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North Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

A drunk driving accident can change your life in an instant. You might be struggling with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. At Maginnis Howard, we understand how overwhelming and frustrating this time can be. You didn’t ask for this, and you shouldn’t have to face the consequences of someone else’s reckless decisions on your own.

Our team of experienced attorneys can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable. While no amount of compensation can undo the harm you’ve suffered, it can ease the financial burden and help you focus on healing. Contact Maginnis Howard today to speak with a compassionate North Carolina drunk driving accident lawyer. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why Choose Maginnis Howard for Your North Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Case

Choosing the right attorney is critical to building a strong case after a drunk driving accident. At Maginnis Howard, we are committed to delivering the thoughtful, strategic, and personalized representation you need during this difficult time.

Our firm has a proven record of success in personal injury cases, recovering over $100 million for our clients. We stand up to powerful insurance companies, corporations, and other entities that attempt to deny or minimize responsibility. Every case we take on is treated with the utmost care and dedication—you’re not just another file on our desk.

When you work with Maginnis Howard, you’ll receive the full attention of a team that truly cares about your well-being. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and how the accident has impacted your life. From the moment you contact us, we’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. You can rest assured that you’re in capable and compassionate hands.

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?

After a drunk driving accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company might seem eager to settle your case quickly. They’ll often present a first offer that may sound tempting—especially when you’re facing unexpected medical bills and financial uncertainty. But here’s the truth: that first offer is almost never in your best interest.

Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to protect their bottom line. They might downplay the severity of your injuries, dispute your claims, or pressure you into accepting a settlement that’s far less than you need and deserve. Once you accept their offer, you may lose the ability to recover additional compensation for ongoing treatment or long-term challenges resulting from the accident.

You don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. At Maginnis Howard, we understand their tactics and know how to level the playing field. Our experienced attorneys will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, ensuring that no detail is overlooked and that you receive full compensation for your losses. Before you agree to any settlement, consult a North Carolina drunk driving accident lawyer from our team. We’re here to protect you from being taken advantage of during an already difficult time.

Drunk Driving Charges vs. Personal Injury Claims

Many people assume that if a drunk driver is charged criminally, the legal system will handle everything. But criminal charges and personal injury claims are two very different matters. While criminal charges focus on punishing the drunk driver for breaking the law, they do little to address the harm you’ve suffered.

A personal injury claim, on the other hand, is exclusively focused on you—the victim. It provides an avenue to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages stemming from the accident. Even if the drunk driver receives a criminal conviction, it doesn’t automatically result in compensation for you. This is why pursuing a personal injury claim is so important.

At Maginnis Howard, we have extensive experience handling cases involving drunk driving accidents. We understand the unique challenges these cases can present and will work tirelessly to build a strong claim on your behalf. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we’ll handle every aspect of your case with care and determination. You deserve justice, and we’re here to help you achieve it.

Every moment matters after a drunk driving accident. Don’t wait to get the guidance and support you need. 

Who May Be Held Liable in a North Carolina Drunk Driving Accident?

When it comes to drunk driving accidents, it might seem clear that the intoxicated driver is solely at fault. While the drunk driver is usually the primary party responsible, there may be others who share liability for the crash. Here’s an overview of potential liable parties in a North Carolina drunk driving accident case:

The Drunk Driver

The drunk driver is the primary party responsible in most drunk driving accidents. By choosing to get behind the wheel while impaired, they recklessly endanger the lives of others. Their decision to drive intoxicated violates not only the law but also basic principles of safety and responsibility. Holding the drunk driver accountable is essential in seeking justice for the harm they’ve caused.

Bars and Restaurants That Overserve Alcohol

Under North Carolina’s “dram shop” laws, establishments that serve alcohol can also be held liable if they contribute to a drunk driving accident. This applies when a server or bartender continues to provide alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or serves alcohol to an underage individual. 

When bars, restaurants, or other venues prioritize profits over responsible alcohol service, they may share responsibility for the devastation that follows. For example, if a bartender knowingly overserves a patron who then causes an accident, that establishment could face legal consequences.

