New Bern DUI Accident Lawyer

If you are recovering from serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma after a DUI accident in New Bern, you may have only enough energy to focus on your health but not the sometimes complex process of securing damages.

If so, you don’t have to handle your case alone. A New Bern car accident lawyer from Whitley Law Firm can pursue your case against the negligent driver who harmed you after getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Injured North Carolinians have come to us for help with their injury cases for over 50 years. Our New Bern DUI accident lawyers can lead yours and help get you the compensation so you can put this difficult chapter behind you. Call us today for a free consultation.

An Overview of DUI Laws in New Bern, N.C.

Driving under the influence (DUI), often referred to as DWI (driving while impaired) in North Carolina, is a serious offense with major legal consequences. 

What Constitutes a DUI in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a person is considered to be driving under the influence if they:

• Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher: For drivers 21 (the legal drinking age) and older.
• Have a BAC of 0.04% or higher: For commercial drivers.
• Have a BAC of 0.01% or higher: For drivers under age 21, as North Carolina follows a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
• Are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both: Even if the BAC is below the legal limit, a driver can still be charged if their ability to drive is noticeably impaired.

Our New Bern DUI Accident Claim Lawyers Can Lead Your Case

The person who hit you may face fines and jail in a criminal case, but you can still seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. Our legal team can help you file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover compensation that covers your damages.

When our New Bern personal injury lawyers represent you, we will:

• Listen to the details of the accident and assess the strength of your claim or lawsuit.
• Investigate the accident and collect evidence, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any video footage from the accident scene.
• Identify all liable parties you can seek compensation from.
• Calculate the full extent of your losses and determine how much your case is worth.
• Handle the insurance company for you and aim to settle your case.
• Sue on your behalf, if we cannot settle your case outside of court.

Our New Bern DUI crash attorneys offer full legal support and will use our collective 120 years of legal experience to manage your case. With decades of experience on our side, we will advise you so you can make informed decisions. Call today for a free consultation.

New Bern DUI Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 785-5000

We Can Handle the Insurer in a New Bern DUI Crash for You

Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful, especially for injured crash victims. Handling phone calls, filling out forms, and negotiating settlements can feel overwhelming when your primary focus should be on healing. 

It can also be particularly frustrating to see an insurance company trying to minimize payouts or delay the claims process. When you hire our lawyer, we can relieve much of that stress and uncertainty.  

We will:

• Handle all communications with the insurer to guard against you saying something that could hurt your case.
• Advocate for your best interests, pushing back against lowball offers. 

By letting us manage the legal aspects of your case, you can concentrate on your recovery with peace of mind.

Damages You Can Recover in a New Bern Drunk Driving Crash

• Medical expenses
• Lost income 
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Property damage 

Wrongful Death Damages

If you lost a loved one in a DUI-related accident in New Bern, we are sorry for your loss. We will review your situation and determine if you can recover damages related to losing your loved one. 

Our New Bern wrongful death lawyers will be there for you and your family as we seek compensation from the negligent party for your:

• Your relative’s medical bills
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Other related losses

Who Can You Hold Liable for Injuries in a DUI Accident?

In addition to the driver, we might be able to hold other parties accountable for your losses, including:

• Employers: If the driver was on the job and driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident.
• Car manufacturers or mechanics: If a vehicle defect or improper maintenance contributed to the accident.
• Bars or restaurants: Establishments that served alcohol to the driver, especially if they served a visibly intoxicated person.
• Social hosts: Individuals who hosted a party and provided alcohol to the driver, particularly if they served a minor or someone visibly intoxicated.
• Vehicle owners: The owner of the vehicle, if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated person to drive their car.

Our New Bern DUI collision lawyers will work to establish that their actions directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. This involves:

• Prove the driver was negligent by driving under the influence, which impaired their ability to drive safely.
• Show that the driver’s impairment directly caused the crash and your injuries.
• Use medical records, accident reports, and other documents to show your injuries and how the accident caused them.

How Long do You Have to Sue for Damages in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the time limit to file a lawsuit for damages after an accident is typically three years from the date of the accident, per state law. This period is known as the statute of limitations. 

If you’re seeking compensation for injuries or property damage caused by a DUI accident, you must file your lawsuit within this three-year window. The window is two years for plaintiffs filing wrongful death lawsuits, as this law states.

Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to pursue legal action and recover damages. It’s important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed on time and to allow adequate time for building a strong case.

Call Us Today for Help from a New Bern DUI Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a DUI accident in New Bern, you have a right to hold the negligent driver accountable. It is against the law to drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. 

Drunk driving is against the law, so Whitley Law Firm fights for people injured in DUI accidents to help them recover from challenging hardships. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how our New Bern DUI accident attorneys can help you get justice and the awards you deserve.