Durham Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in North Carolina

Drunk driving is a serious, preventable public health issue. Every day, countless people get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol. While some people are able to drive safely after drinking, many are not. In fact, drunk driving is the leading cause of fatal car accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 1,000 people die in drunk driving accidents in the U.S. every single day.

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, you should not have to shoulder the financial burden of the harm done. At Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC, we believe you deserve to be fairly compensated for your damages. Our Durham drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable. We fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under the law.

Contact us online or call (919) 891-8361 today for a free consultation with our drunk driving accident lawyer in Durham.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents could result in severe injuries, often due to high speeds or reckless maneuvers. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma is common in collisions, particularly when victims experience sudden impact or violent jolts. TBIs can range from concussions to serious brain damage, leading to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments that require long-term care.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord may lead to partial or full paralysis, depending on the severity. These life-altering injuries can lead to significant medical expenses, loss of mobility, and the need for lifelong support.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a crash often causes broken bones, specifically in the arms, legs, and ribs. While some fractures heal with time, others may require surgery or extensive rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in accidents can damage vital organs, leading to life-threatening conditions. Internal bleeding and organ damage often require immediate medical intervention.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even at slower speeds, drunk driving accidents can cause neck and back injuries, such as whiplash. Soft tissue injuries may not be immediately apparent but can result in chronic pain and restricted mobility.
• Burns and Lacerations: Accidents involving vehicle fires or shattered glass often leave victims with burns or deep cuts. These injuries could lead to disfigurement, scarring, and the need for reconstructive surgery.

How Does a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit Work?

In North Carolina, a person who is injured or killed in a car accident can sue the driver who caused the crash for negligence. To prove negligence, you will need to show the court that the driver owed you a duty of care, that the driver breached that duty of care, and that this breach caused your injuries. In most car accident cases, the driver breached their duty of care by driving carelessly or recklessly. However, in drunk driving accidents, the driver almost always breaches their duty of care by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.

To win your lawsuit, you will need to prove the following:

• You were injured, or your loved one was killed
• The driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash
• You were injured due to the drunk driving accident
• You sustained damages as a result of the crash

If you can prove all of these elements, the court will likely award you compensation for your damages. This compensation can include money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the crash.

Types of Damages You Can Sue For

In a drunk driving accident lawsuit, you can sue for both economic and non-economic damages. The most common types of damages you can sue for include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to sue for punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the driver for their reckless and negligent actions. Punitive damages are usually awarded in cases where the driver's negligence was especially egregious.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

The amount of compensation you will be able to receive in your case will depend on a variety of factors. One of the most important factors is the severity of your injuries. If you suffered only minor injuries, you might be able to receive a smaller settlement. However, if you were severely injured and require ongoing medical treatment, you might be able to receive a large settlement.

In addition to the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash can also affect the amount of compensation you can receive. If the driver was intoxicated to an extreme, you might be able to receive a higher settlement. If the driver was texting or otherwise distracted at the time of the crash, you might also be able to receive a larger settlement. In some cases, the driver's insurance company may even try to blame the victim for the crash. If the victim was intoxicated at the time of the crash, the insurance company might claim the victim's negligence contributed to the crash.

If the insurance company tries to blame you for the crash, our Durham drunk driving accident attorneys can help. We can investigate the crash and fight to prove the driver's negligence was the only cause of the crash. We can also work to prove the victim's innocence and fight to have the victim's name cleared.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Durham Today

If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, our team at Hyland, Padilla & Fowler, PLLC is here to help. We know how to effectively hold negligent drivers accountable and can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

To learn more about your legal options, contact us online or call (919) 891-8361 today to get started with our Durham drunk driving accident attorney.