If you’ve been affected by a drunk driving accident, explore your legal options now. Don’t miss your chance for compensation—start your case today!
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating events that take place on North Carolina roads. Every year, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs cause catastrophic collisions on highways like I-40 and I-85 and in busy intersections throughout Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Asheville. Victims are left with painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and a sense that their future has been stolen in an instant.
At Galbavy Law, we fully understand the unique challenges presented by these cases. David Galbavy, a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation and a former insurance defense attorney, brings valuable experience to the firm. With years spent defending insurance companies, he gained insight into their strategies for handling claims and their efforts to minimize compensation for victims. This knowledge is now utilized to represent individuals injured in alcohol-related crashes, ensuring they have strong support against insurers.
Our firm has recovered $25 million for clients across North Carolina. Many of these results involved orthopedic injuries, surgeries, and permanent impairments, the kinds of serious outcomes that are unfortunately common when a drunk driver is involved. Because of the state’s strict contributory negligence law, which can bar recovery if you are found even one percent at fault, it is essential to work with a lawyer who understands how to build strong cases and push back against unfair arguments.
National safety organizations consistently rank drunk driving among the leading causes of traffic deaths, and prevention efforts remain critical. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that impaired driving continues to cause thousands of deaths every year nationwide. When those crashes happen here in North Carolina, Galbavy Law stands ready to help victims pursue justice.
When a collision is caused by an impaired driver, North Carolina law gives injured people clear civil rights. Those rights include pursuing compensation for medical treatment, lost income, property losses, and the physical and emotional harm caused by the crash. When injuries result in lasting limitations, additional damages may be awarded to account for future medical expenses and reduced earning capacity.
Understanding your rights starts with knowing what the law allows. The North Carolina General Assembly provides detailed statutes on driving while impaired and the consequences for those who break the law. While these criminal penalties are important, they do not provide financial relief to victims. That is where civil claims come in, giving you the right to pursue compensation directly from those responsible.
Victims of alcohol-related crashes may seek damages that reflect the full impact of the incident, not just immediate bills.
A complete claim values both current and future harms, ensuring that recovery funds are not exhausted before care is fully completed.
Driving under the influence is treated as reckless conduct. In appropriate cases, victims may also pursue punitive damages.
Punitive damages are separate from compensatory damages and can significantly increase total recovery where the facts support them.
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule lets insurers argue that even minimal fault by the victim bars recovery.
Accountability in DUI cases can extend beyond the at-fault motorist.
Identifying every responsible party helps ensure adequate insurance coverage for serious, long-term injuries.
DWI is a crime under North Carolina statutes, but criminal penalties do not pay medical bills or replace income.
Victims often protect themselves by pursuing civil claims in conjunction with any criminal proceedings.
Early action and thorough documentation make the difference in DUI cases.
Galbavy Law builds comprehensive civil claims in drunk-driving cases by:
We ensure victims receive compensation that genuinely aids their recovery and long-term stability, while also holding impaired drivers and any responsible third parties accountable.
At Galbavy Law, we make sure our clients’ rights are fully protected. From recovering the costs of surgeries and rehabilitation to ensuring compensation for long-term impairments, we pursue every category of damages available under the law. We understand how insurers attempt to shift blame and minimize payouts, and we leverage our experience and track record to push back and secure the full recovery you deserve.
The claims process after a drunk driving accident is rarely straightforward, even when liability appears clear. Victims often assume that because the other driver was arrested for driving while impaired, compensation will automatically follow. Unfortunately, the civil process is separate from the criminal proceedings, and insurers will still look for ways to deny or minimize your claim.
The first step is to seek immediate medical treatment and document your injuries. Orthopedic injuries, fractures, and head trauma are common in these crashes, and prompt medical care not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal claim. From there, it is essential to gather evidence quickly. This may include obtaining the police report, collecting witness statements, and preserving photos or video of the crash scene.
Your attorney will then open a claim with the insurance company. At Galbavy Law, we handle every communication with insurers so that you do not have to worry about saying something that could be twisted against you. As a former insurance defense attorney, the attorney is familiar with how adjusters frame their questions to shift blame onto victims. We ensure that those tactics do not prevail.
As your case progresses, we investigate every potential avenue of liability. This can involve reviewing bar or restaurant records in dram shop cases, examining whether an employer negligently allowed an intoxicated employee to drive, or analyzing whether roadway conditions contributed to the crash. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, and identifying all of them is essential for maximizing recovery.
