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Hit by a Drunk Driver in Charlotte?

A drunk driver made a choice that hurt you. Our Charlotte drunk driving crash lawyers hold impaired drivers accountable and fight for the full money you deserve.

Get Justice. Get Compensation. Get Back on Track.

Someone chose to drink and drive. You’re the one paying the price. We’re here to change that.

At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we help people in Charlotte hold drunk drivers accountable through aggressive civil injury claims. This isn’t about punishing someone. It’s about protecting your future. Because one bad choice should not destroy your life.

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DUI Charges Are Criminal. But Civil Justice Is Up to You.

When a drunk driver causes a crash, the police may arrest them and the state may file charges. But even if they’re convicted, that doesn’t automatically pay your medical bills, lost income, or long-term suffering.

You have to file a separate personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover those damages.

That’s where we come in.

We don’t just rely on the outcome of a criminal case. Our job is to dig deep, gather evidence, talk to witnesses, subpoena bar receipts if needed—and build a civil case that gets you the compensation you deserve.

What Counts as a Drunk Driving Accident?

In North Carolina, a driver is considered impaired if:

  • Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers)
  • They’re under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination
  • Their ability to drive is noticeably impaired by any substance, even legally prescribed medication

We represent victims of:

  • Drunk driving crashes involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles
  • DUI-related pedestrian or bicycle accidents
  • High-speed or head-on collisions caused by impairment
  • Accidents involving drivers under the influence of drugs or marijuana
  • Repeat offender or underage drunk driving crashes
  • Fatal DUI collisions leading to wrongful death

No matter the details, if alcohol or drugs were a factor in your accident, we want to help you take action.

The Impact of Drunk Driving Crashes Is Devastating

Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds, poor reaction time, and reckless behavior—making them especially dangerous. We’ve helped clients recover from:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Multiple broken bones and orthopedic trauma
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Facial fractures and dental injuries
  • Amputations or crush injuries
  • Emotional trauma and PTSD
  • Wrongful death of a loved one

These injuries aren’t just physical. They disrupt your job, your family life, and your sense of safety. That’s why we build cases that reflect your full experience—not just your medical records.

What Can You Recover in a Drunk Driving Injury Case?

When we take on a drunk driving injury case in Charlotte, we fight for every category of compensation the law allows, including:

  • Emergency medical care and hospitalization
  • Ongoing treatment, therapy, and medication
  • Lost wages from time you couldn’t work
  • Reduced earning potential if you’re unable to return to your job
  • Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
  • Scarring or permanent disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage (your car, bike, or personal items)

And in some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages—a type of compensation meant to punish the drunk driver and send a message to others. These are rare in most personal injury cases—but drunk driving is one of the few times they’re often justified.

Can a Bar or Restaurant Be Held Responsible?

Yes—North Carolina has a Dram Shop Law, which means a bar, restaurant, or social host can be held liable if they:

  • Served alcohol to someone under 21
  • Knowingly over-served a visibly intoxicated person
  • That person then caused a crash

These cases can be difficult to prove without early investigation. We move quickly to secure receipts, security footage, and witness testimony before it disappears.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Charlotte

If you or someone you love has been hit by a drunk driver, here’s what to do:

  1. Call 911 immediately – Request police and medical help. An officer will begin a DUI investigation.
  2. Get medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Symptoms may show up later.
  3. Gather info – Take photos, get witness names, and note details of the crash.
  4. Request the accident report – It will often include DUI findings or arrest info.
  5. Do not talk to the drunk driver’s insurance company – They will try to get a statement they can use against you.
  6. Call an experienced Charlotte drunk driving injury lawyer – We’ll protect your rights from day one.

Why Choose Johnson & Groninger?

We know you’ve got options. But here’s why injury victims across Charlotte choose our firm:

  • Trial-tested personal injury lawyers who don’t back down
  • Local to Charlotte, deeply connected to Mecklenburg County courts
  • We investigate aggressively, even if the state dropped the DUI case
  • We treat you like a person, not a payout
  • We don’t get paid unless you do—no upfront fees, ever

And above all, we care. You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t cause this. And you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone.

Areas Served
  • Durham
  • Apex
  • Cary
  • Fuquay-Varina
  • Garner
  • Holly Springs
  • Knightdale
  • Morrisville
  • Raleigh
  • Wake
  • Wendell
  • Zebulon
  • Charlotte
  • Asheville
  • Concord
  • Gastonia
  • 27502
  • 27511
  • 27513
  • 27518
  • 27519
  • 27523
  • 27526
  • 27529
  • 27539
  • 27540
  • 27545
  • 27560
  • 27587
  • 27591
  • 27597
  • 27601
  • 27603
  • 27604
  • 27605
  • 27606
  • 27607
  • 27608
  • 27609
  • 27610
  • 27612
  • 27613
  • 27614
  • 27615
  • 27616
  • 27617
  • 27701
  • 27703
  • 27704
  • 27705
  • 27707
  • 27709
  • 27712
  • 27713
  • 28025
  • 28027
  • 28052
  • 28054
  • 28056
  • 28202
  • 28203
  • 28204
  • 28205
  • 28206
  • 28207
  • 28208
  • 28209
  • 28210
  • 28211
  • 28212
  • 28213
  • 28214
  • 28215
  • 28216
  • 28217
  • 28226
  • 28227
  • 28262
  • 28269
  • 28270
  • 28273
  • 28277
  • 28278
  • 28801
  • 28803
  • 28804
  • 28805
  • 28806

Talk to a Charlotte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Who Fights Back

Drunk drivers gamble with other people’s lives. And when you’re the one who lost, you need a legal team that treats your case like what it is: a fight worth showing up for.

At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we help victims of DUI crashes in Charlotte get justice, closure, and compensation. We listen. We investigate. And we push until something gets done.

Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Local to Charlotte. Serving Mecklenburg County and beyond.

Free consultations. No pressure. No fee unless we win.

Hospitals
  • Duke University Hospital 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710
  • Durham VA Health Care System 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705
  • Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
  • Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Charlotte 1
Law Enforcement
  • Durham Police Department 602 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701
    (Handles crash reports and police records)
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) 601 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
    (Request accident reports and body cam footage)
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Charlotte 2
Legal Resources
  • Durham County Courthouse
    510 S Dillard St, Durham, NC 27701
    (Civil,  personal injury cases filed in Durham County)
  • Mecklenburg County Courthouse
    832 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
    (Handles superior and district court civil cases)
  • North Carolina Industrial Commission
    430 N Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27603
    (Administers and hears workers’ compensation claims statewide)
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Charlotte 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the drunk driver wasn’t charged or convicted?

You can still file a civil case. Criminal charges are separate from your right to seek damages. We can use police reports, eyewitness accounts, and toxicology results to build your claim—even if the state declines to prosecute.

What if the driver was underage?

That opens up possible claims against social hosts, parents, or anyone who provided them alcohol. We’ll investigate all responsible parties to pursue justice.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In North Carolina, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death, it’s two years. But don’t wait—evidence fades fast.

Can I recover punitive damages?

Possibly, yes. North Carolina allows punitive damages in cases involving willful or wanton conduct—which includes driving drunk. These damages are meant to punish and deter dangerous behavior.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if we win or settle your case. You never pay out of pocket.

Offices Across North Carolina — Serving the Triangle, Charlotte, and Beyond

We represent clients statewide, with offices in Durham and Charlotte. Whether you’ve been injured at work or hurt in a crash, we’ll meet you where you are.