What type of settlement can a person expect from a drunk driving lawsuit?
In North Carolina, a person injured in a drunk driving accident may be able to receive a settlement as compensation for their damages. The amount of the settlement depends on the degree of negligence on the part of the drunk driver, the extent of the injured person’s losses, and various other factors. Generally, settlements for drunk driving lawsuits are much higher than the amount of the damages. The settlement may take many forms, such as lump-sum payments, long-term payments, or other alternatives. The settlement amount may cover economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. The settlement amount might also include punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for their actions. More experienced attorneys may be able to obtain higher settlements for their clients than those unfamiliar with North Carolina law. Comparing experiences and recommendations from multiple attorneys can help the injured party select a lawyer who can handle their case and obtain a favorable settlement for them. The injured person may also have to take into account any other insurance coverages that may exist in order to maximize their settlement. Examples of such insurance coverages include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage. In most cases, settlements for drunk driving accident cases are much more favorable to the injured person than a jury award would be. As such, it is up to the injured party to determine which legal options are in their best interest.
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