Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Raleigh

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Raleigh

Few events are as devastating and senseless as an accident caused by an intoxicated driver. In Raleigh and throughout North Carolina, families continue to suffer life-altering injuries and losses because someone chose to get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Victims are often left with enormous medical bills, lost income, and lasting pain—while also grappling with the knowledge that their tragedy was completely preventable.

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our experienced drunk driving accident lawyer Raleigh NC law firm is on top of it when it comes to pursuing justice for victims and families. With decades of combined experience, we know how to hold drunk drivers and the businesses or individuals who enable them fully accountable.

The Scope of Drunk Driving in North Carolina

Drunk and drug-impaired driving remains a serious problem across the state. According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, there were 11,860 alcohol-related crashes in North Carolina during 2022, causing 452 deaths and 5,249 injuries. In Wake County, law enforcement agencies regularly report impaired driving arrests and crashes along major routes such as I-40, I-440, and Capital Boulevard.

But impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Increasingly, drivers are found to be under the influence of prescription medications, marijuana, or other drugs. Both alcohol and drug impairment slow reaction times, reduce coordination, and impair judgment—creating lethal dangers on the road.

Drunk Driving in Raleigh

Raleigh’s growing population, nightlife, and busy roads make it a hotspot for impaired driving. Popular entertainment districts, such as Glenwood South and Hillsborough Street near NC State University, as well as downtown bars, experience heavy weekend traffic. Unfortunately, some patrons choose to drive after drinking, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Major highways are frequent sites of alcohol-related crashes. By holding negligent drivers and establishments accountable, victims not only secure justice for themselves but also help deter future tragedies in the community.

Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings After a DWI Crash

Under North Carolina law, driving while impaired (DWI) is defined as operating a vehicle while under the influence of an impairing substance. This includes having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for most drivers, 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers, or any alcohol concentration for drivers under 21. Impairment also covers being under the influence of drugs, whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal, if those substances affect a driver’s ability to operate safely.

When a driver is arrested for driving while impaired (DWI), they will face criminal prosecution under North Carolina law. Criminal penalties may include jail time, fines, probation, license suspension, and mandatory treatment.

However, criminal cases do not provide compensation to victims. That is where civil claims come in. A drunk driving accident attorney in Raleigh can file a lawsuit on behalf of victims to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Even if the criminal case does not result in a conviction, the civil case can still succeed because it uses a lower burden of proof.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving crashes are often severe because impaired drivers may speed, drive the wrong way, or fail to brake. Victims may suffer catastrophic injuries such as:

These injuries can require lifelong care and leave families facing overwhelming financial and emotional challenges.

Why Choose Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Your DWI Accident Case

Families across North Carolina choose Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers because we are relentless advocates who care deeply about our clients. With over 150 years of combined experience, we know how to build strong cases against drunk drivers and negligent establishments.

Our clients know we are always on top of it—investigating every detail, pursuing every legal option, and fighting for maximum compensation. We offer free consultations and contingency-fee representation, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents

The intoxicated driver is the most obvious party responsible for a crash, but liability may extend further in certain situations.

The Drunk Driver

Drunk or drug-impaired drivers can be held civilly liable for the harm they cause. This includes both compensatory damages (medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering) and, in some cases, punitive damages meant to punish reckless behavior.

Intoxicated Commercial Drivers

When a commercial driver—such as a truck driver, delivery driver, or bus operator—causes a crash while impaired, their employer may also be held liable. Companies can be held accountable if they fail to properly screen drivers, ignore safety violations, or allow a driver with a history of substance abuse to remain on the road.

Social Host Liability

Under North Carolina’s social host laws, individuals who serve alcohol to minors at a party or gathering may be liable if the underage guest drives drunk and causes a crash. Parents, homeowners, or party hosts can face civil liability alongside the intoxicated driver.

Dram Shop Liability

North Carolina’s dram shop law holds bars, restaurants, and other establishments responsible if they serve alcohol to an underage person or to someone who is “visibly intoxicated.” If that individual later causes a drunk driving accident, the establishment may share liability for the injuries.

Underage Drunk Drivers

When an underage driver causes a crash after drinking, both the driver and those who provided them alcohol may face liability. Parents may also face claims if they allowed a teen access to alcohol.

By exploring all possible sources of liability, a knowledgeable DWI accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC can help victims recover the full compensation they deserve.

