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Last Modified on Apr 29, 2026
Getting into any kind of accident is stressful. Being hit by a drunk driver can feel like adding insult to injury, but there’s a silver lining. You may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages caused by the accident under North Carolina law. Find out what to do after being hit by a drunk driver in NC to improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
What to Do at the Scene of the Crash
Accidents involving drunk drivers are often quite severe. If you’ve sustained serious injuries, your top priority should always be to seek medical attention immediately and get the care you need. If you’re able to remain at the scene instead of taking an ambulance to the hospital, though, you can take a few steps immediately after the crash to improve your chances of filing a successful claim. You can:
- Get contact information. Drunk drivers sometimes behave erratically and don’t always stop at the scene of an accident. If that happens, write down everything you can about the vehicle, including its make, model, and ideally its license plate number, immediately. If the driver stops, get their contact information, including their driver’s license number and insurance info.
- Call the police. You’re legally required to report drunk driving accidents to the police. Plan to stick around to give an official statement and look for the accident report once it’s filed. The report will serve as valuable evidence in your drunk driving accident case.
- Take photographs. Take photos of any property damage or injuries you’ve suffered before seeking a resolution. You should also try to get pictures of the area surrounding the crash, including any street signs, road conditions, or tire marks.
- Talk to witnesses. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask them for their contact information and try to get them to stick around to talk to the police. Witness statements can also be used to bolster your case.
Your Next Steps
Your next steps are equally crucial to not just filing a successful claim but also ensuring your health and safety. You should seek medical attention right away, even if you’re not sure whether your injuries are serious. There are some types of injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and organ damage, that don’t show immediate symptoms but can be quite serious. Getting checked out by a doctor can rule out potentially life-threatening complications.
Having proof that you sought medical care immediately after the accident can also help you prove your injuries when it’s time to file your claim. If you wait to go to the doctor, the liable driver’s insurance company can try to say that you sustained your injuries after the crash.
You should also seek legal counsel as soon as possible after the accident. Don’t accept any settlements offered by the liable party’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer, and don’t give any recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation. In speaking with insurance adjusters, be careful not to accept blame for any part of the accident. That includes avoiding making seemingly innocuous statements, such as “I’m sorry.”
Drunk Driving Statistics for North Carolina
The Tar Heel state has a serious problem with DWI. In 2024, 361 people were killed, and another 7,227 were injured by drunk drivers on North Carolina’s roads. In FY 2023, 27,369 people were sentenced for DWIs. Our state isn’t the only one with a problem. Across the United States, around 32 people are killed each day by drunk drivers.
You can do your part to help prevent drunk driving by holding drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking accountable for their actions through filing a civil claim with the help of a drunk driving accident attorney.
FAQs
What Happens if You Crash Into Someone While Drunk Driving?
If you crash into someone while driving drunk in North Carolina, you could face felony charges. Serious injury by vehicle is a Class F felony, while aggravated serious injury is a Class D felony, both of which can result in significant prison time, substantial fines, and license revocation. You’ll also be liable for any damages incurred by the victims, who can file claims against you for medical expenses, lost wages, and potentially punitive damages.
Do You Lose Your License Immediately After a DUI in NC?
You lose your license immediately after a DUI in NC. At your initial appearance, your physical license will be seized, and a revocation order will be issued to the DMV. You may be able to apply for limited driving privileges if you need to get to work or school while your license is suspended.
Does Your Insurance Go Up if a Drunk Driver Hits You?
Your insurance can go up if a drunk driver hits you in NC, even if you were not at fault for the accident. If you’re found to be even partially at fault, you will likely face an insurance premium increase, but some companies also implement not-at-fault surcharges that increase insurance premiums for people who do not cause their accidents, as well. If this is the first time you’ve been hit, check to see if your claim has accident forgiveness.
How Much of a Settlement Will I Get for a Drunk Driving Accident Injury?
The amount of the settlement you will get for a drunk driving accident injury depends on the specifics of the case. Settlement amounts vary based on factors such as the severity of the accident victim’s injuries, whether the injuries will cause long-term impacts on the person’s life, and how skilled the victim’s attorney is at negotiating with insurance companies.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident with someone who was driving under the influence, your next step should be to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer. The team here at Roberts Law Firm, P.A., is here to help. We have over four decades of experience in handling personal injury law cases, including drunk driving accident claims. Let us protect your rights and interests throughout the claim-filing process. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.
