DUI Accident Lawyer in Charlotte

Charlotte DUI Accident Lawyer

Getting hit by a drunk driver changes everything in an instant. Between the injuries, medical bills, and time off work, you’re dealing with consequences that never should have happened. When a car accident was not your fault and involved an impaired driver, you need legal advocates committed to getting you full compensation under the law.

At Stewart Law Offices, we understand what you’re going through and will work to relieve your burden from the first time you call. Our Charlotte DUI accident lawyers have the experience and resources needed to hold drunk drivers accountable and secure maximum compensation for your injuries. We’ll treat you like family and fight aggressively to protect your rights.

What Is a DUI Accident Claim Worth in Charlotte, NC

The compensation you can recover in a DUI accident claim is unique to your circumstances and depends on several key factors. North Carolina law specifically acknowledges drunk driving as exceptionally reckless behavior, which can substantially increase the financial award available to victims.

The value of your claim will be determined by:

  • The severity of your injuries.
  • The extent of medical treatment required.
  • The length of time you are unable to work.
  • The potential for permanent disability.
  • The degree of pain and suffering you have experienced.

Given the extreme negligence involved in DUI accidents, North Carolina courts may also award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the drunk driver and discourage similar behavior in the future. Our Charlotte car accident lawyers are committed to thoroughly evaluating every aspect of your case to pursue the maximum possible compensation.

Recovering Compensation When You’re Blamed

Unfortunately, North Carolina follows one of the nation’s harshest rules when it comes to shared fault in accidents. Under contributory negligence rules, if you’re found even 1% responsible for the crash, you could be barred from recovering any compensation whatsoever. Insurance companies know this and will try to shift blame onto you whenever possible. That’s why having an experienced attorney is crucial. 

We know how to investigate DUI accidents thoroughly, gather compelling evidence, and build a strong case that clearly establishes the drunk driver’s sole responsibility. Don’t let insurance adjusters manipulate you into accepting fault when a drunk driver caused your injuries.

Types of Injuries Caused by DUI Accidents

Drunk driving accidents frequently cause devastating injuries due to the impaired driver’s slow reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced motor control.

Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Can result in lifelong cognitive difficulties.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: May lead to partial or complete paralysis.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: Often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
  • Internal Organ Damage, Severe Lacerations, and Burns.
  • Whiplash and other Soft Tissue Injuries.

The physical, emotional, and financial burdens of these injuries can be overwhelming. However, you do not have to endure this hardship alone.

Types of Compensation Available After a DUI Accident

Victims in North Carolina are entitled to seek compensation for a range of damages, including:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of quality of life

Furthermore, because drunk driving shows a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are awarded in addition to your other compensation and are specifically intended to punish the drunk driver and send a clear message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated.

Common Causes of DUI Accidents in Charlotte, NC, and Drunk Driving as Negligence

Under North Carolina driving laws, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%. North Carolina also has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol makes them guilty of impaired driving.

Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, reduces coordination, and affects vision. Drunk drivers are more likely to speed, run red lights, drift between lanes, drive the wrong way, or fall asleep behind the wheel. When a driver operates a vehicle while intoxicated, they breach their duty of care to other motorists. This breach automatically establishes negligence in civil court.

What if the Drunk Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

Not every drunk driver carries adequate insurance. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have coverage or doesn’t have enough to pay for your damages, your own uninsured motorist coverage may step in. All auto insurance policies in North Carolina must include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage unless you specifically reject it in writing. An experienced attorney can help you deal with both claims to maximize your recovery.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a DUI Accident in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to an accident is three years from the date the accident occurred. Failing to meet this deadline results in a permanent loss of your right to sue, regardless of the strength of your case. 

To ensure all legal deadlines are met and to allow ample time to build a compelling case, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Why Choose Our Firm for a Charlotte DUI Accident Case

Stewart Law Offices has decades of collective experience handling DUI accident cases in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina. We understand how to investigate drunk driving crashes, gather critical evidence like police reports and blood alcohol test results, negotiate with insurance companies who try to minimize payouts, and take cases to trial when insurers refuse fair settlements.

Our firm charges no fees unless we win money for you. If you are unable to come to us, we will send one of our attorneys to your home or the hospital at no additional cost. We will walk you through your rights and legal options so you can make informed decisions with the full support of our compassionate team from beginning to end.

Visit Our DUI Accident Lawyer in Charlotte

Speak With a Charlotte DUI Accident Lawyer Today

If a drunk driver injured you in Charlotte, don’t wait to get legal help. Stewart Law Offices is here to relieve your burden and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (704) 521-5000 or contact us online to request a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation today. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and pursue every dollar you’re entitled to under North Carolina law.