A November 30 two-vehicle accident near I-85 north in North Carolina left one person with life-threatening injuries, while four others suffered serious injuries.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol stated that a van going north on I-85 took the exit to US Highway 64 but failed to slow down. The van went through the Highway 64 intersection and slammed into a Ford Mustang that was going east. The van was traveling at 60 MPH or more at the moment of impact.
The van driver was thrown from the vehicle, but is listed in stable condition at a local hospital. The police stated that the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the crash happened.
A passenger in the Mustang suffered life-threatening injuries and is currently listed in critical condition at a local hospital.
The van driver has been charged with DWI, no driver’s license, and reckless driving.
Our View
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most common crimes that happen on North Carolina roads, and it one that our North Carolina and Virginia personal injury attorneys hope we never see again.
The CDC reports there were 4,000 people killed in DWI accidents in North Carolina from 2003 until 2011. Around the country, one out of three traffic deaths involves a drunk or impaired driver. And these numbers do not even count the number of serious personal injuries that occur.
Convicted drunk drivers who injure or kill people face serious criminal consequences, such as long terms in prison. But no matter how long that drunk driver is put behind bars, this will not do anything to compensate you for your injuries, or bring back a deceased loved one.
North Carolina is a fault state, and this means that the person who caused your injuries is liable for the damages he or she caused. So, a valid option is to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages, including medical costs, rehab costs, lost wages, lost future wages and pain and suffering.
North Carolina also has dram shop laws in effect, which allow for a bar or restaurant who sold the drinks to the DUI driver can be held liable in civil court for your injuries and damages.
With an experienced personal injury attorney, it is possible to obtain a settlement or verdict that fairly compensates you for your accident injuries. Our personal injury law firm settled a DUI case in Virginia for $100,000 a few years ago. The money obtained in that settlement helped the client to recover his health, and to be able to pay his bills while he was in recovery.
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