Once evidence is gathered, we prepare a comprehensive demand package that includes medical records, bills, documentation of lost wages, and expert opinions on future medical needs and long-term impairments. If the insurer refuses to make a fair offer, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and pursue your case in court.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasizes that impaired driving is a nationwide crisis, with thousands of lives lost each year. Their data and crash statistics often play a role in litigation, providing context for just how preventable these tragedies are. At Galbavy Law, we utilize these authoritative resources in conjunction with case-specific evidence to construct the strongest possible claims.
Throughout the process, our goal is simple: to relieve the burden from your shoulders and ensure that your claim is handled with the seriousness it deserves.
While alcohol impairment is the central factor, drunk driving accidents often involve additional circumstances that make collisions more severe. Understanding these causes helps explain why the injuries are so catastrophic and why insurers fight these claims so aggressively.
One of the most common causes is nighttime driving. Drunk drivers are frequently on the road late at night, particularly on weekends, when visibility is low and reaction times are already impaired. Crashes in downtown Charlotte, along Raleigh’s Glenwood South, or near entertainment districts in Greensboro often occur when impaired drivers leave bars or clubs and get behind the wheel.
Another major factor is high-speed collisions. On interstates like I-40 and I-85, impaired drivers often travel at dangerous speeds or drift into other lanes, causing devastating head-on or side-impact crashes. Because large highways carry so much traffic, a single impaired driver can cause multi-vehicle pileups that injure dozens of people.
Wrong-way driving is also a hallmark of alcohol-related crashes. Impaired motorists may enter highways in the wrong direction, leading to collisions that are often fatal. These wrong-way crashes are prevalent at night when impaired drivers are disoriented.
In rural areas, impaired drivers frequently veer off the road or fail to navigate curves safely, especially in the mountain regions around Asheville. These single-vehicle crashes can still cause harm to others when cars cross into oncoming traffic or strike pedestrians and cyclists along the roadside.
Pedestrian accidents are another tragic outcome of impaired driving. Alcohol-impaired motorists often fail to yield at crosswalks or do not see pedestrians until it’s too late. In urban areas like Raleigh and Charlotte—where traffic volumes, complex intersections, and nighttime activity converge—these failures frequently lead to severe and often fatal injuries. Data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation shows how often alcohol contributes to pedestrian fatalities and serious-injury crashes statewide, offering hard numbers that corroborate what victims and families experience on the ground. This evidence also strengthens liability arguments by tying an individual crash to broader, documented risk patterns. For statewide trends and county breakouts, consult NCDOT: Alcohol-Related Crash Data (Statewide & County).
Distracted behavior compounds the danger. Many impaired drivers also text, eat, or engage in other distractions, further reducing their awareness of the road. Combined with delayed reaction times from alcohol, these distractions create deadly situations.
In short, drunk driving accidents are not random. They result from deliberate choices to drive after consuming alcohol, often combined with speeding, distraction, and poor judgment. These choices leave innocent victims with life-changing injuries. At Galbavy Law, we investigate not only the presence of alcohol but every contributing factor, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
One of the first questions clients ask after a crash with an impaired driver is, “What compensation am I entitled to?” The answer depends on the unique facts of your case, but North Carolina law allows victims of drunk driving accidents to pursue damages in several important categories. Because these collisions often cause catastrophic harm, particularly orthopedic injuries that require surgery or leave permanent impairments, a thorough approach to compensation is critical.
Medical costs are usually the most immediate and overwhelming part of a DUI claim.
Future medical costs must be part of your claim—not just the bills you already have. Traumatic injuries often lead to lasting complications requiring specialty care, rehabilitation, and periodic surgeries. As NIH/NINDS: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) explains, long-term physical, cognitive, and behavioral effects can persist for years, so projecting lifetime treatment and support is essential. At Galbavy Law, we collaborate with treating physicians and independent experts to translate medical trajectories into credible cost projections and ensure every recommended therapy, device, and follow-up visit is fully considered.
Injuries often disrupt employment and can sometimes lead to the end of careers.
An accident on I-85 near Charlotte or on I-40 near Raleigh could keep a family’s primary breadwinner out of work for months or even permanently.
While smaller than medical or wage losses, these costs are compensable.
