Serving crash victims
in Durham and across NC
A drunk driver made a choice that hurt you. Our Durham drunk driving crash lawyers hold impaired drivers accountable and fight for the full money you deserve.
Drunk driving isn’t a mistake—it’s a decision. A selfish one. And when someone makes that choice in Durham, it’s often innocent people who suffer: the driver heading home from work, the family in the crosswalk, the kid in the back seat.
If you were hit by a drunk driver, you’re likely facing a pile of medical bills, time off work, calls from insurance adjusters, and no clear path forward. You didn’t ask for this. And you shouldn’t have to pay for it.
At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Durham help people who’ve been seriously hurt by impaired drivers fight for the justice and compensation they deserve—without delay, without runaround, and without letting the insurance company downplay what happened.
Most personal injury cases come down to a question of negligence. But a drunk driving case is different. When a driver breaks the law by getting behind the wheel under the influence, it can open the door to something more: punitive damages.
That’s the legal system’s way of saying this wasn’t just carelessness—this was conduct that puts the public at risk. If proven, it can lead to a much larger recovery for victims.
But don’t count on the at-fault driver’s insurance to explain any of this. They have one goal: limit what they pay. And they’ll try to settle quickly—sometimes before you even understand your rights.
Drunk driving cases move quickly in the criminal system—but your civil claim is separate, and the clock starts ticking the moment you’re hit.
Even if you walked away, injuries like internal trauma or head injuries can take time to show up. Early care is key—and it creates documentation that strengthens your claim.
Even if the other driver is arrested or charged with DWI, that doesn’t automatically get you compensation. You still need to bring a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim through the civil court system.
The other side’s insurance company will be working from day one to shape the narrative. Let a seasoned Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Durham handle that pressure for you—so nothing gets lost, misrepresented, or twisted against you.
Drunk driving cases come with unique opportunities—and unique risks. If the evidence isn’t preserved, key facts can slip away. We work fast to lock down the details.
We also often collaborate with toxicologists and crash reconstruction experts to show exactly how the impaired driver’s condition led to the wreck—and your injuries.
A serious DUI crash often brings long-term consequences—physical, financial, and emotional. Whether you’re out of work, facing surgeries, or struggling with day-to-day activities, your claim should reflect all of it.
You may be entitled to:
And if the worst has happened—if a loved one was killed in a drunk driving crash—you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim (more on that below).
Here’s where it gets tricky. North Carolina follows one of the toughest fault rules in the country: contributory negligence.
Even in a DUI case, if the other side can show you were even 1% at fault—maybe for speeding, or not wearing a seatbelt—they may try to block your claim entirely.
That’s why it’s essential to work with a law firm that’s ready to challenge those arguments head-on, from the start. We don’t just present what happened—we prove it.
Good question. A civil claim is separate from a criminal case. That means:
So if the prosecutor didn’t move forward or the charges didn’t stick, don’t assume you’re out of options. Talk to us—we’ve handled those cases, too.
We’ve seen it all. Drunk driving cases often involve additional parties, depending on the circumstances.
For example:
We investigate every angle to make sure no responsible party gets a free pass—and that your claim reflects the full impact of what happened.
Our firm is based in Durham, and we’ve earned a reputation across North Carolina for handling high-stakes personal injury cases with care and tenacity. We don’t rely on volume. We rely on results.
Here’s what you get when you hire us:
We’re not afraid to take on tough cases, and we don’t back down when the other side pushes back.
We work on a contingency fee basis—that means no upfront cost, no hourly fees, and no payment unless we recover compensation for you.
You’ve got enough to deal with. Let us carry the legal burden.
There’s nothing more devastating than losing someone to a crash that never should’ve happened. If you’re grieving the loss of a family member in a DUI-related accident, we can help you file a wrongful death claim.
This type of case may include compensation for:
We handle these cases with care—and we fight like it was our own family on the line.
You’ve been through enough. You deserve answers, support, and a legal team that knows what it takes to get justice.
At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we don’t just handle drunk driving accident cases—we take them personally. If you’re ready to understand your rights, your options, and what real accountability looks like, we’re here.
Call today or schedule a free consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Durham who will fight for what’s right.
Because this was never your burden to carry—and it’s time someone stood up for you.
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.
