Car accidents caused by drunk drivers are entirely preventable. However, there are still people regularly getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink. The amount of alcohol it takes for someone to reach the legal limit depends on a variety of facts including gender, weight, and recency and the amount of food that has been consumed. Often, people believe they are still able to drive and yet they actually above the legal limit. Unfortunately, this mistake can have insurmountable consequences.
When an individual chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking, they are endangering the lives of everyone sharing the roads with them. Sadly there are not many ways to protect yourself against drunk drivers other than always wearing a seat belt and being cautious of the drivers around you.
The effects of a North Carolina drunk driving accident can be devastating. Long term injuries may be endured that can put you out of work or even worse, permanently disable you. If you have been involved in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, it is essential to call the police immediately. Upon arrival, the police may administer the at-fault driver a sobriety test on the scene.
In North Carolina drivers over the age of 21 are considered legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol level is .08 or higher. Drivers under 21 are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .01 or more. Drivers of commercial vehicles (i.e. bus drivers) are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .04 or higher. It is important to educate yourself and others on the dangers and consequences of driving while intoxicated.
There may also be a claim against the server of the alcohol in addition to the drunk driver. The attorneys at Wallace Pierce law can help walk you through a potential claim against a Dram Shop owner if the intoxicated driver was under-aged or had been over-served by a licensed dram shop.
If you have been the injured by a drunk driver, the attorneys at Wallace Pierce Law are ready to speak to you about your injuries and potential claims. Many questions arise when you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident that may add to the value of your settlement. What if the at-fault driver had previous DWI convictions? What if they had a suspended license? These are all factors your NC personal injury lawyer will consider when building your injury claim.
Contact Wallace Pierce Law today to arrange a free consultation.