Receipts, repair estimates, and photos are useful evidence that can help substantiate value.
Drunk driving crashes impose profound human costs beyond invoices.
These harms are real and compensable, even in the absence of tangible proof. They are profound emotional or psychological impacts that affect well-being. The lack of physical evidence doesn't diminish the validity of experiences.
Serious injuries often leave lasting functional loss that must be valued.
DUI conduct can justify punitive damages, in addition to compensatory damages.
For those looking for additional support, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies alcohol-impaired driving as a persistent, deadly risk, underscoring the role of punitive awards in deterrence.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recognizes that alcohol-impaired driving continues to be one of the deadliest safety issues on our roads, and punitive damages are one way the civil justice system responds to deter such conduct.
Insurers often spotlight the smallest components (e.g., initial hospital bills) and minimize long-term losses. A full-value claim requires comprehensive proof.
Galbavy Law collaborates with surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, economists, and life-care planners to ensure that every dollar of loss is captured, today and in the years ahead.
Galbavy Law focuses on comprehensive compensation, including care costs, income protection, and long-term health and lifestyle changes. The firm has secured over $25 million for clients throughout North Carolina by refusing low offers and preparing cases for trial when needed. Whether the accident occurred in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville, or rural areas, the goal remains consistent: to pursue all possible damages so that victims can move forward with confidence.
Compensation is not just about money. It is about rebuilding your life. For many clients, securing full compensation means having the resources to access long-term medical care, support their families, and face the future with security. Whether your crash happened on the streets of Raleigh, in downtown Charlotte, or on a rural road near Asheville, our goal is the same: to secure every dollar you are entitled to under the law.
Many victims of drunk driving accidents initially believe that because the other driver was impaired, their case will be straightforward. Unfortunately, the reality is far different. Insurance companies are primarily concerned with protecting their profits, rather than with fairness. Even in cases where the at-fault driver has been criminally charged with DWI, insurers may still try to minimize payouts or deny responsibility altogether.
One of the main reasons hiring an attorney is essential is North Carolina’s contributory negligence law. Under this rule, if you are found even one percent at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering compensation entirely. Insurers are aware of this and aggressively seek out small details they can use against you. They may argue you were driving a little too fast, that you could have avoided the collision, or that your injuries were worsened by something unrelated. An experienced NC DUI accident lawyer understands these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively.
Another critical reason to hire a lawyer is the medical complexity of drunk driving crashes. Victims often suffer catastrophic orthopedic injuries, head trauma, or spinal cord damage. These injuries require a specialized understanding to present effectively in a legal claim. At Galbavy Law, we regularly collaborate with orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and rehabilitation experts to ensure that the full extent of injuries is thoroughly understood and properly compensated.
The firm’s background is distinguished by its founder, a former insurance defense attorney. David Galbavy spent years understanding how insurers assess, deny claims, and use negotiation strategies. This expertise now benefits clients by helping them anticipate opposition arguments, identify case gaps, and prepare each claim thoroughly, as if it were going to trial.
Hiring a lawyer also provides peace of mind. After a serious accident, you should be focusing on healing, not on paperwork, deadlines, or conversations with insurance adjusters. At Galbavy Law, we handle all communications and filings, keeping you informed while relieving you of the stress of managing the case alone.
Ultimately, selecting a local lawyer is crucial. Cases in Charlotte may involve different courts and jury dynamics than those in Raleigh, Greensboro, or Asheville. Accidents on I-40 and I-85 present unique evidentiary challenges, including analyzing high-speed impacts and multi-vehicle pileups. Our statewide experience enables us to understand these differences and utilize them to our clients’ advantage.
Insurance companies will have professionals working for them from the moment your claim begins. You deserve the same. By hiring Galbavy Law, you gain an advocate with the credentials, experience, and commitment to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Not all firms approach drunk driving accident cases the same way. At Galbavy Law, we believe what sets us apart is a unique blend of credentials, results, and personal commitment that directly benefits our clients.
David Galbavy is a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation, a distinguished status held by fewer than three percent of attorneys in North Carolina. This certification reflects advanced knowledge of injury law and extensive experience in managing complex cases involving orthopedic injuries, surgeries, and permanent impairments. For victims of drunk driving accidents, this specialization is crucial, as these cases frequently involve the types of injuries that necessitate long-term care and strategic legal approaches.
