Norfolk DUI Accident Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is incredibly dangerous. We encourage affected families to seek justice to prevent further harm.

If you have suffered due to the actions of an intoxicated driver, the Smith Law Center can help. Our experience litigating car and truck accidents helped recover over $1 billion in damages for clients. We can help maximize your settlement or verdict to cover the full cost of your losses.

Contact our Norfolk DUI accident lawyer for skilled representation online or by calling (757) 244-7000. We proudly represent clients in Norfolk and the surrounding areas. Let our record-setting results help fund your recovery.

"Attorney Howard Smith and the staff at Smith Law Center are top-notch. I appreciated the concern about my well-being as we went through the process of my case. It was helpful to be kept in the loop and updated consistently. There were no surprises, and I appreciate the direct manner in which my case was handled. Thank you for making me feel like I mattered."

Denise T.

How Common Are DUI Accidents in Norfolk?

According to data pulled by our Norfolk DUI accident lawyer in Virginia:

• Almost 200 Virginians in Norfolk die in DUI-related accidents a year.
• Preventable alcohol-related deaths make up roughly 4.3% of Norfolk driving deaths.
• 100% of the drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents were repeat offenders.
• Norfolk County has the fourth-highest DUI fatalities in the state.

Can Being on Prescription Drugs Be Considered “Under the Influence”?

Yes. Driving while influenced by drugs that alter perception, reaction times, or suitability to drive counts toward a DUI. Though doctor-prescribed, these drugs can still cause inappropriate or criminal behavior. 

DUIs or DWIs encompass more than just alcohol and prescription drugs. Here are other factors that can impair driving:

• Illegal drugs: Substances like marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines and sleep aids can cause drowsiness and slow reflexes.
• Fatigue and sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can mimic the effects of intoxication, impairing focus and reaction times.
• Medical conditions: Issues like hypoglycemia or uncontrolled seizures can make it unsafe to drive.
• Emotional impairment: Extreme anger, stress, or anxiety can lead to reckless or impaired decision-making on the road.

These factors pose a risk to road safety, leading to wrong-way driving, reckless endangerment, or worse.

How Can a Norfolk DUI Accident Attorney Help Me?

DUIs harm not just families but entire communities. In 2022 alone, nearly 15,000 people were arrested and convicted of DUI in Virginia. Victims deserve the strongest possible legal support to rebuild their lives.

Areas of Norfolk like Town Point Park or downtown Granby see an increased risk of DUI accidents, especially during major holidays. Our team works closely with law enforcement to gather crucial evidence and build a strong case for justice.

The Smith Law Center will also help families recover damages from these offenders through economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Punitive damages, or exceptional damages, exist to punish particularly heinous behavior. In the case of DUIs, these damages help reduce repeat offenders.

National DUI statistics reveal that annually, over 10,000 Americans lose their lives to drunk drivers. Drunk driving arrests are higher than those for violent crimes like murder, rape, and aggravated assault combined.

Help our Norfolk DUI accident attorney hold these repeat offenders accountable. If you know someone harmed in a DUI, reach out online or by phone at (757) 244-7000.

How Does Norfolk, VA, Treat DUI Offenses?

In Norfolk, courts tend to be strict. Due to the high re-offending rate of drunk drivers, there's a strong focus on harm reduction. If the driver has a BAC of 0.14 to 0.20, they must serve a minimum jail sentence of 5 days. With a higher BAC, that minimum goes up to 10 days.

First-time DUIs with a BAC of 0.08 but under 0.14 may face a fine of up to $2500. They may lose their license for one year and must install an ignition interlock system to their car or motorcycle if they retain the right to drive. Probation is part of sentencing and is typically 12 months long. But things change if a DUI leads to fatal or grievous injury.

What Kind of Compensation Can a Norfolk Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Get for My Injuries?

The answer depends on the extent of your lawsuit. Several factors, such as the extent of injuries, type, location, etc., influence potential compensation. The types of settlements for DUI car accident lawsuits a Norfolk DUI accident attorney may ask for include:

• Medical bills like hospital costs for life-changing injuries like brain damage or quadriplegia and ongoing therapy.
• Job-related losses such as unemployment, lost wages, and reduced wages, as well as benefits such as retirement or healthcare contributions.
• Property damage to your vehicle and compensation for alternative means of transportation.
• Emotional losses such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of relationship health in your marriage and family.
• Wrongful death losses such as burial costs and the irreplaceable companionship of your deceased loved one.

According to a Martindale-Nolo study, victims of negligence win more favorable awards when they put their trust in skilled attorneys. Our drunk driving accident lawyer in Norfolk has recovered millions for our clients. This includes $2 million to a woman who suffered a mild head injury from a collision here in Norfolk, VA. We've also won a record-setting $10 million verdict for a closed head injury in a trucking accident.

A substantial settlement can help provide high-quality medical care and a stable, dignified future for you and your family. So don't hesitate to reach out online or by calling (757) 244-7000.

What Information Does a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Norfolk Need?

"At our firm, we believe that every client deserves not just expert legal representation but also unwavering dedication and compassion. Our work ethic is built on a foundation of integrity and the relentless pursuit of justice, ensuring that each client receives the personalized attention and respect they deserve. We are committed to standing by our clients through every step of their journey, advocating fiercely for their rights while providing the support and empathy that make a real difference in their lives."
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- Samantha Cohn

Here is some important information that would be helpful to have when beginning a Norfolk DUI lawsuit:

• Date and location: When and where did your accident occur? Your attorney may send investigators to the spot to study the environment and potentially collect evidence.
• Contact information: If possible, take down the names and contact info of any drivers, passengers, or witnesses present.
• The police report: If police were called to the scene, their report can be requested from the local station.
• Insurance information: Your insurance company and that of the other driver. Don’t give statements or interviews to either side before speaking with your attorney to protect your right to privacy.
• Receipts: Any payments made or bills issued for medical care, vehicle tows, and missed work or docked wages.

If you do not have this information or are too injured or overwhelmed to pursue these tasks, that is perfectly okay. It’s an attorney’s job to build a legal case, not yours.

Your Norfolk DUI accident lawyer from the Smith Law Center can gather all the information required to file a lawsuit. Let us handle your case so you can focus on recovering from the accident.