Drunk driving accident North Carolina

Rockingham Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Tough representation when an intoxicated driver causes death or serious injuries

Drunk driving is a leading cause of severe injuries and deaths in Rockingham and throughout North Carolina and the US. There’s no excuse for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of narcotics. People who drink anywhere should understand why driving after they’ve had a beer or other alcoholic drink is dangerous. An accident claim seeking the maximum amount of damages provides compensation for injury victims and families – while sending a message to the drunk driver that his/her conduct is inexcusable.

At Price, Petho & Associates, our Rockingham drunk driving accident lawyers represent people who suffer injuries due to an intoxicated driver. We also pursue wrongful death claims when a loved one dies in a car or truck accident caused by a drunk driver. If you or a loved one have been injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, we will investigate your claim, help determine liability, and work to secure full compensation for your losses. Get the help you need from lawyers who are ready to try your case in court.

What would you like to know?

How common are drunk driving crashes in NC?

Despite substantial efforts by government entities, private companies, and nonprofit agencies, drunk driving crashes still occur at alarmingly high rates across North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, out of the 1470 deaths on North Carolina roads in 2021, 270 (or nearly 20%) involved a drunk driver.

What injuries are caused by drunk drivers in Rockingham?

For those who do survive these tragic incidents, the injuries are often severe. It is common for our Rockingham drunk driving accident attorneys to help clients who have sustained the following:

  • Broken or dislocated bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic amputation
  • Burn injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Internal bleeding
  • Crush injuries
  • Significant scarring and disfigurement
  • Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
  • Emotional and psychological trauma

We also represent the families of relatives who die due to an intoxicated driver.

How alcohol affects a driver’s ability to control a car

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a driver’s ability to drive safely is impaired, based on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level as follows:

  • .02: about two beers. Loss of judgment and trouble multi-tasking.
  • .05: about three beers. Reduced coordination and ability to track moving objects. Difficulty steering.
  • .08: about four beers. Trouble controlling speed. Difficulty processing information and reasoning.
  • .10: about five beers. Markedly slowed reaction time. Difficulty staying in lanes and braking when needed.
  • .15: about seven beers. Serious difficulty controlling a car or truck and focusing on driving.

In North Carolina, drivers whose tests reveal a BAC of .08 or higher will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

How a DUI charge can affect a civil claim

Many drivers who cause accidents due to driver intoxication will be charged with driving under the influence (and possibly more serious charges) if their BAC is .08 or more. While there is no requirement that a driver be convicted of a DUI to file your civil personal injury claim, a conviction generally makes it easier to settle your claim. A conviction of a DUI generally can be used to show the driver caused your accident.

The criminal case usually proceeds first. Our Rockingham drunk driving lawyers work with the prosecution to help coordinate their case with your case.

Who is liable for a drunk driving accident in Rockingham?

The drunk driver who causes a car accident or truck accident is liable for the accident the driver causes.

Other defendants may include the owner of the vehicle, an employer, or a trucking company that hired the driver.

In North Carolina, a tavern or establishment that has a liquor license may be liable for a drunk driving accident if the tavern sold alcohol to a minor, the minor caused an accident due to drinking the alcohol, and the accident caused your injuries or the death of a loved one.

Our lawyers will explain whether a business establishment or a social host that serves liquor to anyone who is visibly intoxicated may be liable for any accidents.

Our lawyers demand compensation from the liable defendants for:

  • All your medical expenses
  • Any lost wages you incur
  • Your out-of-pocket expenses
  • Property damage losses
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Possible punitive damages against the driver

We demand wrongful death damages when a loved one dies in a Rockingham drunk driving accident.

What is the time limit to file a drunk driving accident claim in Rockingham?

The North Carolina statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years and personal injury actions is three years from the date the injury occurs. This gives impaired driving accident victims a two to three-year window with which to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent driver. Failing to file a claim within this time frame will result in the victim being unable to recover the compensation he or she is entitled to receive.

Please don’t wait. If you were hurt, or a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, call us immediately. It is crucial that drunk driving accident victims also report the incident to their insurance carrier as soon as possible to prevent the carrier from delaying or denying the claim in any way.

