There is no excuse for a DUI accident in Hickory, yet they continue to destroy people’s lives. Data from the North Carolina DMV indicates that 36 people suffered injuries in DUI accidents in Hickory in 2023. That same year, Catawba County as a whole recorded three fatal DUI accidents and 156 crashes with non-fatal injuries. If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, you deserve justice, accountability, and compensation for what happened. Let Ted A. Greve & Associates demand it.
As a DUI accident lawyer and doctor serving Hickory, Ted A. Greve has in-depth knowledge of both the legal and medical issues involved in these cases. Our testimonials highlight our determination on our clients’ behalf, and we don’t charge any upfront fees to avoid adding to your financial stress. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Understanding DUI Accidents in Hickory, NC
Not only is drunk driving illegal under North Carolina law, but it’s also a clear example of negligence or even recklessness that puts other people in danger. You have the right to seek compensation from a driver who caused a DUI accident and injured you.
Drunk drivers are not the only ones who may be liable for accidents, though. For example, state law forbids bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other businesses from selling alcohol to someone who is already intoxicated. A business that sold alcohol to an underage or already intoxicated patron could be partly liable for your injuries.
Drunk driving accidents in Hickory and Catawba County come in many forms, such as:
- Rear-end collisions due to drunk drivers not stopping in time to avoid hitting cars in front of them
- Head-on collisions due to drunk drivers swerving into the path of oncoming traffic
- Sideswipe collisions due to drunk drivers veering into cars next to them.
- T-Bone collisions due to drunk drivers ignoring stop signs or traffic lights and colliding with cars coming from different directions
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents caused by drunk drivers not seeing vulnerable road users in their path or falling asleep at the wheel
Why You Need a DUI Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, recovering fair compensation after a DUI accident isn’t always as simple as it should be. Even if the other driver was clearly responsible for the collision, their insurance company may still try to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you.
Moreover, you can’t win your case simply by alleging the other driver was drunk. Rather, you’ll need evidence to prove they were impaired and that their actions directly caused your injuries. This evidence might include breathalyzer results, police reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements, and it could be difficult to recover on your own.
You will also need to establish the financial and personal costs you’ve incurred and for which you deserve compensation. Documenting these losses requires additional evidence, such as medical evaluations, repair estimates, financial records, and future cost projections.
Fortunately, you do not have to do all this yourself. Instead, you can turn to an experienced DUI lawyer in Hickory for help. They can build and pursue your claims on your behalf, giving you time to focus on resting and getting better.
How Our DUI Accident Lawyers Can Assist You
Our job as DUI accident lawyers is simple: to uphold your rights and help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. We can pursue these goals by:
- Conducting a detailed investigation of the accident – Our team will gather critical evidence to prove how the crash occurred. If needed, we’ll work with accident reconstruction experts to clearly show how the drunk driver caused your injuries.
- Securing proof that the other driver was impaired – We’ll act fast to obtain BAC test results, field sobriety records, and any available dashcam or bodycam footage that might support your case. This evidence is key in drunk driving cases and can disappear quickly without swift legal action.
- Dealing with the insurance companies for you – You shouldn’t have to fight for fair treatment while you’re trying to get better. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance adjusters, push back against lowball offers, and demand that they take your claim seriously.
- Fighting for maximum compensation – We’ll document all the ways the crash has affected your life and explore whether you may be entitled to punitive damages, which could significantly increase your claim’s value.
- Taking your case to court as necessary – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’ll be ready to take your case to trial and present a robust case to the judge or jury.
Pursuing Compensation for Your Damages
A DUI accident lawyer in Hickory can make sure your claim accounts for all the harm you’ve suffered, including compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses related to the crash
- Lost income while you heal
- Reduced future earnings due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property
Understanding the Legal Process
The DUI accident claim process begins with a free consultation with an experienced attorney. During this meeting, we’ll review your case and advise you on your rights. If you decide to work with us, we’ll investigate the crash, collect evidence, and review your medical records to fully understand your claim’s worth. From there, we’ll send a demand letter to the drunk driver’s insurance provider. This letter outlines why the other driver is liable for your injuries and the compensation you’re demanding. The amount in your demand letter sets the baseline for settlement negotiations.
While most successful DUI accident cases are settled before they go to trial, we always prepare for this contingency. Should the insurer fail to make you a fair offer, we’ll handle discovery, take depositions, and present your case to the judge or jury. We will not rest in our pursuit of the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates Today
A DUI accident in Hickory doesn’t need to define your life. Ted A. Greve & Associates can help you recover the money you need to heal and move forward. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Hickory DUI accident attorney.
