If you were hit by a drunk driver, you could face severe injuries or a permanent disability. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. A settlement may not counteract these challenges, but filing a lawsuit against the drunk driver will hold them responsible for their actions.
Our team of DUI accident lawyers in Baton Rouge can help you prove the other driver’s negligence and guide you through the legal process. We can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to obtain the compensation you need after being in a drunk driving accident.
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver?
In addition to facing criminal charges, drunk drivers may also be sued in civil court. Depending on your situation, you may have more multiple legal options to consider. A DUI accident lawyer in Baton Rouge can advise you on how to proceed with a lawsuit.
For a free legal consultation with a DUI Accident lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call 800-537-8185
How Much Can I Get in a DUI Accident Settlement?
The average amount for a DUI accident settlement is about $125,000. How much your claim may be worth will depend on many factors. If you are permanently disabled as a result of the wreck, if someone suffered fatal injuries, or if you required surgery, your claim may be worth more than average.
Our case results display successful wins we secured for our clients. During your free initial consultation with a Baton Rouge DUI accident attorney, the lawyer will go over your damages and give you an estimate of your claim’s value.
Damages You May Seek in Your DUI Accident Case
When a drunk driver operates their vehicle recklessly, any crash they cause can be especially serious. If you have suffered injuries, you may be eligible to recover damages for your losses. You may be able to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
Your DUI accident lawyer in Baton Rouge can help you recover damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income while you seek treatment
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Drunk Driving and Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one as a result of the collision, we can help you file a wrongful death lawsuit against the drunk driver. Your lawsuit may allow your family may to collect:
- Funeral expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of support and protection
- Loss of consortium
Among disturbing trends to watch, alcohol sales went up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Combine that with how aggressive drivers became as they returned to work and you have a recipe for disaster. Dangerous drivers must be held accountable for their reckless actions.
Punitive Damages
In addition to any economic and non-economic damages you may attain for your DUI case, you may also be awarded punitive damages. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime, and punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent driver to discourage repeat offenses. About a third of all DUI accidents are caused by repeat offenders.
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Who Is Liable for a DUI Accident?
In addition to the drunk driver, third parties may also be liable for damages. In many cases, another party can share responsibility for contributing to the accident. Potential defendants your Baton Rouge DUI attorney may name in your claim may include:
- Other drivers
- Bartenders, servers, and restaurants
- Property owners and party hosts
- Employers
- Automobile manufacturers or mechanics
- Local municipalities
Louisiana DUI laws don’t distinguish drug or alcohol use. Both substances are treated the same under Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §14:98. If you were injured by an impaired driver, any parties who contributed to their intoxication may be liable for your damages.
How a Lawyer Proves Negligence After a DUI Accident
If law enforcement charged the driver who struck you with DUI, they could be facing jail time, fines, and a suspended license. Even if the driver was not officially charged in the crash, you can still sue them. You simply have to prove negligence on the part of the other driver by showing four things:
- The driver owed you a duty of care
- The driver failed in that duty
- This failure resulted in an accident
- You were harmed as a result of the accident
Even a small amount of alcohol in their system could cause a person to make a mistake while driving, which fits the definition of negligence. A DUI accident attorney in Baton Rouge will look into the facts of your case to determine if the other driver’s use of alcohol or drugs affected the accident.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations
Drunk driving can impact the rest of your life. According to Article 3492 of the Louisiana Civil Code, you only have one year from the date of a traffic accident to file a lawsuit. Working with Baton Rouge DUI accident attorneys ensures you don’t miss out on your chance to seek justice for your case.
Speak With a Louisiana DUI Accident Lawyer for Free
As Baton Rouge DUI accident lawyers, we know that drunk drivers cause the most devastating accidents. If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to seek a fair settlement for your medical bills, as well as your pain and suffering.
At the Morris Bart law firm, we will work on your behalf. Call us 24/7 for a free consultation. When you choose to hire us, we will be ready to begin working on your case immediately.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
