Belmont Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Belmont, NC

Drunk driving can change lives in an instant. After a crash, you are likely suffering from painful injuries, high medical costs, and significant emotional distress. While recovery is not easy, a skilled Belmont drunk driving accident lawyer can help you file a claim that pursues compensation for your losses. Additionally, a claim pursues justice by holding a drunk driver accountable for their negligence.

Why Choose Us?

Roberts Law Firm, P.A., has 40 years of experience helping car accident victims recover. We know how difficult recovery from a drunk driving accident is, with severe and long-lasting damage. Our compassionate attorneys work tirelessly to achieve a full recovery, so you aren’t left with lingering losses after a claim. Pursuing justice against drunk drivers isn’t easy, but our knowledge of drunk driving accident laws and the North Carolina claims system can help.

The Impact of Drinking and Driving in Belmont

Drinking before or during driving is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. From increased inattention to lowered reaction time, any level of alcohol in a driver’s system increases the risk of an accident. Whether a driver is coming from the Bearded Buffalo or Sammy’s Pub, they leave other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.

In the United States, 34 people die every day because of drunk driving. The number of deaths has increased 33% since 2019, leaving more victims wondering what to do after a crash. In North Carolina, drinking and driving led to 11,376 crashes in 2024. A trusted Belmont car accident lawyer can analyze the specific North Carolina car accident laws that apply to your collision with an impaired driver.

Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Case

Unfortunately, drunk driving often leaves victims with heavy damage. A Belmont drunk driving accident attorney can help you file a claim that pursues compensation for your losses. The three main types of damages included in a drunk driving accident claim are:

• Economic damages. These damages are the financial losses you have suffered. Common economic damages include medical costs, lost wages, vehicle damage, and any other expenses you faced due to the crash. An attorney can help you understand the average car accident settlement in North Carolina to ensure your losses are fully valued.
• Non-economic damages. While difficult to quantify, these losses are the non-financial, intangible losses you have suffered. Non-economic losses include lowered quality of life and pain and suffering that you have been left with. Working with a lawyer can keep the mental and emotional cost of an accident as the top priority when determining compensation.
• Punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish an at-fault driver for extreme negligence, and they are not available in all cases. However, drunk driving is often considered to be particularly negligent and reckless, often leading to punitive damages. A lawyer can explain whether this type of damage can be included in your compensation and can present evidence that proves the drunk driver’s extreme negligence.

Why You Should Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

A Belmont drunk driving accident lawyer can help you prove the drunk driver’s fault. This is an essential step when filing a claim, as it proves that the drunk driver can be held liable for your damages. To successfully establish the driver’s fault, a lawyer can analyze evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Reports of BAC testing or field sobriety test results
• Witness statements
• Photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Dashcam or surveillance camera footage

Beyond proving a drunk driver’s liability, a lawyer can also make the claims process easier for you. The recovery process is difficult, which can make filing a claim seem daunting and overly confusing. While you focus on your recovery, a lawyer can work to build a strong claim, meet legal requirements, and advocate on your behalf with insurance companies. Our firm can also explain your rights after a drunk driving accident in North Carolina to help you secure the maximum recovery possible.

FAQs

Is North Carolina an At-Fault State?

Yes, North Carolina uses an at-fault system for car accidents, allowing victims of a car accident to file a claim against the driver or other party whose negligence led to a crash. In a drunk driving accident case, driving while impaired is a negligent action that led to the crash. This means that victims can file a claim against the drunk driver, rather than through their own insurance, like in a no-fault car accident system.

What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

After a drunk driving accident, you should take steps to protect your personal safety. Move to a safe location, contact the police, and seek medical attention for any injuries. Document evidence by writing down what occurred, taking photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, photographing visible injuries, and keeping a record of any medical or police reports. Then, hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you file a claim against the drunk driver.

What Is the Legal Limit in North Carolina?

According to drunk driving accident laws, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08%, but a driver can be charged with a DWI even if they are under this limit if their driving is impaired. In a drunk driving accident claim, any level of intoxication can leave a driver liable for a victim’s damages. A Belmont drunk driving accident lawyer can help you prove the drunk driver’s fault, regardless of whether they exceeded the legal limit.

What Penalties Can a Drunk Driver Face in North Carolina?

Beyond having a drunk driving accident claim filed against them, a drunk driver may also face criminal penalties for driving while intoxicated (DWI). These penalties depend on the circumstances of the offense, such as the level of damage caused or whether the offender has previous convictions. In general, a drunk driver may face jail time, fines, license suspension, substance abuse treatment programs, and a permanent criminal record.

Speak With a Skilled Belmont Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

A drunk driving accident is one of the most traumatic experiences you can face. Not only does the experience leave you with physical and mental damage, but it also throws you into an unfamiliar legal process that can be difficult to navigate. Contact the Roberts Law Firm, P.A., to learn how we can guide you throughout the legal process and pursue the fair recovery you deserve.

Belmont, NC Drunk Driving Accident Resources

• North Carolina Car Accident Statute of Limitations