How Often Do Drunk Driving Accidents Occur In North Carolina?
According to data available from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 11,345 total alcohol-related traffic collisions across the state during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, there were 7,602 injuries and 411 fatalities reported.
The data provided by the DOT indicates that nearly 29% of all traffic fatalities during the latest year of data were the result of alcohol-impaired driving. This is an astounding statistic and shows us just how dangerous drunk driving really is.
Most Common Impaired Driving Accident Injuries In Charlotte
As mentioned above, drunk driving crashes result in a significant amount of the total traffic fatalities each year across North Carolina. However, those who survive impaired driving crashes often sustain severe injuries. It is not uncommon for our Charlotte drunk driving accident attorneys to help clients who have sustained the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Open head wounds
- Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
- Other severe neck or back injuries
- Amputation or crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Significant scarring and disfigurement
In addition to these traumatic injuries, our lawyers also help clients who have sustained significant emotional and psychological injuries as a result of the accident and their subsequent injuries. This includes feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Proving Liability In The Aftermath Of A Drunk Driving Crash
Proving liability in the aftermath of a drunk driving vehicle accident can be complicated and often requires assistance from a Charlotte car accident lawyer. An attorney will be able to use their resources and legal expertise to thoroughly investigate the case. They can:
- Obtain any evidence needed to prove liability, including any video surveillance of the crash, statements from eyewitnesses, statements from those who saw the driver drinking before the crash, accident reports, BAC tests, and more.
- Work with trusted medical professionals to evaluate their client and help calculate total expected losses.
- Negotiate with every party involved, including aggressive insurance carriers, to secure full compensation for their client.
A diligent Charlotte drunk driving accident lawyer will also dig for answers to questions such as who served alcohol to the drunk driver who caused the car accident that resulted in injuries. Credit card bills racked up in the few hours before the crash may answer this question persuasively. Dram shop laws or social host laws may apply, further strengthening your case for compensation by providing other sources of recovery when the drunk driver does not carry enough insurance. Many habitual drunk drivers carry minimum or no insurance, and it is important to explore all possible avenues of recovery for individuals seriously injured by the negligence of drunk drivers. Uncovering all possible sources for compensation can often only be accomplished through the methods of investigation allowed once the legal process has commenced.
How Long Do Victims Have To File A Claim In These Cases?
Victims who have been injured due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit in North Carolina. The statute of limitations for personal injuries in North Carolina is three (3) years from the day the accident occurs. This gives drunk driving accident victims a three-year window with which to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe will result in the victim being unable to recover compensation for their losses. For Wrongful Death cases, the statute of limitations is two (2) years, and thus any lawsuit against the negligent driver must be filed within that two-year window.
However, the North Carolina statute of limitations does not apply to the reporting requirements put in place by insurance carriers involved in the case. Typically, an accident needs to be reported as soon as possible after the incident occurs, or the insurance carrier could delay or deny a claim.
Contact a North Carolina Alcohol-Related Accident Lawyer
Talk to an attorney at Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC, in Charlotte to learn how we can help you after a drunk driving accident that left you injured. If you have additional questions after reviewing the information on our website, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a complimentary initial consultation. To make an appointment with a Charlotte personal injury attorney, call toll free 800-948-0577 or send us an e-mail.
