Raleigh Intoxicated Driving Accident Injury Attorney

Evidence and Proving Intoxicated Driving in Auto Accident Cases in North Carolina

Accidents involving driving under the influence (DWI) cases can be tricky to prove to some extent because you need to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the driver was intoxicated. Fortunately, you can use evidence allowed by the court in the criminal case. Further, you can do so even before the criminal trial has been conducted; although, obtaining this evidence will have to been done through the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. 

Keep in mind, however, that you need to prove not that the other driver was intoxicated but that the driver was at fault for the accident––and it was the intoxication that caused it. Evidence you can submit in a civil case can include but is not limited to:

• Police reports
• Evidence of driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) (breath, blood, or urine tests)
• Eyewitness testimony 
• Surveillance footage from nearby cameras
• Photographs of the scene
• Accident reconstruction reports
• Testimony of people who witnessed the other driver drinking and becoming intoxicated
• Testimony from the adverse party 

Also, keep in mind that even if the alleged intoxicated driver is found not guilty of a DWI, that may not matter in your civil case. As mentioned above, the burden of proof is by a preponderance of the evidence in most civil cases, and in criminal cases, the standard is a much higher one: beyond a reasonable doubt. DWI defendants may get off on a technicality, but the same may not apply in a civil case.

Compensation from Intoxicated Driving Accidents in North Carolina

Compensation is intended to make a victim of an accident “whole” (or as much as possible) after the losses they sustain as a result of the accident. A victim of an intoxicated driving accident may be eligible for different forms of compensation that involve both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages may include but are not limited to medical bills to treat the victim and any costs to repair or replace the vehicle. If the auto accident victim misses work as a result of their injuries, then they can demand lost wages, among other things.

It is also possible for accident victims to be compensated for the pain and suffering that they experience as a result of their injuries. These sorts of damages are less concrete, but the general rule is that the worse an injury is, the higher the dollar figure for pain and suffering could be.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in North Carolina with DWI Accident Experience

At Posch Law Firm, we understand the laws applicable to your case and will be able to help you fight for maximum compensation for your injuries. We also have experience assessing similar claims and will be able to help ensure that you do not take a settlement offer that inadequately compensates you.

In addition, when considering insurance companies, an attorney is an asset. Insurance companies are businesses and do not represent your interests, even when you are their client. They live and breathe profit. Paying out the least amount as possible is their ultimate mission. Hiring an intoxicated driving accident attorney from Posch Law Firm ensures that you have an experienced partner in your corner to represent and fight for your interests. Call us today at (910) 817-6284 to schedule a Free Consultation.