Before establishing his own practice, Galbavy worked as an insurance defense attorney, gaining valuable insight into the operations of insurance companies, their claims evaluation processes, and the tactics used to deny responsibility or minimize payouts. This insider perspective enables him to anticipate their arguments and construct stronger cases for his clients.
Our record of results speaks for itself. Galbavy Law has recovered over $25 million for injured North Carolinians across Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Asheville, and smaller communities along I-40 and I-85. These results include cases where insurers initially denied responsibility or offered minimal settlements. By thoroughly preparing every case and being willing to go to trial when necessary, we secured outcomes that enabled our clients to rebuild their lives.
Another defining feature of our practice is our focus on orthopedic injuries and permanent impairments. Many victims of drunk driving accidents suffer fractures, spinal cord injuries, and joint damage that require surgical intervention. These injuries often result in permanent limitations, reduced mobility, or chronic pain. We work with orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and vocational experts to ensure that every aspect of these injuries is documented and presented clearly to insurers and juries.
We also take pride in providing personal service. At many large firms, cases are passed from one staff member to another, and clients rarely speak directly with their lawyer. At Galbavy Law, you work directly with me and a dedicated team that values open and effective communication. We return calls, answer questions, and make sure you understand every stage of your case. Our clients often tell us that knowing they can reach their attorney when needed is just as important as the compensation we recover for them.
Finally, we are deeply connected to the communities we serve. Whether your accident happened on a busy street in Charlotte, at an intersection in Raleigh, in Greensboro traffic, or on a rural road outside Asheville, we understand the local conditions and the unique challenges these cases present. We are familiar with the courts, procedures, and jury expectations across the state. That local knowledge, combined with statewide experience, allows us to provide representation tailored to the realities of North Carolina.
The Galbavy Law difference is about more than credentials and results. It is about treating every client with respect, preparing every case as if it will go to trial, and fighting relentlessly for justice. When you choose us, you gain a partner who understands both the legal and personal stakes of your case.
When a drunk driver injures you or a loved one, questions come quickly, and the answers are not always straightforward. Below are detailed responses to some of the concerns we hear most often from clients across North Carolina.
Being struck by a drunk driver is one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can endure. The crash itself may last only seconds, but the consequences often last a lifetime. Victims face hospital stays, surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and, in some cases, permanent impairments that change how they live and work. Families are left dealing with financial stress and the emotional toll of watching a loved one suffer. In the state, these challenges are made even more difficult by the state’s contributory negligence law, which allows insurers to deny compensation if they can show you were even one percent at fault.
At Galbavy Law, the team understands the stakes involved in each case. Every case they take on is more than just a legal matter; it represents a turning point in someone's life. David Galbavy, a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation and a former insurance defense attorney, brings both deep legal knowledge and insider experience to every drunk driving accident case. Our team understands how insurance companies approach these claims because he previously defended them in court. Today, he leverages that insight to anticipate their tactics, close gaps in the evidence, and build cases that stand up in court.
Our record reflects this approach. We have recovered more than 20 million dollars for injured North Carolinians, including victims of alcohol-related crashes across Charlotte, Hickory, Greensboro, Asheville, and communities along I-40 and I-85. These cases often involve orthopedic injuries, surgeries, and permanent impairments. We know how to present medical evidence clearly, collaborate with surgeons and rehabilitation specialists, and demonstrate to insurers and juries the true cost of what our clients have endured.
Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but it is also the most important. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner evidence can be preserved, witnesses can be interviewed, and medical documentation can be gathered. Waiting too long risks losing critical details that may be the difference between winning and losing your case.
When you choose Galbavy Law, you gain more than legal representation. You gain a partner who is committed to your recovery and your future. We handle every detail of the legal process so you can focus on healing. That means communicating directly with insurance adjusters, filing every necessary document, negotiating aggressively, and preparing for trial if that becomes necessary. You will always know where your case stands, and you will never feel like just another file number.
The road ahead after a drunk driving accident may be difficult, but you do not have to walk it alone. Whether your crash happened in downtown Charlotte, on I-85 near Greensboro, or on a rural road outside Asheville, Galbavy Law is here to fight for you. The consultation is free, with no upfront fees, and we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Your recovery begins with one conversation. Contact Galbavy Law by completing our contact form today and take the first step toward justice.
1 Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases because each case is unique and must be evaluated separately. The only way we can assist you is for you to call us about your case.
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