Drunk Driving Injury Cases in NC

North Carolina car accidents can result in death, severe spinal and brain injuries, broken bones and emotional stress. According to WRAL, in 2010 there were 500 alcohol-related crashes in NC. Driving drunk is notoriously dangerous and still drivers make poor decisions. High blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) means drivers are at a higher risk of vehicular death and car accident injuries.

NC drunk driving laws are some of the most severe in the US. The ‘Booze It & Lose It' campaign took place recently. The campaign rolls out a series of check points across NC with the goal of removing impaired drivers from the roads.

DUI and DWI Laws in NC

Sadly, every injury and death due to drunk driving is preventable. In NC, there are laws in place that suspend and revoke drivers' licenses for those who drive drunk. There is also jail time, fines, and eventual impoundment of vehicles.

A driver who is being charged with driving intoxicated must agree to a blood or breath analysis test. Refusal of this test results in an automatic 30-day license revocation with a potential of being extended to a year. For first-time convictions, anyone with a BAC rate of .08% or higher will:

• Have their license taken away for one year
  Pay up to a $2,000 fine
  Spend at least one day in jail (up to 2 years)
  Be required to complete 24 hours of community service

For second DWI convictions, drivers will:

• Pay up to $1,000 fine
  Spend at least 1 week in jail (up to 1 year)
  Face limited driving privileges in certain situations

For third DWI convictions, drivers will:

• Face permanent and mandatory revocation of their license if the convictions are less than 5 years apart
  Pay up to $2,000 fine
  Spend at least 2 weeks in jail (up to 2 years)

For fourth DWI convictions, drivers will:

• Face permanent and mandatory revocation of their license
  Be charged with a felony if prior convictions occurred within 7 years
  Spend at least 1 year in prison (up to 3 years)
  Pay a fine determined by the courts

Car accident attorneys in Raleigh with Brent Adams & Associates help people who have been injured in drunk driving crashes. Our lawyers work with families who face high medical bills, lost wages and severe pain and suffering because of accidents due to drunk drivers' negligence.