Drunk or impaired drivers cause devastating car crashes every day. DUI accident victims could be left with fractures, permanent disability, or fatal injuries, which can lead to plenty of financial stress. If you were in a collision caused by a drunk driver, you have the law on your side.
As a DUI accident victim, you have to protect your legal rights and take steps that will ensure that you recover damages for your losses. To prevent minor mistakes from jeopardizing your case, we recommend the help of experienced Shreveport DUI accident attorneys.
A driver holds an open bottle of alcohol. A Shreveport DUI accident attorney can explain your rights after an impaired driver causes a car crash.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
According to data by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), one person dies every hour in a motor vehicle accident involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Despite the severity of this issue, drunk drivers continue to get behind the wheel. If you find yourself in a DUI accident, here are a few things you can do.
Seek Medical Care
If it is safe to do so, move a safe distance away from the road. If you are gravely injured, do not move. Ask someone to call 911 and wait to receive medical assistance.
For minor injuries, visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible for treatment and further examination. When you decide to take legal action against the liable party, your medical records can be a valuable resource.
Call the Police
While it may be tempting to call your lawyer first, we advise that you contact the police. By doing so, you are protecting your legal rights and establishing undeniable evidence of the accident. In the long run, your DUI accident lawyer in Shreveport will need the police report and other relevant documents to make a claim against the insurance company.
Exchange Information
If you were driving and had passengers in the car, ensure everyone is unharmed before exchanging information with the driver. Be sure to collect the other driver’s information, including:
-
- Their name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license
- License plate number
- Insurance company
- Policy number
It would be a good idea to check the driver’s ID to make sure the information you collect is correct. If you have a cell phone available, call the phone number they give you before leaving the scene. Additionally, note the location of the accident and the type and model of the vehicle.
Take Pictures
If you do not have a phone, ask someone else to take pictures. Be sure to get pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident and the scene of the accident or the surrounding areas.
Also, make sure to speak to witnesses and collect their contact information. They can be helpful during the discovery process since your lawyer can interview them when building your case.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Call a DUI accident attorney in Shreveport to discuss your case. Our law firm can help you receive compensation for your injuries and recover damages for your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a DUI Accident lawyer serving Shreveport, call 800-537-8185
Types of Injuries Sustained in a Motor Vehicle Accident
Although you survived your accident, chances are that you did not walk away unscathed. Generally speaking, most victims of DUI accidents end up with injuries and in some cases, disabilities. A few common injuries are:
- Head injuries
- Fractured bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Even without visible injuries, it’s important to seek medical care following a DUI accident. Untreated head injuries may result in intense headaches, sleep deprivation, and problems with your brain functionality.
Shreveport DUI Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
The Average Settlement for a DUI Accident Case
The average payout for a drunk driving accident case is about $125,000. However, results may vary. Settlements can range anywhere from under $10,000 to over $1,000,000. Settlements are calculated based on each case.
As one example, we assisted a client who was injured by a drunk driver. After suffering multiple fractures, including a broken back, our client successfully won $650,000. If you suffered extensive injuries, your case may be worth more than average.
Click to contact our Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyers today
What a Shreveport DUI Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
While you may be tempted to deal with the liable party’s insurance company directly, enlisting the help of a lawyer can help you to focus on healing. When we come onto the case, we will:
Explain Your Rights
Our team of DUI accident lawyers in Shreveport can provide legal advice to give you an in-depth understanding of your situation. We can help you weigh your options as you pursue litigation. Additionally, we will prepare you for deposition or trial if it becomes necessary.
Investigate the Accident
Our attorneys can collect all the necessary evidence needed to win your case. This includes:
- Checking the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Interviewing witnesses
- Assessing your medical records.
If the defendant’s attorney or insurance company moves to dispute the cause of the accident, we are ready to bring in experts like accident reconstruction professionals to prove our theories.
Assess Your Damages
Our DUI accident attorneys in Shreveport can review your medical receipts to arrive at an accurate estimate for your compensation. The amount can reflect:
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Psychological distress
- Medical expenses
Where present, we will consider the long-term effects of your injuries such as rehabilitative care, medication, and diminished earning capacity if you were left with a disability.
Represent You During Negotiations
Working with a DUI accident lawyer in Shreveport can ensure that the insurance company pays what is owed to you. While our goal is to get you the compensation to which you may be entitled during a settlement, we will not hesitate to go to trial if the insurance company fails to agree on an equitable amount.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
DUI Accident Statute of Limitations
Like all personal injury lawsuits, your DUI accident is subject to legal deadlines. Under Article 3492 of the Louisiana Civil Code, the statute of limitations for car accidents is only one year. This means you must initiate your lawsuit within one year of the date of your accident.
Your legal team will need time to build a strong case, so don’t wait too long to seek legal counsel. If the deadline passes, your case may be dismissed.
Let the Morris Bart Law Firm Work for You
A DUI accident can wreak havoc on your life and future endeavors. Let the team at the Morris Bart law firm protect your rights and help recover the compensation to which you may be entitled. Call our DUI accident attorneys in Shreveport 24/7 for a free case evaluation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
