Durham Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer
Drunk drivers are an ever-present threat on Durham roadways. These drivers are a danger, given the increased chances of a fatal car accident when alcohol is present. The Center for Disease Control reports that nearly 30 percent of all traffic deaths involve alcohol. If you suffered an injury in a collision with a drunken driver, you have the right to pursue monetary compensation. A seasoned car wreck lawyer could help you with that process.
One of the best ways to hold a drunken driver accountable is through a personal injury lawsuit. If successful, you could recover monetary damages for your injuries. These damages can include compensation for your pain, medical bills, and car repair bills. To learn more, reach out to a Durham drunk driving car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Establishing Liability in a Durham Drunk Driving Crash
When a victim suffers an injury as a result of a drunk driver’s carelessness, it is reasonable that they should feel entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, to do so, a plaintiff should be able to prove that the defendant is liable for the damages resulting from the accident. Not only would it be required to prove that the defendant’s actions directly led to an accident, but it may also be worth obtaining evidence that the driver’s BAC level was a cause for their careless actions. To learn more, contact a drunk driving car accident lawyer in Durham today.
Potential Responsible Parties
When a Durham DWI crash attorney investigates an accident, they will keep an eye open for any potentially responsible parties. These lawsuits typically focus on the drunk driver involved in a crash. However, other entities could have played a role in the crash. Under North Carolina law, a plaintiff can seek damages from those entities as well as the driver. Common defendants in a DWI accident lawsuit include:
- Drunk drivers
- Bars and restaurants
- Social hosts
Drunk Drivers
Drivers owe each other a duty to care on the road, and a drunken driver violates that duty. If the drunk driver died in the accident, a plaintiff might still pursue an injury claim against their estate or insurance policy.
Bars and Restaurants
As per North Carolina Statute § 18B-305, it is unlawful for a business, like a bar or a restaurant, to serve alcohol to a person that is intoxicated. When that occurs, the business or employee responsible could face liability through the North Carolina Dram Shop law. If an over-served person goes on to injure someone in an accident, the bar could face liability.
Social Hosts
The Dram Shop law also applies to social hosts who allow an intoxicated house guest to drive. This law can apply regardless of the age of the drunk driver. For more information, contact a knowledgeable injury lawyer.
Call a Durham Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney
The outcome of a drunk driving crash can be devastating. Not only could a victim be burdened with the cost of having to repair their vehicle or undergo medical treatment, but their personal lives could be negatively impacted as well.
If you have suffered damages as a result of a drunk driving accident, be sure to consult with an attorney. A Durham drunk driving car accident lawyer could work with you to obtain evidence pertaining to your case and increase the likelihood of submitting a successful claim. To get started on your case, be sure to schedule a consultation today.
