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Drunk Driving Accidents

Durham Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in North Carolina 

Drunk driving accidents are some of the most devastating motor vehicle accidents. When an individual gets in their vehicle after drinking, they are putting everyone else on the road in danger. When a drunk driver causes an accident, innocent people are often severely injured or killed. Drunk driving accidents can have lifelong consequences for victims and their families. At Wallace Pierce Law, we fight to hold those responsible accountable and ensure they are held accountable.

Our Durham drunk driving accident attorneys are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents get the compensation they deserve. We know how to effectively pursue maximum financial recovery and will fight to ensure our clients get the justice they deserve.

Call (919) 887-7892 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our Durham drunk driving accident lawyers.

What Happens in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

In a drunk driving accident, the drunk driver is almost always liable for the accident. This is because the driver is in control of the vehicle and has a duty to drive as safely as possible. When a driver causes an accident while drunk, they have violated this duty because they are not driving safely. The drunk driver is almost always liable to be held liable for the accident, regardless of the circumstances.

In a drunk driving accident case, the victim's attorney will likely take the following steps:

  • Examine the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical reports
  • Examine the drunk driver's blood alcohol content to prove their intoxication
  • Examine the victim's injuries, including their physical and emotional damages
  • Examine the vehicle to determine the extent of damage to the vehicle
  • Examine the circumstances of the accident to determine if the drunk driver is liable

In a successful drunk driving accident case, the drunk driver will be held liable for the accident and will be required to pay compensation to the victim. 

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Common injuries in drunk driving accidents may include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): One of the most serious outcomes of a drunk driving accident is a traumatic brain injury. TBIs often occur when the brain is jolted or penetrated by an external force, which is common in high-impact collisions. Symptoms could range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are another common result of drunk driving accidents. These injuries could lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering the victim's quality of life. The costs associated with spinal cord injuries could be immense, including surgeries, physical therapy, adaptive equipment, and home modifications.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision often results in broken bones and fractures. Commonly impacted areas include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. While some fractures may heal with time, others can cause long-term issues, like chronic pain or limited mobility, impacting the victim's ability to work and perform daily activities.
  • Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs, are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, making it crucial for victims to seek medical evaluation promptly after an accident. The recovery process can be very lengthy and complex, often involving multiple surgeries and extended hospital stays.
  • Emotional and Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical injuries, drunk driving accidents can have profound emotional and psychological impacts. Victims could experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, sprains, and strains, are common in car accidents. These injuries could cause significant pain and discomfort, often requiring physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery to manage symptoms and facilitate recovery.
  • Facial Injuries and Scarring: Facial injuries, such as lacerations, fractures, and dental damage, can result from the impact of a collision or from shattered glass and debris. These injuries often require reconstructive surgery and can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, affecting the victim's self-esteem and quality of life.

What Compensation Can I Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

In a drunk driving accident case, the victim's attorney will work to prove the drunk driver was liable for the accident. Once liability is established, the victim's attorney can move forward with the case and prove the drunk driver was responsible for the victim's damages. The victim's attorney can then ask for compensation to cover these damages.

Our Durham drunk driving accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for the following damages:

In a successful case, the victim's attorney can ask for compensation for all of these damages and more. This compensation can help cover the victim's expenses as they work to recover from their injuries and move forward with their life.

The exact amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the circumstances of the accident. Our Durham drunk driving accident attorneys can help you determine if you have a case.

What Are the Legal Limits for Driving While Intoxicated?

In North Carolina, drivers are considered intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.04% are considered "drunk" as well. Drivers under 21 with any blood alcohol content are considered intoxicated due to the state's "zero tolerance" policies.

Drivers in North Carolina are legally required to submit to a blood alcohol test if they are pulled over for driving while intoxicated. If a driver refuses to submit to a test, their license will be suspended.

Contact Our Durham Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today

At Wallace Pierce Law, we know how to effectively pursue maximum financial recovery in drunk driving accidents. Our Durham drunk driving accident attorneys work to ensure our clients get the justice they deserve. We know how to effectively pursue maximum financial recovery and will fight to ensure our clients get the justice they deserve. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, we encourage you to contact us. We will do everything we can to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call our drunk driving accident lawyers in Durham for a free, no-obligation consultation at (919) 887-7892, or contact us online.

    “I want to brag about my experience!”
    “When my 4-year old son and I were involved in a terrible head-on collision, I wasn't sure where to turn. Wallace Pierce has been great showing me the way!”
    - Mary P.
    “Richard Dingus is a great attorney!”
    “Richard Dingus is a great attorney! And I think the best, serving in the state of North Carolina. I would recommend him for injury and bodily claim any day.”
    - Isaac B.
    “Thank you again for all you did for my family”
    “They were concerned not only about getting our vehicle replaced, but more importantly my kid’s full recovery.”
    - Coral M.
    “I was completely shocked at the amount I received”
    “I retained this law firm to fight my case. I was completely shocked at the amount I received once the case was won.”
    - Schjuana S.
    “They went above and beyond for me!”
    “Mr. Pierce gave me practical advice and was very thorough in guiding me through the process. I left with a strong and positive impression of him.”
    - Audria L.
    “Very knowledgeable”
    “Was able to either point me in the right direction or answer any questions I had regarding the accident I was in. Thank you!”
    - Steven L.
    “Great Law Firm!”
    “Great Law Firm, Friendly Staff, Amazing Service. Willing to help you every step of the way.”
    - Caleb M.
    “Thanking all of the Attorneys and Staff.”
    “I could not recommend anyone any higher than I recommend Wallace Pierce Law, they get the job done and they do it quicker and better and keep you informed along the way.”
    - Debby L.

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Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • $1,900,000 Wrongful Death

    The at-fault driver failed to reduce speed and collided with our client's vehicle. Our client passed away shortly after the collision.

  • $900,000 Wrongful Death

    Our client was thrown from his motorcycle and was pronounced deceased on the scene.

  • $122,000 Car Accident

    Vehicle made a left-hand turn, failing to yield the right of way.

  • $104,000 Serious Injuries

    Client was a passenger in a vehicle that was driving through an intersection when another vehicle ran a stop sign and t-boned the vehicle our client was in.

  • $104,000 Severe Injury

    We were able to not only receive policy limits for our client but were able to negotiate her medical bills and liens to ensure that she was able to keep a good portion of the settlement.

  • $102,000 Serious Injuries

    Elderly client was a passenger in a vehicle that was t-boned in an intersection where a driver failed to yield the right of way.