Norfolk Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Representing Victims of Drunk Drivers in Norfolk, VA

Drunk driving is a serious crime in Virginia and all other states. Unfortunately, despite the serious penalties and the efforts of law enforcement, many people continue to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When an intoxicated person gets behind the wheel, they put everyone else on the road at risk. When a drunk driver causes a crash, they can and should be held liable for the injuries and losses they cause. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, our Norfolk drunk driving accident attorneys are passionate about helping victims of negligence recover the full, fair compensation they deserve.

Has a drunk driver caused you harm? If so, we want to help. Call (855) 880-8163 or online to request a free, confidential consultation.

Drunk Driving Laws in Virginia

Virginia law prohibits driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). In most cases, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher and you are pulled over by law enforcement, you will be charged with DUI. However, even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be charged with DUI if you are driving while your ability is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two.

For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, the BAC limit is just 0.02%. In other words, if a driver under the age of 21 has consumed any amount of alcohol, they can be charged with DUI.

Virginia has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, so if a driver under the age of 21 is found to have consumed even a small amount of alcohol, they can be charged with DUI and face the same penalties as those who are 21 or older and driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

In addition to criminal penalties, such as jail time, probation, license suspension, and fines, a person convicted of drunk driving in Virginia will also face a civil lawsuit if they cause an accident that results in injuries or death. The penalties for causing a drunk driving accident are severe, so it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side if you have been charged with DUI and/or caused a crash.

Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Crashing into Me?

If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. In Virginia, you can file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver if you have been seriously injured or if a loved one has been killed in a drunk driving accident. If the driver is convicted of DUI, it can help your case; however, even if they are not convicted of a crime, you can still bring a lawsuit.

There are four main elements you must prove to win a personal injury lawsuit:

• The driver owed you a duty of care
• The driver breached the duty of care
• The driver's breach of the duty of care caused the accident
• You suffered damages as a result of the accident

In most car accident cases, the duty of care is established by Virginia's traffic laws. When you get behind the wheel, you have a duty to follow these laws. This includes obeying the speed limit, stopping at stop signs, yielding to other drivers when appropriate, and more. When a driver gets behind the wheel while intoxicated, they are violating Virginia's traffic laws.

By doing so, they are breaching the duty of care they owe to other drivers on the road. If they then cause an accident, they are liable for the injuries and losses that result. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation under Virginia's comparative negligence laws, so long as you were not more than 50% at fault.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, our Norfolk drunk driving accident lawyers can help you by:

• Answering your questions and addressing your concerns
• Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident and collecting evidence
• Working with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to build a strong case on your behalf
• Handling all communication with the insurance company and advocating for your best interests
• Calculating the full value of your damages
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf, if necessary
• Negotiating skillfully with the insurance company to seek a fair settlement
• Representing you in court, if your case goes to trial

When you choose our firm, you can trust that we will be by your side every step of the way. We will work tirelessly to help you recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

To request a free, no-obligation consultation, submit an online contact form or call us at (855) 880-8163.