Fatal DUI Accidents

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in North Carolina and the United States. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 11,000 DUI fatalities across the United States in 2020 alone. And approximately 450 of these fatal DUI accidents occurred in North Carolina.

At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our dedicated team of personal injury and wrongful death lawyers have a long history of aggressively representing the interests of families who lost loved ones in impaired driving accidents. We understand the grief and frustration you are experiencing and will continue to experience for years to come, and we’re here to help you hold the at-fault driver financially responsible for your loss.

The NHTSA is one of several government agencies responsible for keeping track of all DUI accident data. According to the most recently available data from the NHTSA, in North Carolina, there were 1,538 traffic fatalities in 2020. Of those, 536 accidents involved a driver with at least some alcohol in their system, and 454 accidents involved a driver who was legally intoxicated with a blood-alcohol content of over .08. This means that well over a third of all fatal car accidents in North Carolina involved a driver who had consumed alcohol.

Each year, drunk drivers claim hundreds of lives, impacting thousands of friends, family members and other loved ones. For the grieving families left behind, the pain is not only emotional but also financial, as they often face mounting medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of income. Pursuing a wrongful death claim can be a means for these victims to find some semblance of justice and financial relief.

However, the thought of pursuing a North Carolina wrongful death claim may understandably feel overwhelming, given what you’ve been through. Below is a list of things to keep in mind that can make the recovery process more streamlined.

Immediately Report the Accident: The scene of the accident is vital for collecting evidence. Report the accident to law enforcement immediately, ensuring that the DUI driver is tested for impairment. Obtaining photographs, surveillance footage, and witness statements is also essential.

Medical Documentation: Even if the victim has tragically passed away, it's crucial to maintain detailed records of any medical treatments they received before their death, as these can help establish the severity of the accident and the direct link between the DUI and the fatality.

Hire an Experienced Attorney: Wrongful death claims can be complicated, especially when DUI is involved. An attorney experienced in North Carolina DUI and wrongful death cases will be knowledgeable about the state-specific nuances of the law, helping to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Filing the Claim Promptly: North Carolina has a statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. Generally, the claim must be filed within two years of the victim’s death. Thus, it's crucial not to delay this process.

Establish Negligence: To win a wrongful death claim, a grieving family must prove that their loved one’s death resulted from the other driver’s negligence. Thus, in DUI cases, proving that the driver was impaired and that this impairment directly led to the accident is crucial.

Determine Damages: Compensation in wrongful death cases may cover funeral expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other related costs. The dedicated North Carolina wrongful death lawyers at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, can help families identify the full extent of their damages to ensure they are fairly compensated for their loss.

If you recently lost a loved one in a DUI accident, it is important that you take the time to understand your rights and what options you have to hold the drunk or drugged driver accountable for your loss. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our team of experienced attorneys routinely handles all types of Charlotte car accident cases, including those involving fatal DUI accidents. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients, during which we can answer your questions and provide you with an overview of the recovery process. To learn more about how the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC can help you seek justice for your family’s loss, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach our Cabarrus County injury attorneys at 704-918-4747. We represent clients in Kannapolis and Concord, as well as in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, and Union Counties.