New Orleans Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer – Get the Help That You Need
Drunk driving is a motor vehicle crime globally. Every day, an individual loses their life because of this irresponsible act. When dealing with the catastrophic repercussions of this accident, it’s critical to have a reliable New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyer to advocate for your rights.
A New Orleans DUI personal injury lawyer is adept with drunk driving laws. They can help you further understand the gravity of your situation and what you can do to recover maximum compensation.
Our personal injury attorney at Big Easy Accident Lawyer has extensive years of experience handling car and DUI accidents. Start your recovery process with a single phone call. Book your free consultation now at (504) 565-2423.
New Orleans DUI Accident Statistics
According to the statistical fact sheet compiled by Responsibility.org, Louisiana reported 220 alcohol-impaired drunk driving fatalities. This number brings the state’s total rate of alcohol-impaired fatal accidents to a whopping 30.3%, which is 2% higher than the national rate.
In a separate report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Louisiana produced about 2,349 deaths from 2008 to 2019. Throughout these ten years, the average age range of a drunk driver was around 21 to 34 years old.
Dealing with the repercussions of another person’s negligence is not only unfair but also highly stressful. Securing the legal assistance of a New Orleans DUI accident lawyer helps ensure proper steps are taken to hold the drunk driver accountable for his misactions.
What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Contact the emergency response team immediately: The accident might have caused severe injuries requiring emergency medical attention. Your safety is your utmost priority after the accident. You should, therefore, not hesitate to contact the emergency response team.
Call the nearest police station: The police will be able to take statements from the parties involved in the accident. Often, the responding officer will conduct a breath test to verify the drunk driver.
Gather as much evidence as possible: It would be best if you took a few shots of photographic or video evidence of the drunk driving accident scene, the damage to your car, and your injuries.
Retain a New Orleans car accident lawyer: The insurance company will try to downplay you or even deny your claim. Having an experienced attorney by your side will increase your chances of recovering compensation.
DUI Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana “per se” DUI laws: In Louisiana, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. If you are caught driving under the influence with a minor aged 15 years or below in the car, the court will subject you to enhanced penalties.
Louisiana ignition interlock device laws: A Louisiana drunk driver with a BAC of 0.15% or higher must install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their car for a set period.
Louisiana felony DUI law: A fourth or subsequent Louisiana drunk driving offense is a felony. The offender must spend at least one year in jail and may have their license permanently revoked.
Louisiana DUI Child Endangerment Laws: It is a crime in Louisiana to drive drunk with a child aged 15 years or younger in the car. The law will subject the offender to enhanced penalties, including jail time. Child endangerment penalties include a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 10 years in jail.
Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
A drunk driving accident is notorious for producing catastrophic injuries, and these might even lead to death in some cases. Here are some of the common injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents:
Traumatic brain injuries: A blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, be deadly.
Spinal cord damages: The spinal cord is responsible for carrying messages between the brain and the body. An injury to the spinal cord can result in paralysis.
Severe organ injuries: The force of the impact can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs.
Multiple broken bones: You might sustain fractures in various parts of your body, including your ribs, pelvis, and legs.
Types of Damages Recoverable After Being Injured by a Drunk Driver
Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of past and future medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation.
Property damages: If your property was damaged in a car accident, you could recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Loss of consortium: If your spouse or child was injured or killed in a drunk driving accident, you could recover damages for the loss of their companionship.
Diminished quality of life: You might be able to recover from the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
Types of Compensation in DUI Claims
The recoverable damages discussed above discuss the specific damages you could be owed. Generally, these damages can be classified by their type of compensation: economic or non-economic.
Economic damages are out-of-pocket costs, such as medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. These expenses have a definite financial value that can be calculated using receipts, invoices, and other documentation.
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify because they do not have a set value. These include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.
Punitive damages are meant to punish drunk drivers for their negligence and act as a deterrent for future bad behavior. These are only awarded in cases of gross negligence and are rarely given.
How a New Orleans Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help You to Recover Damages
If you, a friend, or a family member have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
Here’s what you can expect when you retain the services of a DUI accident attorney:
Drunk driver accident investigation: A lawyer will investigate your accident to identify all possible liable parties and gather evidence to support your claim.
Proper identification of liable parties: There are instances when a drunk driver is improperly identified because of a defective analyzer or inaccurate field sobriety test. Your attorney will work to ensure that the right person is held liable for your injuries.
Fair and maximum damage negotiation: Intoxicated driving accident victims suffer the most severe injuries, which entitles them to full and fair compensation for their damages. Your lawyer will fight for the maximum amount of payment you are entitled to recover.
Case litigation: The case process does not always go well for the accident victim. Insurance companies will try to minimize the amount they pay out in claims, and parties might disagree on who is liable. In these instances, your lawyer will take your case to court and fight for a fair settlement or jury verdict on your behalf.
Contact an Experienced New Orleans DUI Accident Attorney to Recover Damages
A DUI incident is not a minor traffic violation. If you were involved in a New Orleans accident with a drunk driver, you must seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Schedule a free consultation with our accident lawyers at Big Easy Lawyer to discuss your injuries and how we can help you.