Google Reviews

I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.

- C.P.

BEST ATTORNEYS

Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.

- Y. M.

Recent Case Results

$9,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collison-Traumatic Brain Injury-Motor Vehicle Accidents

$9,000,000

Recovered for a young woman who sustained a catastrophic brain injury as the result of an automobile collision with a large commercial vehicle. The firm retained expert witnesses in the fields of physical medicine and rehabilitation, life care planning and economics. Our firm prepared an extensive video settlement brochure. Following a nine hour mediation with the participation of our expert medical witnesses, the defendants agreed to pay $9 million which was put into a trust for our clients lifetime medical care.

$5,200,000

Motor Vehicle Collison – Traumatic Brain Injury – Motor Vehicle Accidents

$5,200,000

Recovered on behalf of the young woman who sustained catastrophic injuries when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer truck while on the job. A workers' compensation claim was made as well as a liability claim against the at-fault trucking company. The settlement funds allow the plaintiff to live in a residential living facility for individuals with a traumatic brain.

$4,500,000

Negligent Highway Construction Spinal Cord Injury – Construction Accidents

$4,500,000

Recovered on behalf of a high school senior who was rendered a quadriplegic as a result of a rollover accident that occurred on I 40 in Iredell County, North Carolina. Our firm retained experts in the field of highway construction, accident reconstruction, life care planning and economics. The successful claim was made against the highway construction company based upon allegations that the construction work had created a lane shift with a significant drop off which caused our client's vehicle to roll over. Through extensive discovery, our firm learned of multiple other accidents that had occurred in the same location in previous months before the accident and that defendants were aware of the dangerous condition prior to the accident but took no steps to correct it. The case settled prior to trial.

Areas of Focus

Do you have a drunk driving accident lawyer near me?

Our Rockingham office is conveniently located at 801 E Broad Ave, #17 in Rockingham, NC. We also have offices in Charlotte and Rutherfordton. We meet victims and families at their homes or in a hospital if they are not mobile or ill.

Speak with our Rockingham drunk driving accident lawyer today

If you or somebody you love has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in or around the Rockingham area, contact the team at Price, Petho & Associates today. We have the resources necessary to conduct a complete investigation into the drunk driving accident case so we can determine liability and secure full compensation for your losses. When you need a Rockingham drunk driving accident attorney, call us at 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

Price Petho & Associates in Charlotte, NC

Google Reviews

I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.

- C.P.

BEST ATTORNEYS

Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.

- Y. M.

Recent Case Results

$9,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collison-Traumatic Brain Injury-Motor Vehicle Accidents

$9,000,000

Recovered for a young woman who sustained a catastrophic brain injury as the result of an automobile collision with a large commercial vehicle. The firm retained expert witnesses in the fields of physical medicine and rehabilitation, life care planning and economics. Our firm prepared an extensive video settlement brochure. Following a nine hour mediation with the participation of our expert medical witnesses, the defendants agreed to pay $9 million which was put into a trust for our clients lifetime medical care.

$5,200,000

Motor Vehicle Collison – Traumatic Brain Injury – Motor Vehicle Accidents

$5,200,000

Recovered on behalf of the young woman who sustained catastrophic injuries when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer truck while on the job. A workers' compensation claim was made as well as a liability claim against the at-fault trucking company. The settlement funds allow the plaintiff to live in a residential living facility for individuals with a traumatic brain.

$4,500,000

Negligent Highway Construction Spinal Cord Injury – Construction Accidents

$4,500,000

Recovered on behalf of a high school senior who was rendered a quadriplegic as a result of a rollover accident that occurred on I 40 in Iredell County, North Carolina. Our firm retained experts in the field of highway construction, accident reconstruction, life care planning and economics. The successful claim was made against the highway construction company based upon allegations that the construction work had created a lane shift with a significant drop off which caused our client's vehicle to roll over. Through extensive discovery, our firm learned of multiple other accidents that had occurred in the same location in previous months before the accident and that defendants were aware of the dangerous condition prior to the accident but took no steps to correct it. The case settled prior to trial.

Areas of Focus