Drunk Driver Wrecks Are Not "Accidents"

Winston-Salem Liquor Liability & Dram Shop Liability Attorneys

Drunk driving wrecks are not “accidents” but caused by persons who willingly consume excess quantities of alcohol and then intentionally decide to drive, risking injury to everyone upon the road. All too often they even drive on the wrong way on highways. These reckless drivers often cause major injuries and deaths, but there may not be enough insurance coverage on the vehicles to pay for the all of the damages they cause. North Carolina law makes it possible to sue not only the drunk driver, but a business or private individual that provided the alcohol.

T he Law Offices of C. Douglas Maynard, Jr., PLLC, is a Winston-Salem law firm representing personal victims of drunk drivers in Winston-Salem, surrounding areas and other areas of North Carolina. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our skilled trial lawyers have obtained many favorable resolutions for people injured in wrecks caused by drunk or impaired drivers. We offer a free initial consultation. Contact us as soon as possible — important evidence can disappear before an attorney is hired.

Was the Driver Over-Served?

Under North Carolina's dram shop liability statute, a bar, liquor store, convenience store, restaurant or other establishment can be sued for damages for:

Serving or selling alcohol to a person who is obviously intoxicated and then injures or kills someone in a crash.
Selling alcohol to a minor (underage drinker) who injures others in a drunk driving accident.

The dram shop statute is not the only means to recover in “liquor liability” cases. What is frequently referred to as “social host liability” which holds private persons responsible in some instances A person who hosts a party may be responsible for serving more alcohol to an already drunk person or furnishing alcohol to anyone under 21.

North Carolina law also provides a common law cause of action against bars, restaurants, or any person who over-serves a drunk driver who causes death or injury to others depending on the facts. Early involvement of an attorney is critical to secure evidence to support a claim.

Homework, Satisfaction, Attention

"I was referred to The law Office of Douglas Maynard Jr. from another attorney who said Doug was the man for the job. As I soon found out, he was the man for for the job. My case was an interesting one. His office did a great job throughout my whole case and and dug through every law that may have pertain to my case.

Doug did his homework and it was proven in the settlement!

He went out of his way to make sure his client was 100% satisfied, which I am. I would definitely recommend his firm. His staff was always there what I needed to find out any details. I feel the one-on-one attention I received made me feel relaxed in a tense situation. Thanks, Doug!"

– J.K.

A Testament of Gratitude

"I could actually write a book on how much Mr. Maynard's office has help me through the years. My story and journey with Doug's office started in 2004, they have stuck with me though the highs and lows of my ordeal. Everyone in his office has worked tirelessly through the years to make sure my Workers Comp medical bills were always paid, and I received my checks for my salary. Jeannie the office Paralegal would actually call and check on me if I hadn't called the office in a while. My case finally settled this year with what I think is an amazing outcome.

I would recommend, Mr. Maynard's help to anyone and everyone, so if you want to be treated seriously and with the utmost respect, I would call Mr. Maynard and his Staff. I can't thank them enough."

Start the Investigation • Contact Us Immediately

The sooner we get involved after a drunk or impaired driving wreck, the better your chances of recovering maximum compensation. We need to obtain the police report, possibly hire a private investigator, speak with the officers involved, interview witnesses to the crash (including passengers in both vehicles) and track down the source of the alcohol given to the driver, and possibly notify ALE. If the drunk driver was drinking at an establishment that has a security camera in the business, the video of the incident may be “taped over” in 30 days or less — so hiring a skilled attorney immediately is a must. In one case our private investigator was even able to secure a copy of the bar receipt voluntarily from the bar.

Drunk Driver Accidents