Have you been injured in an accident with a drunk driver? Drunk driving is a major public health hazard in Burlington, and drunk driving accidents injure hundreds of people in the area annually. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you need an experienced Burlington car accident lawyer to advocate for your rights.
Whitley Law Firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and a passion for serving justice. We have a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts, and will not back down or compromise to get a quick win.
Contact our offices today to schedule an appointment with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Burlington. Consultations are free, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer
You always need a Burlington personal injury lawyer after a car accident, especially one with a drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents can cause devastating injuries, so injury claims may involve substantial amounts of money. There may also be additional problems if the driver tries to flee the scene or if there is a concurrent criminal trial.
A lawyer can be your legal point of contact through the entire accident claim process. We can investigate the accident scene, communicate with insurers, and be your representative during insurance negotiations. We can also coordinate your lawsuit around any criminal trials to avoid delays.
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Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000Burlington Drunk Driving Statistics
According to alcohol-related crash data from the NC DOT, there are over 200 alcohol related crashes in Burlington and Alamance County annually. These accidents cause over 140 injuries and an average of 7 fatalities per year.
Burlington sits between the two larger cities of Greensboro and Durham, so there is a high percentage of accidents on US Route 70 and Interstate 40.
Burlington Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 785-5000
Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents in Burlington Can Extend to More Than Just the Driver
The primary party that is responsible after a car accident involving alcohol is the drunk driver. You can file a liability claim against the driver’s auto policy to recover your losses.
However, the driver is not the only party that can be responsible. If the driver was overserved alcohol at a business or event, the business or host could be liable. Businesses and social hosts have a responsibility to cut guests off when they are too intoxicated and plan to drive.
We can investigate for evidence that may implicate businesses and event hosts who may have acted negligently. If it’s discovered they contributed to the accident, you could hold the party liable under North Carolina’s dram shop act or social host laws.
This firm has always been about people and helping them.
Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000Compensation You Can Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident
Your losses after a drunk driving accident may be extreme. Depending on your circumstances, a drunk driving accident lawyer in Burlington can pursue compensation for your:
- Emergency medical expenses and future medical needs
- Income and employment compensation you lost on account of missing work
- Differences in your expected lifetime earnings before and after your injury
- Out-of-pocket injury-related expenses related to your injuries
- Property repair and replacement costs
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment and the capacity to engage in hobbies
Punitive Damages May Be Available
Drunk driving accidents may also trigger additional punitive damages. North Carolina allows punitive damages when the defendant acts with fraud, malice, or wanton conduct. Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in North Carolina and likely meets the bar for wanton conduct.
Punitive damages in North Carolina are normally capped at either $250,000 or three times compensatory damages, whichever is greater. However, the law has an explicit exception for cases involving intoxicated drivers; the caps don’t apply in these cases, so there is no statutory limit.
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Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000Time Limit for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Burlington
NC General Statutes 1-52 gives you three years to file a lawsuit for personal injury in Burlington. After the three-year timer expires, your legal right to recover financial damages will expire. The timer starts ticking from the accident date or the day you discovered you had injuries.
Even though you have three years, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute. The connection between your injuries and the accident becomes less clear with time, and evidence is harder to obtain. A lawyer can initiate proceedings and resolve issues to reduce the risk of delays.
Whitley Law Firm: Burlington Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Your life may change forever after a drunk driving accident, but there are legal options available. Whitley Law Firm is here to advocate for your rights and protect your interests.
You can count on us to persevere in the face of adversity and always emphasize building trust with our clients. We can hold drunk drivers accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a drunk driving accident lawyer in Burlington.
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Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000