Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous and can lead to catastrophic injuries and costly damages. These cases can be complicated, as in addition to your civil case, the intoxicated driver is likely facing criminal charges as well. Hiring an experienced Charlotte DUI accident lawyer is the best way to ensure your interests are represented.
Auger & Auger Accident and Injury Lawyers is committed to helping clients who have suffered injuries or wrongful death in North Carolina drunk driving accidents. We will fight for your rights, so call us as soon as possible after a crash. You can set up a free case review with a Charlotte car accident lawyer who will explain your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
What A Drunk Driving Accident Attorney In Charlotte Can Do To Support You
After a car accident involving a drunk driver, you need to speak with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer so a proper investigation can be conducted on your behalf. The insurance company for the drunk driver will conduct its own investigation and will try to minimize its losses. You need someone on your side.
At Auger and Auger, we know that when someone suffers a serious injury or wrongful death due to a drunk driver, the result is significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Our job is to handle all aspects of your claim to get full compensation for these damages. We try hard to take the pressure off your shoulders, help you heal faster, and give you some peace of mind.
When you hire us to handle your claim, some of the steps our Charlotte personal injury lawyers will take include:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into your accident so we can collect evidence supporting your claim and identify all liable parties
- Reviewing all the damages you incurred to determine the full value of your claim
- Completing and filing all the paperwork for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit
- Building a strong case supporting your claim
- Negotiating for a fair settlement deal
- Taking your case to court and arguing for the compensation you deserve, if necessary
Compensation You Can Pursue Following A Drunk Driving Accident In Charlotte
After a drunk driving accident, you will likely be eligible to pursue a wide range of damages. The specific damages you are eligible to claim depend on the injuries you sustained, the details of your accident, and the circumstances that surround it. Identifying all the damages that apply is critical for recovering the full value of your losses.
Compensatory Damages You May Be Able To Claim
The economic and non-economic damages available after a crash are varied. Some of the damages you will most likely be eligible to pursue include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Dui Victims Are Entitled To Punitive Damages
When a drunk driver hurts you, compensatory damages are not the only form of compensation available. North Carolina law also allows punitive damages after DUI accidents.
Punitive damages punish the defendant for their actions and are awarded in addition to compensation for actual financial losses. Because of the availability of punitive damages, it is usually possible for victims of DUI accidents to negotiate higher settlements when pursuing injury claims.
Most consumers are not aware of their right to punitive damages in a drunk driving accident claim, and can be taken advantage of by an insurer. The lawyers at our firm know the value of personal injury claims involving drunk drivers, and our Charlotte DUI accident attorneys will fight hard to make sure you get the highest settlement possible.
Pay Attention To All Applicable Deadlines When Pursuing Compensation After A Dui Accident
When attempting to recover compensation after suffering losses in a DUI accident, you will need to pay attention to the personal injury statute of limitations. In North Carolina, this statute generally gives accident victims three years to take legal action against the liable party. Failing to file on time could result in the loss of your right to pursue compensation.
Reaching out to an experienced DUI accident attorney serving Charlotte as soon as possible is the best way to protect yourself after an accident. Your lawyer can determine the specific deadline for your case and ensure all your paperwork is completed accurately and filed on time.
Contributory Negligence In Charlotte
In DUI cases, fault may seem clear. However, even if your accident was caused by a drunk driver, a percentage of the fault could be assigned to you if your actions in any way contributed to the accident.
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule. If an insurer can show that your actions contributed to the accident in any meaningful way, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Because of this standard, insurance companies for primarily liable parties often go to great lengths to shift some of the blame onto another party.
An experienced Charlotte DUI accident attorney can push back against any attempt to unjustly assign you a level of fault. Your lawyer will work diligently to protect your rights and help ensure that you are able to move forward with a lawsuit against the liable party.
Reach Out To An Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Charlotte Today
At Auger & Auger, our attorneys have represented alcohol-related accident victims for over 30 years. We will create a legal strategy for your case that keeps your best interests at heart. Our experienced team is ready to learn more about your case so we can formulate a plan for recovering the compensation you deserve.
To find out more about how our DUI accident lawyers in Charlotte, NC can help you, contact us now for a free case evaluation. Appointments can be scheduled at our office, at the hospital, at your doctor’s office, or in your home. Give us a call now to learn more.
