Drunk driving accidents are way too common in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, impaired driving contributed to 29% of fatal crashes in the state in 2023.
The consequences of these reckless events are often life-altering, leaving victims with tremendous physical, emotional, and financial hardship. At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we stand with victims by holding drunk drivers accountable and helping secure the justice and compensation needed to move forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
In a Louisiana drunk driving accident, the impaired driver is primarily responsible, but other parties may also play a role depending on the circumstances. Identifying all potential sources of compensation is key to maximizing recovery for victims.
Primary Liability: The Drunk Driver
- The impaired driver is legally responsible for the accident and any injuries or damages they cause.
- Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination, making drunk driving a serious act of negligence under Louisiana law.
Can Other Parties Be Held Liable?
In most cases, Louisiana law does not hold bars, restaurants, or social hosts responsible for serving alcohol to someone of legal drinking age who later causes a crash. However, there are limited exceptions where liability might extend beyond the driver.
Investigating Liability in a Drunk Driving Case
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, including police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer can help identify all available sources of compensation to ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
There are many types of compensation to help drunk driving victims cover the financial and emotional toll of the crash. Damages typically include:
- Medical Expenses: Both immediate and ongoing costs, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work or reduced earning capacity due to long-term injuries
- Pain and Suffering: Acknowledgment of the physical and emotional pain endured by victims
- Emotional Distress: The emotional and psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD
- Property Damage: Covering repairs or replacement of damaged vehicles and belongings
- Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where a loved one is lost, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, and emotional pain
Our experienced attorneys can calculate the full extent of your losses and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Dudley DeBosier Can Help You Through This Difficult Time
At Dudley DeBosier, we have seen firsthand how drunk driving accidents affect every part of a victim’s life. Our compassionate legal team is here to provide personalized support and handle each aspect of your case, including:0
- Thorough Investigations: We gather importance evidence as needed, such as police reports, BAC results, witness testimony, and video footage from the accident scene.
- Aggressive Negotiations: We work aggressively to secure fair settlements with insurance companies.
- Trial Preparation: If a settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court to fight for you there.
We’re here to take on the legal challenges so you can focus on your recovery.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
- Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Caused by head trauma during a collision
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues
- Broken Bones: Fractures due to the force of impact
- Internal Organ Damage: Resulting from the blunt force of the crash
- Emotional Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, or depression following the crash
These injuries can stay with victims for the rest of their lives, making it critical to seek compensation for both immediate and future medical needs.
Louisiana Laws on Drunk Driving and Victim Rights
In Louisiana, driving under the influence is a serious crime involving serious penalties. Those include fines, suspended license, and jail time. Considering criminal charges alone won’t fully address the needs of accident victims, victims have the right to pursue civil damages in addition to any criminal penalties the drunk driver faces. Filing a personal injury claim allows victims to seek compensation and further hold the drunk driver accountable.
It’s important to move swiftly, as Louisiana law requires personal injury claims to be filed within one year of the accident. Missing this deadline can hinder you from recovering damages.
Steps to Take After a Being Hit by a Drunk Driver in Louisiana
After a DUI accident, taking the following steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a doctor for the official medical record and for any injuries not immediately obvious.
- Report the Accident: Notify law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Gather Evidence: If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Also, collect witness contact information.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Do not provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
- Contact Dudley DeBosier: Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and protect your rights.
Contact Our Louisiana Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we’re dedicated to helping DUI accident victims get back on their feet. Our team has the experience and resources needed to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