Social Hosts

Even private individuals can sometimes be held responsible for a drunk driving accident. North Carolina law allows for liability in cases where a host knowingly provides alcohol to a minor who later causes an accident. Social hosts have a duty to act responsibly when serving alcohol, especially when underage guests are present.

Shared Responsibility

Drunk driving accidents are often complex, with multiple factors contributing to the outcome. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to building a strong case and securing full compensation for the victim. Whether it’s the drunk driver, an establishment, or a social host, each party that contributed to the accident must be held accountable for their role.

Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims

The days and weeks after a drunk driving accident can result in overwhelming financial pressures, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries that require long-term care or prevent you from working. Seeking compensation through a personal injury claim can help ease this burden and provide you with the resources needed to rebuild your life.

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the case. These typically include both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

  • Medical Expenses – This can cover everything from emergency room visits and surgeries to rehabilitation, physical therapy, and the cost of assistive devices like wheelchairs or prosthetic limbs.
  • Lost Wages – If your injuries leave you unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to recover the income you’ve lost as a result.
  • Pain and Suffering – Beyond the physical injuries, drunk driving accidents can cause immense emotional and psychological distress. Compensation may be available for the mental anguish, trauma, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage – If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the crash, you might be reimbursed for repair or replacement costs.
  • Punitive Damages – While not applicable in every case, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the drunk driver for their reckless conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future.

Every case is unique, and determining the full scope of damages requires a thorough understanding of the law and meticulous attention to detail. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer who can evaluate your case, calculate the true extent of your losses, and fight for the compensation you deserve. 

Compensation Available in Fatal Drunk Driving Crashes

Losing a loved one in a drunk-driving crash is a heartbreaking, life-altering event. While no amount of compensation can truly make up for the loss, pursuing justice can help ease the financial burdens and hold the responsible parties accountable. Families of victims of fatal drunk driving crashes may be entitled to several forms of compensation.

Funeral and burial expenses can be recovered, helping to alleviate the immediate financial strain of laying a loved one to rest. Additionally, families may be compensated for the loss of income and benefits the victim provided, which is especially critical if they were a primary breadwinner.

At Maginnis Howard, we are committed to helping grieving families seek justice and closure. We’ll walk with you through every step of the legal process, always advocating for your rights and the memory of your loved one.

How Can a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help with My Case?

Pursuing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident can be a daunting task—especially when you’re still recovering from your injuries. Having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference. At Maginnis Howard, we’re here to handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.

Here’s how our team can help you after a drunk driving accident.

Thorough Investigation

Building a strong case starts with a thorough investigation. We’ll gather all the evidence needed to prove liability, which may include police reports, eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, and the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) results. If necessary, we can also work with accident reconstruction experts to piece together exactly what happened.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts. They might attempt to shift blame onto you or argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with these tactics. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance companies, advocate fiercely on your behalf, and negotiate for a settlement that truly reflects your losses.

Taking Your Case to Court

While many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, there are times when going to court is the best option. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your case before a judge and jury. Our trial attorneys are skilled advocates who will present a compelling case and fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve.

From start to finish, we’ll be by your side, providing the legal guidance and compassionate support you need during this challenging time. With Maginnis Howard in your corner, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.

Contact Our Trusted North Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today

At Maginnis Howard, we understand the profound impact that a drunk driving accident can have on your life. The road to recovery may be long, but you don’t have to travel it alone. Our dedicated attorneys are here to provide the support, advocacy, and legal advice you need to move forward with confidence.

Every drunk driving accident case we take is treated with the care, commitment, and focus it deserves. We’ll work tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and emotional suffering.

Time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing a personal injury claim, as evidence can disappear and legal deadlines can approach quickly. Don’t wait to take the first step toward justice—contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

When you choose Maginnis Howard, you’re choosing a team of trusted North Carolina drunk driving accident lawyers who genuinely care about your well-being. Contact us today at (919) 526-0450 or through our online form to discuss your case during a free and confidential consultation. 

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