Negligent Behavior
Drunk Drivers
In the year 2000, the NHTSA reported that 40 percent of all fatal car accidents in the US were alcohol-related, and 8% of the total car accidents that year involved drunk drivers. The NHTSA defines a car accident as being alcohol-related if either a driver or a non-occupant had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 grams per deciliter (g/dl) or greater in a police-reported car crash. Persons with a BAC of 0.10 g/dl or greater are considered intoxicated, and this is the legal limit of intoxication in most states.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer for a DWI Accident?
North Carolina is known for its much tougher standards when it comes to alcohol and driving. It is illegal in the state of North Carolina to drive a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. In 2003, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol arrested 50,000 people for DWI. North Carolina's driving while impaired (DWI) laws make punishment more severe for any impaired driver, and are particularly harsh on repeat offenders. In addition, the state of North Carolina has a zero tolerance policy for commercial vehicle operators. It is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle in the state with a BAC above 0.00 g/dl. If you are involved in an auto accident as a result of another's drunk driving, the law is on your side in North Carolina.
According to the NHTSA, nearly 94 million car trips were made by drivers with BAC levels of .08 or higher in 2001, and 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, more than all other reported criminal offenses combines, excluding theft and larceny (Source: NHTSA, National Survey of Drinking and Driving Attitudes and Behavior, 2001). One-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of DWI each year are repeat offenders.
Speeding
Speeding - exceeding the posted speed limit, driving too fast for road conditions, or racing with other vehicles - is defined by the NHTSA as one of the most prevalent factors contributing to car accidents. In 2000, over 500,000 victims suffered personal injuries in speeding-related car accidents. If you've been struck from behind by a speeding driver, consider speaking with a car accident lawyer about your case as soon as possible.
Semi Trucks and Tractor Trailers
Large trucks, defined as vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than 10,000 pounds, are prevalent on North Carolina highways. Although these trucks represent less than 5 percent of the registered vehicles driving on US roads, they accounted for over 9 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal car accidents in 2000, or one out of every eight traffic fatalities. Of these car accident cases, over 75 percent of personal injury victims were occupants of another vehicle rather than the large truck. Fatal car crashes involving semi trucks or tractor-trailers occur most often in rural areas during the daytime.
A personal injury can seriously affect your future as well as your current day-to-day activities. You deserve the counsel and protection of a qualified, experienced personal injury law firm that knows how to deal with these claims. We probably have experience with your type of personal injury, and can help you understand the value of your car accident case and how best to proceed. Call the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin at 1-800-220-7321 or contact us right now and find out if you have a case today.
Car Accident Case Review
Once we receive your information, we will route your inquiry to our car accident injury team. Every effort will be made to contact you within one business day. You will never be obligated to hire a car accident lawyer. For immediate help call us now, toll-free, at 1-866-780-3551.
