If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by someone who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Charlotte, NC, you could be entitled to substantial financial compensation. At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, our experienced Charlotte personal injury lawyers are ready to help you.
A DUI accident can have long-lasting consequences. You might be facing a painful recovery, medical bills, missed time at work, and emotional trauma. Don’t go through this alone. Our Charlotte DUI accident lawyers know North Carolina law and can help you throughout the entire process. Call today for a free consultation at (980) 340-8620.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a DUI Accident in Charlotte, North Carolina
Car accidents can be difficult enough on their own, but DUI crashes often involve more severe injuries and legal challenges. Insurance carriers might argue you were partly at fault or claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you say. Navigating these issues by yourself can be overwhelming.
At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have 150 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million for injured clients. We stand ready to help you seek justice and the compensation you need to move forward with your life. When you hire Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, you get a trusted ally who will fight for your best interests from start to finish.
Our Charlotte car accident lawyers will support you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Identifying your best course of action
- Determining the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Fighting in court and filing a lawsuit if needed
With over a century of shared legal experience, our firm has proven its dedication to justice. We’ll approach your case with the care and tenacity you deserve. Call us today in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a free consultation with a Charlotte DUI accident lawyer.
DUI Laws and Liability in North Carolina
In North Carolina, it’s unlawful for someone to operate a motor vehicle when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and over, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.00% for those under 21. If a driver drives while impaired and causes an accident, they can face both criminal charges and civil liability for the injuries they inflict.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
Note that two kinds of cases might proceed after a DUI accident:
- Criminal charges: Prosecutors may pursue penalties like fines, jail time, or a suspended license, depending on the severity and whether the driver has prior DUI convictions.
- Civil claims: As an injured victim, you can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for your medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress. You don’t have to wait for the criminal case to finish to begin your civil claim.
Even if the at-fault driver is not convicted of DUI in criminal court, you may still have a valid civil claim against them. The burden of proof is higher for criminal cases. Criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while civil cases only require proving negligence “by a preponderance of the evidence.”
What Damages Can I Recover After a DUI Accident in Charlotte, NC?
The goal of a personal injury case is to make you “whole” again, as if the accident never happened—at least financially speaking.
In North Carolina, you may be eligible for two types of damages:
- Economic Damages: These cover tangible losses, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation, medication costs, and lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job, either permanently or temporarily, you could also claim reduced or lost earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: You can pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. If you can’t engage in the hobbies you once loved or suffer from ongoing depression due to the crash, these intangible harms matter as well.
In extreme cases, North Carolina courts might award punitive damages to punish especially reckless behavior. Drunk driving sometimes fits that category, but punitive damages are still only given in rare cases.
How Long Do You Have To File a DUI Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for most car accident lawsuits, including DUI crashes, is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this filing deadline, a court can dismiss your case entirely, leaving you with no legal recourse.
Because contributory negligence can complicate negotiations with insurers, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can after your collision. Some exceptions can adjust the time limit for some cases.
Contact Our Charlotte DUI Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Drunk driving is irresponsible and frequently leads to devastating injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a Charlotte DUI accident, remember you don’t have to deal with the fallout by yourself. The legal team at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys understands the stress you’re under and is dedicated to getting you the maximum compensation possible.
When you’re ready to take the first step, contact our Charlotte DUI accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation on your behalf.
