Accidents involving drunk drivers account for over 10,000 fatalities every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, all of those fatalities and injuries could be completely avoided if drivers made the wise decision not to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can include permanent life-long injuries, psychological trauma, and even death.
If you suffered injuries or someone you love died as a result of a drunk driving accident, the legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, may be able to help you understand your legal rights. Call the offices at (844) 730-0233 to find out how a Charlotte drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
North Carolina Drunk Driving Laws
The state of North Carolina has firm laws regarding drunk driving. Any driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above .08 can receive a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. As indicated by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), drivers that are under the influence of alcohol can receive charges of a DWI (Driving While Impaired) or other driving citations.
Receiving a criminal conviction of a DWI can result in criminal charges, jail time, steep fines, community service, and other punishments. However, it is important to understand that a victim of a drunk driving accident also has the ability to file a civil charge against the negligent party if they suffered injuries or losses relating to an accident involving another driver operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving lawyer serving Charlotte, call (844) 730-0233
Causes of Drunk Driving Car Accidents
All car accidents that involve drunk driving involve one driver operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. There are several scenarios in which a drunk driving accident can occur, including the following:
- Drunk drivers that consume alcohol in their own home and then leave to go to another location while intoxicated
- Drunk drivers that consume alcohol in a bar or restaurant and then attempt to drive to another location or drive home
- Drunk drivers that consume alcohol at private residences or business establishments for social reasons and then drive to another location or drive home
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Possible Negligent Parties for Drunk Driving Accident Case
The circumstances of the drunk driving accident can result in multiple parties being liable for a victim’s injuries and losses. The following are some of the types of entities that may be liable to compensate a victim in a drunk driving accident case.
Drunk Driver
Most commonly, the person responsible for a victim’s injuries and losses related to a drunk driving accident is the drunk driver themselves. If they choose to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can be found responsible for compensating any victims for the damage caused.
Public Establishment
In some cases, a public establishment may have responsibility if a patron consumes a great deal of alcohol and leaves the establishment to drive a motor vehicle. While North Carolina only allows dram charges against vendors who sell alcohol to minors, it is illegal to serve alcohol to any person who appears visibly intoxicated, no matter their age.
Private Persons
In some cases, a person will drink too much alcohol at a social or business gathering. If a private host makes the decision to continue to serve alcohol to someone who appears visibly intoxicated, they may have the responsibility to compensate a victim of a drunk driving accident caused by that guest.
Employer Responsibility
If an employee drinks alcohol on the job and operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated, the employer may be responsible for any injuries inflicted on a victim of a drunk driving accident. The legal doctrine of respondeat superior makes an employer responsible for the actions of their employees during the course of their employment.
Negligent Entrustment
If a vehicle owner allows another person who is intoxicated to drive their personal vehicle, the owner of the vehicle can also be liable for any victim’s losses related to a drunk driving accident.
If you suffered injuries or losses related to a drunk driving accident, you might be able to file a claim against parties other than the drunk driver. Learn how a Charlotte drunk driving accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you identify the parties you have the legal right to sue for compensation.
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Compensation for Losses Caused by a Drunk Driving Accident
The state of North Carolina allows victims of drunk driving accidents to file claims for damages against the entities responsible for losses related to their accident. Some types of compensation you may have the legal right to pursue may include lost wages, medical bills, loss of future income, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, psychological trauma, property damage, and more. Every drunk driving accident will have its own set of facts and circumstances which will determine the amount of compensation a victim will have the ability to pursue under the law.
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Find out How a Charlotte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Drunk driving accidents can cause months or years of severe damage, including permanent injuries or even death. If you suffered losses resulting from a drunk driving accident, learn about your legal right to pursue a civil claim by contacting our legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233. Schedule a free consultation to learn how a Charlotte drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to help you with your case, and how you can pursue justice.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form