Alcohol impacts several essential skills motorists need to drive safely, including their judgment, vision, and reaction time.
Due to these impairments, drunk drivers are more likely to cause accidents than sober drivers.
If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the drunk driving accident attorneys at Kreger Brodish LLP understand your anger and frustration.
You shouldn’t suffer because of someone else’s irresponsible, selfish, and dangerous driving decision. We will work hard to hold the drunk driver accountable for your injuries and accident-related losses.
Don’t wait another moment to demand the justice you deserve.
Whether your crash happened near the busy US-15/501 corridor around Shannon Road in Southwest Durham or in the heart of Downtown Durham near E. Main Street, our legal team will work hard to hold the drunk driver accountable.
Visit Kreger Brodish LLP’s Durham Office
5003 Southpark Drive
Suite 200. Durham, NC 27713
While our office is located in South Durham near I-40, we represent crash victims throughout Durham and the surrounding communities.
We are easily accessible via major routes such as NC-147 and US-15/501, making appointments convenient whether you are coming from Downtown Durham near the Durham County Judicial Center, Southpoint, the Southwest Durham US-15/501 corridor around Shannon Plaza and University Hill, or elsewhere in Durham County.
Meet Our Durham Attorneys
Tom Kreger
Tom focuses his practice on personal injury law, including car and drunk-driving accident claims.
Tom has experience in both the legal and insurance industries, giving him insight into how injury claims are evaluated and handled. He graduated with honors and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina.
Ben Brodish
Attorney Ben Brodish focuses his practice on personal injury matters, including drunk-driving accident cases throughout Durham.
He earned his J.D. from Campbell Law School and is a member of the Durham County Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association, and Wake County Bar Association.
Recent Case Results
Confidential Settlement for Wrongful Death Caused by Drunk Driver
When our client’s son was tragically killed by a drunk driver, our law firm was retained to help secure compensation for his medical bills, funeral expenses, and other damages. We fought for the maximum recovery available, and we were able to secure a significant settlement.
Policy Limits Settlement
After our client was seriously injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, she sought our help to be sure the driver was held accountable for her medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
After our drunk driving accident lawyers stepped in, we were successfully able to obtain for our client the maximum policy limits available from the drunk driver’s insurance carrier.
What Our Clients Say
Over 230 Google Reviews
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I’ve had the best possible experience working with this firm, specifically with Indi.
The best decision I made when I got in my accident was calling Indi. She walked me through the process to a point where I had no questions and knew exactly what to expect. Timeframe wise it was a fairly quick resolve and settlement.
I will always be grateful for the work Indi did for me. She is my go-to and I’ve referred her to many that have needed someone reliable, professional and passionate!
– Brittany Cheri
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I was involved in an accident almost 3 years ago.
The insurance didn’t want to pay anything to me so I contacted Kreger Brodish. When Ben contacted me he was very professional. There is a lot of work that has to be done and with him doing everything with workers comp and the insurance company he saved me time.
He always stayed on top of both and gave it his all. I was always contacting him and his staff for updates or questions and someone always answered back in a timely manner.
I hope I never need to do this again but for some reason I do I will be contacting Kreger Brodish LLP.
– Jeremy Lunsford
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I personal recommend this law firm i have worked with them for awhile do to be hit in a car accident and let me tell you they really will do what is best for you and explain everything along the way and help as much as possible and shows the care I truly appreciate everything the team did for me again team thanks so much for helping me !!!!!
– Danielle Calton
What to Do If You Have Been Hit by a Drunk Driver
If a drunk driver hits you, take as many of the following steps as possible to protect your rights and interests:
Call 911
After any accident; you should call 911. A police officer will respond to the accident scene. They can evaluate whether the other driver is impaired.
Gather information
Take photos and videos of the accident and the overall scene.
Don’t try to interact with the drunk driver or other intoxicated individuals if they become agitated or aggressive. However, you should talk to any witnesses and get their names, phone numbers, and addresses.
Seek medical care
Get medical care as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Prompt medical attention is vital for your health and safety and for proving your compensation claim.
Be careful with your words
Do not apologize or take responsibility for the accident.
Your words could be used to damage your compensation claim. Be wary of insurance companies who call you immediately after the accident “just to check on you.” Insurance companies save money by denying and minimizing claims.
They may trick you into saying something that gets them off the hook.
Consult a Durham drunk driving accident attorney
Drunk driving accidents are more complex than the average fender-bender. Consult an experienced drunk driving accident attorney to help you fight for your rights and interests.
Drunk Driving Laws in North Carolina
Driving while noticeably impaired in North Carolina or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal.
The legal limit for motorists under 21 and commercial motor vehicle drivers is 0.04 percent.
Under North Carolina law, a vendor that knowingly sells alcohol to an underage or intoxicated person may be held liable for harm that person does to a third party.
In other words, a bartender or liquor store owner who sells alcohol to a drunk person could be held responsible for accident injuries that the person causes.
If you have any questions about North Carolina’s drunk driving accident laws, know that our car accident lawyers are standing by to assist.
Penalties and Liability in North Carolina Drunk Driving Accidents
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 450 traffic fatalities in North Carolina involved a drunk driver in one recent year.
These drunk driving accidents make up 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state. The state aims to limit these preventable tragedies by imposing criminal and civil legal consequences on drunk drivers who cause accidents.
In North Carolina, drunk drivers who are convicted of the crime of driving while intoxicated (DWI) face the following consequences depending on their level of offense:
- A fine ranging from $200 to $4,000
- Jail sentence of 24 hours to two years
- 24 to 72 hours of community service
- Substance abuse assessment and treatment
- License revocation
- Vehicle forfeiture
Separate from the criminal case; drunk drivers can also be liable civilly for damages to anyone they injure. Accident victims can pursue compensation by filing a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company or a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Civil personal injury cases arising from Durham collisions may be handled through the Durham County court system, including the Durham County Courthouse at 510 S. Dillard St. Having attorneys who is familiar with the local civil court system can help you understand the legal process and navigate your claim.
While criminal and civil cases are distinct, a criminal conviction against the drunk driver could help your civil case.
A DWI conviction may provide important evidence of the driver’s negligence in a related civil case. However, a criminal conviction is not required for civil liability. Someone can be found not guilty of drunk driving while still liable for an accident.
These nuances can be challenging to understand independently, so contact a Durham drunk driving accident lawyer for assistance.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
By pursuing a claim or lawsuit against the driver, our drunk driving accident attorneys may be able to assist you in recovering damages for the following accident-related losses:
- Past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and medical equipment
- Lost wages from time missed at work due to your injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Auto accident victims whose cases go to court may also be awarded punitive damages for particularly wrongful acts.
Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar wrongful acts.
To be awarded punitive damages under North Carolina law, the victim must prove with clear and compelling evidence that the defendant is liable for compensatory damages and that their conduct involved fraud, malice, or willful or wanton conduct.
While the law caps punitive damages in most civil cases, cases involving drunk driving are excluded from this cap.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Durham Today
If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the experienced drunk driving accident attorneys at Kreger Brodish LLP could fight to hold the drunk driver accountable for their negligent actions.
We can handle the complex, confusing legal process on your behalf so that you can focus on your health and well-being.
Contact our Durham personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