Proving Negligence in a Drunk Driving Case

To succeed in a civil claim, victims must establish that the drunk driver or another party acted negligently. This generally involves showing:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant had a responsibility to act safely (such as obeying traffic laws or not serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person).
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant failed in that duty by driving impaired, overserving alcohol, or otherwise acting negligently.
  • Causation: The defendant’s breach directly caused the accident and injuries.
  • Damages: The victim suffered measurable harm such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Evidence may include police reports, breathalyzer or toxicology results, eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, and expert accident reconstruction.

Damages Available in Drunk Driving Accident Cases

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Raleigh may recover a wide range of damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care.
  • Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and diminished future earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles and personal items.
  • Loss of Consortium: For spouses deprived of companionship and support.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the drunk driver and deter future behavior.

Special Considerations: Drug-Impaired Driving

While alcohol is the most common cause of impaired driving accidents, drugs—both legal and illegal—also play a significant role. Prescription medications that cause drowsiness, marijuana, and illegal narcotics can all impair driving ability. In some cases, drivers may combine alcohol and drugs, increasing impairment.

Drug-impaired driving cases may require additional evidence, such as toxicology reports, expert testimony, and medical records. A knowledgeable drunk driving accident attorney can help build a strong case by demonstrating the driver’s impairment and its role in causing the crash.

Wrongful Death in Drunk Driving Accidents

Tragically, many drunk driving accidents in Raleigh result in fatalities. Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

In North Carolina, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate within two years of the date of death. Because this statute of limitations is strictly enforced, it is critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

The Role of a Raleigh Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

A well-versed DWI accident attorney plays a significant role in securing justice for victims of drunk and drug-impaired drivers.

Investigation of Your DWI Crash

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand that every case is unique and requires careful attention. Our team conducts thorough investigations to uncover all liable parties, whether that means the impaired driver, a negligent employer who allowed a commercial driver to operate while intoxicated, or a bar that overserved alcohol. We gather critical evidence, including medical records, accident reports, toxicology results, and expert testimony, to build the strongest possible case.

Your Point of Contact with Insurance Companies

We also take on the burden of communicating with insurance companies and opposing counsel so families can focus on healing. Our DWI accident lawyers pursue maximum compensation through settlement negotiations, but we never settle for less than what clients deserve. When necessary, we take cases to trial.

Exploring All Avenues for Compensation

We also explore dram shop and social host liability to expand recovery opportunities and provide compassionate guidance to families managing trauma and loss. Our Raleigh drunk driving accident lawyers prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, giving us leverage in negotiations and ensuring we are ready to fight for full justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents

Do I need a DWI conviction in criminal court to win my DWI accident civil case?

No. A criminal conviction is not required for you to succeed in a civil drunk driving lawsuit.

Criminal and civil cases operate under different standards. In criminal court, prosecutors must prove the driver’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a very high burden of proof. In civil court, however, you only need to show by a “preponderance of the evidence” that the driver’s intoxication caused your injuries—meaning it is more likely than not.

Many families find comfort in knowing that they still have a path to justice even when the criminal process does not provide closure.

Can I sue a bar or restaurant that over-served the driver?

Yes. North Carolina’s dram shop law allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, and other establishments accountable if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage and that individual later caused a crash.

For example, if a bartender continued serving drinks to a customer who was clearly impaired and that customer drove away and injured someone on I-40, the establishment may share liability for the harm. Your Raleigh DWI accident attorney can investigate these details and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Are punitive damages available in drunk driving accident cases?

Yes. In North Carolina, courts may award punitive damages in cases where the responsible party’s conduct was especially reckless or showed a willful disregard for the safety of others. Drunk driving often meets this threshold because choosing to get behind the wheel while intoxicated is a conscious decision that endangers everyone on the road. 

Unlike compensatory damages—which are designed to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. In drunk driving cases, punitive damages can significantly increase the value of a claim and provide victims with a greater sense of justice. A skilled Raleigh drunk driving accident lawyer can assess whether punitive damages may apply in your case and present substantial evidence to support them.

Call Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Raleigh Law Firm Today

Drunk and drug-impaired driving accidents are preventable tragedies. When they occur, victims deserve justice, accountability, and full compensation for their losses. You should not have to face the medical, financial, and emotional burdens of a DWI collision alone. Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers is on top of it.

To request a free consultation with our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers in Raleigh, NC, contact our law firm online. You can also reach our attorneys by phone at (252) 777-2222.