Hickory Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Hickory, NC

It’s illegal for anyone to drive while under the influence of alcohol, but driving while impaired (DWI) is a common cause of serious vehicle accidents in Hickory and throughout North Carolina each year. If you or a family member has been injured by a drunk driver, the state may handle prosecuting the drunk driver for breaking the law, but you will need a dedicated Hickory drunk driving accident lawyer to help you claim compensation for your damages.

Representing Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Hickory, NC

The attorneys at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. have nearly 40 combined years of experience representing injured clients in Hickory and the surrounding communities of Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties. In every case we accept, we strive to help our client understand their legal options for claiming compensation, uncover the full extent of the damages they are eligible to claim, and guide them through their case efficiently.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were 12,146 alcohol-related crashes statewide in 2023, resulting in 377 deaths and 8,103 injuries. In North Carolina, all vehicle accidents involving multiple parties are resolved on a fault basis, meaning whoever is at fault for an accident is liable for the resulting damages. When a drunk driver causes a crash, they also face criminal charges from the state.

The criminal case against a drunk driver seeks to punish them for breaking the law, not compensating the victim. You will need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you pursue accountability for the damages you suffered in the accident, and you may have grounds to claim more compensation than you initially expected.

Hiring experienced legal counsel increases your chances of reaching a favorable conclusion to your case. You will need an attorney’s help to navigate the legal process of securing compensation for your damages, whether that entails an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver, building a personal injury case, or pursuing multiple legal avenues.

Recovering Compensation for a Drunk Driving Accident in Hickory

Before any vehicle accident victim in North Carolina can receive compensation for their damages, they must establish fault for their accident. This means showing who caused the accident and how they caused it, and then proving the full scope of their resulting damages. Drunk driving accidents can easily cause devastating injuries, which in turn create expensive economic challenges for the victim and their family.

Proving fault may seem straightforward, but you must remember that North Carolina’s contributory negligence law will prevent you from claiming any compensation if you share liability for the accident in any way. Your Hickory drunk driving accident attorney can help you firmly establish the defendant’s fault and then guide you through the legal process of obtaining the compensation you need to recover.

You may be able to recover your losses by filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy, but dealing with insurance company representatives can be challenging. You need an attorney to help you negotiate a fair settlement offer. You may need to build a cohesive case against the at-fault drunk driver, and your personal injury lawyer will explain how the state’s criminal case against them could interact with your civil claim for damages.

Ultimately, the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be confusing and traumatic. You need legal counsel you can trust to help you not only establish fault for the accident but also uncover the full extent of your claimable damages. The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. is ready to assist you, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how an experienced Hickory drunk driving accident attorney can help with your case.

FAQs

What Does Contributory Negligence Mean in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

In a drunk driving accident case, contributory negligence means that the injured victim shares fault for causing the accident. If this applies to your case and you bear any liability, you will be disqualified from claiming compensation from the drunk driver, even though they may be clearly at fault for causing the accident. For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver but you were speeding at the time, contributory negligence may apply to your case.

What Are the Penalties for Causing a Drunk Driving Accident in Hickory?

The penalties for causing a drunk driving accident in Hickory could include more than just liability for the victim’s damages. In North Carolina, drunk drivers often face driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time if convicted, and these penalties can increase significantly if they have caused severe bodily harm or death. Additionally, penalties for DWI also increase when the defendant has a record of prior DWI convictions.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

The compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident includes the cost of any medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries, the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, income you are unable to earn while you recover from your injuries, and any other economic losses resulting from the accident. Additionally, you have the right to claim compensation for the pain and suffering the defendant caused.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

You need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer because you are unlikely to successfully recover appropriate compensation for your damages without an attorney’s help. Even if liability for your recent accident seems obvious, you could unintentionally accept far less compensation than you legally deserve if you do not have skilled local legal counsel on your side. Hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity after the accident to help you build your case.

Contact Roberts Law Firm, P.A., Today

The team at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. has an extensive record of success with many types of accident cases in Hickory, including drunk driving accidents. We know how damaging these accidents can be and how frustrating it is to realize that another driver’s intentional misconduct has harmed you or a loved one. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Hickory drunk driving accident lawyer and learn how we can assist with your case.

Hickory, NC Drunk Driving Accident Resources

• Drunk Driving Accidents in NC: Your Rights as a Victim