What type of restitution is available in a drunk driving case?
In North Carolina, if you are convicted of a drunk driving offense, you may be ordered by the court to pay restitution to victims of the accident. Restitution is money paid to victims to help make up for any property damage or medical expenses that occurred as a result of the accident. Depending on the court’s decision, the restitution may be paid by the driver or by his or her insurance company. In addition, if the court finds that the driver was at fault, the driver or their insurance company may also be required to pay for lost wages and medical bills incurred due to the accident, such as ambulance fees, hospital bills, or rehabilitation services. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the driver may also be made to pay for funeral expenses. Restitution is intended to compensate victims for their losses, but it will not restore their quality of life. Therefore, it is important for victims to seek out legal counsel in order to discuss other options such as compensatory and punitive damages that may be available to them. It is also important to remember that while restitution may be ordered in drunk driving cases, the driver may also face criminal charges, such as vehicular homicide, which can result in jail time.
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