Recent Posts in DUI Accidents Category

Police report that a 19 year old driver was arrested in North Carolina after huffing dust remover and passing out while driving.  After the teenager passed out, she crashed her car into another vehicle that was carrying two passengers this past Tuesday morning.  Her vehicle then rebounded off of a tree while traveling 45 mph.  Police report that the driver, who was clearly under the influence, escaped the accident with minor injuries.

Randi Petrolino, the DUI offender, drove across a bridge into Wrightsville Beach during early morning hours.  Police say that Petrolino was supposed to turn left toward the North Carolina Wildlife boat ramp, but passed out instead.  Officers say that Petrolino's vehicle was originally traveling 70 mph and had decreased to a speed of 45 mph when it struck the tree.

According to law enforcement agents, the car accident resulted from Petrolino inhaling CleanSafe and consuming alcohol before stepping behind the wheel and driving.  Thankfully, no one was seriously injured during the collision.

The Lanier Law Group represents victims of North Carolina auto accidents.  If you have been harmed by the negligence of a drunk driver,contact the Lanier Law Group to speak with a North Carolina personal injury attorney!

The family of a woman hit and killed by a drunk driver as she crossed the street has led to a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and the bar where he worked.

In his lawsuit Matthew Wood, husband of Susan Berry Wood, claims that 25-year-old Jeremy Lane, who worked at Chattanooga Billiard Club, was served alcohol "free of charge" from the time he got off work at 3 a.m. until he staggered out of the bar at 7 a.m. The lawsuit further alleges that when Lane left the bar and got into his car he was clearly and visibly intoxicated. A short time later he fatally struck Wood as she was crossing the street to report to work.

According to police Lane was drunk when he hit Mrs. Wood. He had run a red light, but instead of stopping when the accident occurred, Lane fled the scene and called police claiming his car had been carjacked.

Wood's lawsuit also claims that the Chattanooga Billiard Club should be held liable given that "it was foreseeable and probable that harm or injury would occur to persons such as Susan Wood, given the actions of Chattanooga Billiard Club in providing free alcohol to its employees on its premises." The bar violated a city ordinance that bans bar workers from ever drinking at their place of employment, even if they are off duty. The ordinance also prohibits bars from serving alcohol to anyone between the hours of 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. on a weekday. Lane's accident occurred on December 23, a Wednesday.

Mr. Wood is seeking an unspecified amount in punitive damages for the bar's gross negligence and recklessness.

Lane also faces criminal charges for DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

Injured by a Drunk Driver in North Carolina?

Drunk driving is one of the most egregious forms of negligence, and when an individual is so careless as to get behind the wheel and drive drunk, they deserve to be held liable if their negligent actions led to injury or death. If you were injured by a drunk driver, or if your loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, you can trust a North Carolina auto accident attorney at Lanier Law Group to help you pursue a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. You deserve to be compensated for what you've been through, not only for your medical expenses and lost wages, but also for your pain, suffering, emotional distress, and overall decreased enjoyment of life.

Please feel free to contact Lanier Law Group today if you need help filing a drunk driving accident claim.

The family of a Texas woman who was killed after she was hit by a drunk off-duty police officer is suing the bar that served the officer the alcohol.

Jeff Rasansky, the attorney representing Sonia Baker’s family, said the family decided to sue the Pour House for over-serving patrons and “placing profits ahead of safety.” The lawsuit was filed under the state’s Dram Shop Act, which states that those establishments that sell alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person can be held liable if that patron causes an accident.

Named as defendants in the lawsuit are the Pour House (part of Aventura Hospitality LLC), the bar’s owner Eric Tschetter, and Pueri, Inc., another business entity. Baker’s family is claiming the bar continued to serve the officer, Jesus Cisneros of the Fort Worth Police Department, to the point of him becoming “dangerously inebriated,” and then allowed him to leave the bar and drive away. The lawsuit further alleges that because the bar over-served Cisneros and allowed him to leave while clearly intoxicated, he was able to take his city-owned vehicle and sped down the street, crashing into Baker’s PT Cruiser.

It wasn’t mentioned whether or not the family plans to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Cisneros, although they probably will. Since the accident, Cisneroas has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, but is currently out on bail.

An internal investigation by the police department found that Cisneroas and several other narcotics officers visted three bars as part of an unauthorized undercover bar detail. Afterwards, Cisneros drove to the Pour House to meet other officers for a birthday celebration, were he consumed another four beers and took four shots of alcohol.

After the accident, he was taken to the hospital where a blood test determined his BAC was .17, more than twice the legal limit.

He has since resigned from the department. The police department also launched an investigation to determine why the other officers allowed Cisneros to drive when he was clearly inebriated.

Drunk driving is not just a criminal matter for those who drive drunk.  If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you have legal rights that entitle you to compensation under North Carolina personal injury laws.  Likewise, if your loved one was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against the driver for wrongful death benefits.

North Carolina personal injury laws state that if you have been injured in an accident due to the negligent, reckless, wanton, or careless actions of another person, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.  Driving under the influence is a blatant form of negligence.  Not only did the driver break the law, but he or she also disregarded the safety of other drivers and passengers on the road and put innocent people’s lives at risk. 

At Lanier Law Group, an experienced and dedicated North Carolina auto accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the drunk driver responsible for your injuries. Our goal is to protect and advocate your rights and help you secure the largest possible settlement.

If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation to discuss your North Carolina drunk driving accident claim, please fill out a free case evaluation or contact Lanier Law Group today by calling 1-888-CONSULT!