Winston-Salem DWI With Injury Lawyer

Winston-Salem DWI With Injury Attorney

Being accused of driving while impaired (DWI ) can be a tough experience, no matter the circumstances. If there’s one factor that can turn this trying time into a nightmare, it’s the presence of injuries to the victim. However, even these extreme circumstances don’t mean you’re automatically guilty, or that help is out of reach. A Winston-Salem DWI with injury lawyer can help you approach your case skillfully and protect your future.

LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, believes in treating every client with dignity and respect. Our extensive knowledge of DWI with injury laws enables us to support you by cross-examining the evidence against you, speaking on your behalf, and protecting your rights. Let us stand by your side so you can approach your case with courage and confidence.

A Closer Look at DWI and Injury Laws in North Carolina

A DWI with injury case may be treated more seriously by the North Carolina legal system than standard impaired driving accusations. When a motorist alleged to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes harm to another person, the penalties may include criminal charges. Courts will assess:

• The sobriety of the individual accused
• Past DWI or traffic charges of the accused
• The extent of the victim’s injuries and medical bills
• Any dangerous traffic maneuvers by either party

Two key statutes that commonly apply to these cases include North Carolina General Statute 20-138.1 and North Carolina General Statute 20-141.4. These detail the specifics of impaired driving as well as injuries and death by a vehicle, respectively. We bring a detailed understanding of the laws and can help you stop accusations from being interpreted as facts.

How Injuries Could Complicate a DWI Case

A person facing injuries from a DWI accident may be pursuing restitution for multiple issues. This can include the injuries themselves, as well as the burdens resulting from them, such as medical bills for current and future predicted needs. They may also pursue compensation for lost wages and pain and suffering if they lost their ability to work or suffered other lifestyle changes.

However, these high emotional stakes can sometimes result in accusations or half-truths being taken as accurate recounts of what happened. When you have a Winston-Salem DWI with injury attorney standing by you, you can challenge evidence about your guilt. Our team works hard to protect clients because we firmly believe you deserve someone who is committed to hearing your side of the story and translating it into a professional argument.

What Sets Our Law Firm Apart?

Here at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, we know how a DWI with injury case can progress. While each case is different, we bring extensive DWI with injury law experience. Our lead attorney, Mr. Smith, has highly valuable credentials, including:

• Completion of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 24-hour Standardized Field Sobriety course
• Completion of NHTSA’s Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) class
• Founding member of the DWI Defense Lawyers Association
• Member of the National College of DUI Defense Lawyers

Mr. Smith brings a level of legal knowledge that clients and other professionals seek to learn from. When you reach out to his law firm, you won’t be passed on to an assistant – our head attorney, Mr. Smith, is personally involved in every case.

Our Associate Attorney, Sam Moore, is also highly qualified, having the following credentials:

• Completion of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 24-hour Standardized Field Sobriety course
• Member of the National College of DUI Defense Lawyers

Why Our Firm Is an Ally for Those Facing DWI Accusations

Our law firm knows just how seriously the state of North Carolina takes DWI accusations. Winston-Salem brings a population of over 250,000 people, meaning one impaired driver on the road can cause chaos. The city also saw 358 crashes in a year involving alcohol, and over 227 of those resulted in injuries.

And while the state takes these cases very seriously, so do we. Our firm can question whether you were provably intoxicated, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether all injuries suffered by the other party were truly your fault, or whether a combination of factors contributed to the accident – in some cases, they could result in charges being dismissed.

FAQs

How Many Impaired Crashes Involve Alcohol?

While any impairing substance can result in a DWI in North Carolina, over 80 percent of impaired driving accidents within the state involved alcohol, including those that caused serious injuries or death. Over 20 percent of serious and fatal road accidents involved drugs, the overlap showing some drivers are accused of being influenced by multiple substances.

Where Are DWI With Injury Cases Heard in Winston-Salem?

A DWI with injury case in Winston-Salem is typically heard at the Forsyth County Courthouse. If you’re facing an upcoming court hearing, our attorneys can help you prepare. This includes going over our side of the case, as well as anticipating and briefing you on any potential counterarguments we may face.

What Could Lead to a DWI Charge Being Escalated?

A DWI charge may be escalated due to a number of factors. These include gross negligence on the part of the accused, which may involve repeat offenses, severe intoxication, or willful disregard of safety. They may also face steeper punishment if the victim faces debilitating injuries, such as paralysis or extensive trauma requiring surgeries.

What Should You Do at an Accident Scene?

If you’re at an accident scene, you are required to notify authorities of the collision, and it may also be helpful to pursue medical attention to see if you’ve suffered any injuries. While you may be required to notify law enforcement of what happened and share your information with the other party, you should hire a DWI with injury lawyer as soon as possible, and refrain from discussing any more than is necessary unless your attorney is present.

Hire a DWI With Injury Lawyer From Our Firm Today

At LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, you can feel confident in our foundational ideals, which are that every person deserves a fair trial and that being arrested doesn’t mean being guilty. Our firm has received many positive reviews and accolades for our commitment to protecting clients’ rights even under serious accusations.

A DWI charge, especially involving injuries, can affect your freedom and future for years to come. Combining our immense knowledge of the law with our highly respected reputation in the North Carolina legal system, we can bring a defense strategy tailored to your case’s unique circumstances. Contact us today for a consultation.