When someone gets behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs, they put lives at risk. DWI accidents leave a trail of pain—physical injuries, emotional trauma, financial stress, and, in the worst cases, the loss of a loved one. These wrecks are entirely preventable, which makes them all the more devastating.
At Sheffron Law Firm, P.A., we stand with victims and families impacted by drunk or drugged drivers. If you or someone close to you has been harmed in a DWI crash, we’re here to help you hold the responsible party accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.
Why Driving While Impaired Is So Dangerous
Driving under the influence slows reaction time, clouds judgment, and makes it harder to focus. That’s a deadly combination on the road. Alcohol and drugs affect a driver’s ability to stay in their lane, judge distance, or make safe decisions at intersections.
In North Carolina, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, impairment can begin well before that limit is reached. Whether someone is over the legal limit or under the influence of drugs, whether legal or illegal, they’re more likely to cause serious harm.
DWI accidents often involve:
- High-speed collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Wrong-way driving
These frequently aren’t minor fender benders. They are violent, high-impact crashes that can change lives in an instant.
Your Legal Options After a DWI Accident
If you’ve been injured in a DWI accident, it’s important to know that the criminal case isn’t your only option. While the state may bring charges against the impaired driver, that process doesn’t cover your injuries, your bills, or the hardship your family may be facing.
We help victims file civil personal injury claims to recover damages directly from the at-fault driver or other responsible parties. In some cases, bars, restaurants, or other establishments may share liability under North Carolina’s dram shop laws if they served alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated or underage.
If you lost a family member due to a drunk driver, you may also have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims can help provide some financial security in the face of an overwhelming loss.
Pursuing a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim
A personal injury claim allows you to recover damages when someone else’s reckless actions caused you harm. In a DWI crash, common injuries may include:
- Brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones or orthopedic trauma
- Burns and scarring
- Emotional injuries like PTSD
Wrongful death claims are filed by close family members after a fatal crash. These lawsuits can cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional toll of losing someone.
North Carolina has strict deadlines: generally three years from the date of the injury for a personal injury claim or two years from the date of death for a wrongful death claim. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to file a claim.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
We work to make sure clients get full and fair compensation. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Mental and emotional distress
- Funeral and burial costs in fatal cases
- Punitive damages, in some DWI cases, to punish the wrongdoer
Every case is different, and we’ll take the time to understand how this accident has affected your life, so we can fight for what you’re truly owed.
How We Can Help You Move Forward
At Sheffron Law, P.A., we investigate the crash, gather police reports, review toxicology results, work with your doctors, and handle conversations with the insurance companies. We build strong cases that reflect the real harm you’ve suffered.
Some cases settle quickly, while others require courtroom litigation. In either case, we’re with you every step of the way. Our firm serves clients in Columbus, Hendersonville, and across North Carolina.
Contact Our Experienced Columbus & Hendersonville DWI Accidents Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a DWI accident, contact us today. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case. At Sheffron Law Firm, P.A., we fight for accountability and fair compensation because drunk driving should never go unanswered.