Goldsboro Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Drunk driving is against the law in North Carolina. Those who drive drunk are clearly at fault when getting behind the wheel and putting the safety of others at risk. Their negligence can result in criminal charges and convictions. It can also lead to civil lawsuits by those whom they injure in traffic accidents. At Strickland Agner Pittman, our team of seasoned attorneys has the knowledge, skills, and resources you need to hold drunk drivers and their insurers accountable for the injuries and losses sustained in the accidents they cause. 

Drunk Driving Accident Cases in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported the following 2019 drunk-driving statistics: 

• Alcohol was involved in 11,492 traffic crashes
• Alcohol was involved in 348 traffic fatalities
• Alcohol was involved in 7,665 injuries 

The percentage of traffic fatalities in which alcohol played a part was 23.7 percent. This demonstrates its deadly influence when drunk drivers take to the roads and highways in our state. 

Why You Need a Goldsboro Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

While drunk drivers are arrested, charged, and often convicted for this behavior, their criminal cases do not result in compensation for those they victimize by their careless behavior. As someone who has been injured or who has lost a loved one due to the fault of a drunk driver, you must file an insurance claim, personal injury lawsuit, or wrongful death lawsuit to recover rightful compensation. 

Additionally, other third parties may be held accountable in these cases as well, such as the owners of bars or businesses or those who hosted social events that involved serving alcoholic drinks to already intoxicated individuals who later became drunk drivers. These types of claims fall under North Carolina’s “dram shop” laws. Our team can educate you on these laws and determine if they apply to your case. Where they do, we can take legal action on your behalf to recover damages. 

Gross Negligence in Drunk Driving Accidents

North Carolina practices the policy of “contributory negligence” which means even the slightest amount of fault on your part in an accident will negate your ability to recover damages. However, many drunk driving accident claims and lawsuits involve “gross negligence” on the part of the drunk driver. Where we show this to be the case, contributory negligence will not apply, meaning the drunk driver and/or his or her insurer can be held fully accountable for the losses and damages you sustained in the accident. 

Request a free case evaluation with a Goldsboro drunk driving accident attorney by contacting Strickland Agner Pittman at (919) 893-0090.