Raleigh, NC
The costs associated with a drunk driving accident can add up quickly, from medical bills and vehicle repairs to lost wages and pain and suffering. Our North Carolina car accident attorney will work to help you seek the maximum compensation you're entitled to under North Carolina law. This may include negotiating with insurance companies, filing a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina, or pursuing punitive damages against the drunk driver. Without legal representation, you risk settling for less than what you may be entitled to.
Handling Communications in Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Dealing with insurance adjusters, the other driver's attorney, and court officials can be stressful and time-consuming. Your lawyer will handle all communications on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery. They will also be your advocate, fighting to protect your interests and secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Emotional Support in Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Coping with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can take a significant emotional toll. Having an attorney on your side provides more than just legal support - they can also offer guidance, compassion, and a shoulder to lean on during this difficult time. Your lawyer will be there to answer your questions, address your concerns, and ensure you feel heard and understood throughout the process.
Finding the Best Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for You
The consequences of a drunk driving accident can be severe, both physically and financially. By retaining an experienced Raleigh DWI accident attorney, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome and focus on your recovery, rather than navigating the legal system alone. Don't hesitate to seek the professional representation you need to protect your rights and help you seek justice and full compensation.
If you or your loved one suffered from any of the above injuries, or others, please reach out to Tien Law Firm at (919) 800-2000.
North Carolina General Statutes says that anyone who intends to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit must file their claim within three years of the date of the accident, two years if a death is involved, and different rules may apply for victims that are minors. So, if you were involved in a DWI accident and intend to pursue legal action, you must do so within three years, or you will most likely be barred from recovering any type of compensation.
Possible Damages You May Recover After a DWI Accident
There is a wide variety of damages you may be entitled to as a result of a DUI accident, although we cannot estimate the value of your claim without first evaluating the details of your case. Some types of damages you could recover after a DUI accident include:
- Medical costs, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgical procedures, doctor’s examinations, medication, and assistive devices
- Lost wages
- Future wages if you are unable to return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
We may be able to pursue other forms of damages, depending on the details.
Punitive Damages Possible for Drunk Driving Accident Cases in Raleigh, NC
Though uncommon, in some cases, the court can award punitive damages—intended to punish the defendant for behavior that the court recognizes as particularly egregious. The fines are often substantial and are designed to discourage the defendant and others from behaving in such a manner ever again.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Raleigh, NC Can Help
We understand how overwhelming a car accident can be, especially if you are hurt and suffering from severe injuries from being in an accident with a drunk driver. But you are not alone.
Our team is here to help answer all of your questions and offer legal advice on how you can pursue compensation to recover your losses. Some specific ways we can help are by:
- Gathering evidence, including police reports, eyewitness statements, and any surveillance video footage
- Obtaining medical records, doctors’ reports, and statements from medical experts regarding the extent of your injuries in order to calculate the full value of your case
- Building a strong case to pursue compensation to the full extent of your injuries
- Fighting for your rights at court
We help client throughout North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Concord, Fayetteville, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Greenville, High-Point, Kinston, Knightdale, Smithfield, Wendell, Winston-Salem, Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Wilmington.
If you are ready to get started now or would just like to take advantage of our free, no-risk consultation, contact Tien Law Firm, today at (919) 800-2000.