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Seeking Justice For Drivers Injured In DUI Crashes

Driving is dangerous enough under normal circumstances. Things can become disastrous when a driver chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. People can have their lives turned upside down instantly, through no fault of their own. At Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP, we rally behind members of our community who have been injured by reckless and negligent drivers. We do everything in our power to get their lives back on track so they can focus on their recovery.

Proven Drunk Driver Attorneys

Some people convicted of DUI charges learn from their mistakes and avoid reoffending. Yet, others do not take the lessons of their first offense to heart and continue to put other drivers at risk. At Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, it is our goal to help ensure justice is served to an at-fault drunk driver who causes serious injury or death.

Our attorneys help injured parties obtain the damages they deserve. As victims of drunk driving cases, you may be entitled to compensatory damages, including:

Medical costs and expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Permanent injury

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident like this, Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP, offers a free consultation and case evaluation. We will personally sit down with you, hear your case, inform you of your rights and possible courses of action, and offer you an experienced DUI victim attorney to handle your case, all completely free of charge.

Punitive Damages Explained

Punitive damages are intended to penalize an at-fault driver, as opposed to paying the injured person for damages. They are intended to send a message that this type of behavior will not be accepted or tolerated in our community. You may be entitled to punitive damages following the willful or unlawful conduct of an impaired or drunk driver.

The Impact Of Drunk Driving Accidents In North Carolina

Drunk driving claimed 460 lives in our state and more than 13,000 nationally in 2022. Over 7,700 people in North Carolina were injured that year in drunk driving crashes. 24.8% of all fatal car crashes in North Carolina in 2022 involved alcohol.

Data On Drunk Driving In Greenville, North Carolina

Drunk driving remains a significant issue in Pitt County, where Greenville is located. In 2022, the last year with complete data, there were around 12,000 alcohol-related crashes in North Carolina, with nearly 200 of these occurring in Pitt County. These concerning figures highlight the need for continued vigilance and community efforts to combat impaired driving.

The Economic Impact Of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents have a substantial economic impact on North Carolina residents, costing them millions annually in medical expenses, legal fees and lost wages. These financial burdens underscore the importance of addressing and mitigating drunk driving in our community. At Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, we strive to ensure any costs you incur in a drunk driving accident are recouped.

Recent Changes In North Carolina DUI Laws

In June 2024, North Carolina enacted changes to its drunk driving laws. While some of these changes benefit the accused, one change that is a potential victory for victims of drunk driving accidents is longer license suspensions for ignition interlock device violations. Though it remains to be seen whether this change could have effects on personal injury claims, its aim to deter repeat drunk driving offenses may provide greater protection to innocent motorists.

Watch For Signs Of Intoxicated Driving On The Road

Drunk driving is not always easy to spot, but there are some signs that may indicate a motorist is intoxicated. Red flags to look out for include the following:

Driving too fast or too slow
Ignoring signs and signals
Lack of lane control
Crashing into property or other cars

If you notice these things, pull over and let the driver pass you or take an alternate route to avoid danger.

Common Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents

When are drunk driving accidents most likely to happen?

There are several times of the year when the threat of drunk driving accidents spikes. The summer months are when these crashes are most likely to happen. The winter months also see many alcohol-related accidents due to the holidays.

What do I do if I get in a crash with a drunk driver?

If a drunk driver crashes into you, call 911 immediately. Gather contact and insurance information if your and the other driver’s conditions permit you to do so. Even if you don’t seem to be seriously injured, get medical attention right away. Contact an attorney to begin working on your personal injury case.

What insurance do I need to cover a drunk driving accident?

North Carolina drivers are legally required to have a minimum of 30/60/25 liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Here’s a breakdown of what those liability limits look like:

$30,000 for bodily injury per person
$60,000 per accident
$25,000 for property damage

The same limits apply to uninsured motorist coverage.

Let Us Help You Pick Up The Pieces

If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, we at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP, are here to help you seek justice. To get on the road to recovery, set up a free consultation by sending us a message online or calling our office at 252-787-4627.