Charlotte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
When a driver chooses to drink and then get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they are not only putting themselves in danger, they are also putting other drivers at risk of sustaining serious injury. When a drunk driver’s decision to ignore the risks of driving while impaired results in medical expenses and property damage, victims should find it necessary to hold the at-fault driver liable for their damages.
Reach out to a Charlotte drunk driving accident lawyer today to learn more about holding the negligent party accountable for their reckless actions. A skilled injury attorney could help you determine an approach that could render a favorable result to your case.
Obtainable Damages in a Drunk Driving Injury Case
Like other motor vehicle-related injury cases, injured individuals are entitled to both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages involved damages that are easily quantifiable, such as medical bills, loss of earning capacity, and property damage inflicted upon the vehicle. Noneconomic damages involve losses that are more difficult to calculate, such as the victim’s pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and psychological trauma. Victims could also seek punitive damages because driving under the influence of alcohol constitutes gross negligence, which entitles the injured party to punitive damages.
Distinguishable Elements of a DUI-Related Crash
In a drinking and driving case, it is not uncommon for a criminal case to be going on at the same time as the civil case. If the drunk driver has pending criminal charges, the insurance company may take that as a clear indication that the drunk driver is liable for the victim’s injuries. In addition, punitive damages are almost always awarded in DUI-related accident cases. However, the plaintiff would not have a say in how much compensation would be given in a punitive damage award.
Common Trends Seen in Drinking Accidents in Charlotte
Not every drinking and driving accident is exactly the same. However, there are specific details that could be seen in several cases. For example, the drunk driver who caused the crash is typically someone who is of younger age. In some cases, the driver was below the age of 21. Their lack of experience driving combined with their inebriated state of mind makes it very likely that they would get involved in an accident. Secondly, drunk drivers have been known to accidentally travel through a wrong way sign, causing them to potentially impact an unsuspecting driver head-on.
Sharing Liability in a Drunk Driving Collison
Although Charlotte, North Carolina possesses the pure contributory negligence rule, injured victims may still be able to recover damages as long as they could prove gross negligence. Gross negligence is negligence where willful or wanton misconduct is involved and driving under the influence of alcohol is gross negligence. Therefore, it overcomes any negligence on part of the plaintiff driver.
Contact a Charlotte Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Victims who suffered serious injuries due to a person’s decision to drink and drive are entitled to compensation. So long as they could prove liability, victims may be able to recover damages for property damage, medical bills, and psychological trauma.
If you suffered injuries from the negligence of a drunk driver, reach out to a skilled injury attorney today. A Charlotte drunk driving accident lawyer could guide you through the claims process and work tirelessly on your behalf to get you the money you deserve. To begin filing your claim, be sure to schedule a consultation today.
