North Carolina Drunk Driving Injury Attorney
Hit by a drunk driver? We help victims across North Carolina fight for justice and full compensation.
Being injured in a car accident is traumatic enough—but knowing it was caused by someone who chose to drive drunk adds another layer of frustration and pain. If you or a loved one was hurt in a drunk driving accident in North Carolina, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional suffering.
At RHD Legal, we hold intoxicated drivers accountable. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have helped countless victims of DWI-related crashes get the justice they deserve.
Understanding Drunk Driving Laws in North Carolina
In North Carolina, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any amount of alcohol is prohibited.
Drunk drivers who cause accidents can face:
Criminal charges (including jail time and license suspension)
Civil liability for any injuries and damages they cause
Victims don’t have to wait for a criminal conviction to file a personal injury claim.
What To Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you were injured by a DWI driver in North Carolina, taking the right steps immediately afterward can help protect your health—and your legal case.
Seek medical attention
Even if you feel fine, internal injuries and whiplash may not be immediately apparent.Call the police and report the accident
Let the officers know if you suspect the other driver is under the influence.Document the scene
Take photos, gather witness information, and note details like the driver’s behavior.Request a copy of the police report
It may contain evidence such as breathalyzer results or field sobriety tests.Speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer
Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and cheaply—protect your rights by consulting a professional.
RHD Legal – Fighting for You.
Contact a DWI Injury Lawyer in North Carolina Today
Your Legal Options After a DWI Accident
Victims of drunk driving crashes in North Carolina have several legal avenues to pursue compensation:
Personal Injury Lawsuit
You can file a civil claim against the drunk driver to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Punitive Damages
Unlike most personal injury cases in NC, the $250,000 cap on punitive damages does not apply in drunk driving cases. You may be awarded additional compensation meant to punish the at-fault driver and deter future misconduct.
Dram Shop Liability
Under North Carolina’s dram shop laws, bars or restaurants that overserve visibly intoxicated or underage individuals may be held partially liable for the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the drunk driver has no insurance—or not enough to cover your damages—you may be able to collect from your own policy through UM/UIM coverage.
Practice Areas
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If your case is successful, you may recover compensation for:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Every case is unique. Our legal team will evaluate your damages and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in North Carolina Today
Auto accidents are never easy, but getting legal help should be. Whether your case is simple or complex, our team at RHD Legal is ready to help you take the next step. We offer free consultations and compassionate support, backed by years of legal experience.
Why Choose RHD Legal for a DWI Injury Case?
When you’re injured, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. At RHD Legal, we’re more than legal representation—we’re your dedicated support team.
Personalized Attention
You’re never just a case number. We take the time to understand your story and fight for what matters most to you.
Trusted by Attorneys
Our work earns referrals from other lawyers who know we deliver results with integrity and professionalism.
Clear, Compassionate Communication
We keep you informed at every step, so you always know where your case stands and what comes next.
Relentless Advocacy
We don’t back down. We fight hard to secure the best possible outcome—because your recovery deserves nothing less.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Injuries in North Carolina
Yes. A civil personal injury claim is separate from any criminal proceedings. You don’t have to wait for the criminal case to be resolved before pursuing your own compensation.
Absolutely. In fact, North Carolina does not cap punitive damages in cases involving impaired driving. These damages are meant to punish the drunk driver and send a strong message.
If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or carries only minimal coverage, you may still recover compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy.
North Carolina normally caps punitive damages at $250,000, but this cap does not apply to cases involving impaired driving. That means drunk driving victims can potentially recover uncapped punitive damages.
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina. However, acting sooner improves your chances of success and gives your attorney more time to build a strong case.
Yes. Insurance companies will often offer lowball settlements or try to avoid paying punitive damages. A skilled attorney can negotiate aggressively, protect your rights, and pursue maximum compensation—including from third parties like bars or your own insurer.
What to Expect When You Work with RHD Legal
Your Free, No-Pressure Consultation
We start by listening. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your rights. There’s no cost, no obligation—just clarity and guidance when you need it most.
Clear Commitment & Onboarding
If we’re a good fit, we make it official. Our team walks you through every step of hiring RHD Legal, ensuring you fully understand the process, paperwork, and path forward. You focus on healing—we’ll handle the legal side.
Fighting Alongside You
Once we take your case, you’re never alone. Our legal team works aggressively to build your case, deal with the insurance companies, and protect your rights—keeping you informed every step of the way.
Pursuing the Justice You Deserve
Whether through settlement or trial, we pursue the best possible outcome for your case. We don’t just aim to win—we fight to deliver real results that help you move forward with confidence.
What Our Client's
Have to Say
At RHD Legal, every testimonial is more than kind words—it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Hearing how we’ve made a difference in someone’s life fuels our commitment to fight for every client with care, integrity, and determination.
"So nice to be able to recommend a trustworthy firm. They all work hard for the client and really listen to your concerns. I appreciate having the process and expectations clearly laid out. Highly recommend."
"We have truly enjoyed working with RDH Legal. They were very professional and helpful with all our questions and needs. They also made us feel important and we never felt as if we were not informed about the whole process. I definitely would recommend them to everyone. Thank you for all you did."
I can’t say enough nice things about this firm! Richard is a fantastic attorney - knowledgeable, honest, and professional. The staff is top notch. Kayla is friendly and helpful, and Sarah is an amazing paralegal - thorough, knowledgeable, and she doesn’t miss a thing. And on top of all this, they all truly care about their clients. You’re not just a number to them. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Wonderful team!! Kayla was so helpful and supportive. Truly couldn't have done it without them. Would highly recommend!! 100/10
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- Working Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Saturday: 10.00 AM – 2.00 PM
Sunday: Closed
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