Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating types of car crashes, often resulting in severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships. If a drunk driver in New Orleans has injured you or a loved one, you have the right to seek justice and compensation for your losses. Navigating these cases alone can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with uncooperative insurance companies and complex legal systems.
At Crescent City Law, we bring years of experience to every case, understanding the unique challenges victims of drunk driving accidents face. With compassion and dedication, our skilled legal advocates work tirelessly to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
How a New Orleans Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney in Louisiana can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
1. Investigate the Accident
Personal injury attorneys will gather crucial evidence, such as:
- Police reports and arrest records
- Breathalyzer and field sobriety test results
- Accident scene photos
- Medical records documenting your injuries
2. Calculate Your Damages
Your legal team will thoroughly assess the financial and emotional impact of the accident, considering:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages, if applicable
3. Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Drunk driving injury lawyers will handle all communications with insurance companies, advocating for a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
4. Advocate for Your Rights
Throughout the process, a reliable personal injury lawyer will stand by your side, providing guidance and fighting for the justice you deserve.
At Crescent City Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you understand the legal implications of your case to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Louisiana
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet they remain a serious issue in Louisiana, including in New Orleans. The consequences of these collisions can be catastrophic, often resulting in:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Leading to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Resulting in partial or complete paralysis and significant life changes.
- Broken Bones and Internal Injuries: Often requiring extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
- Emotional Trauma: Survivors may face anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Beyond the physical and emotional challenges of recovery, victims must also contend with financial hardships and the added stress of dealing with insurance companies. Unfortunately, insurers often aim to minimize payouts, even in clear-cut cases involving drunk drivers. Common tactics include:
- Offering Low Settlements: Initial offers may seem tempting but often fail to account for long-term medical expenses or lost income.
- Disputing Liability: Arguing that the drunk driver wasn’t entirely at fault to reduce their financial responsibility.
- Delaying Claims: Prolonging the process to pressure victims into accepting lower settlements.
Recovering from these injuries is often a long, painful, and expensive process. A personal injury lawyer can counter these tactics, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To For a Drunk Driving Injury in Louisiana
Victims of drunk driving accidents in New Orleans may recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Covering emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and diminished earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Recognizing physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Property Damage: Repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Punitive Damages: Penalizing the drunk driver for reckless behavior.
While drunk driving is often associated with car accidents, it involves a significant difference in its legal and criminal implications compared to other types of collisions.
Drunk driving accidents differ from other car crashes due to their criminal nature and unique legal considerations. Here’s why they require a strategic approach:
1. Criminal Component
Drunk driving is not just negligence—it is a criminal act under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:98, which imposes strict penalties on drivers operating under the influence. While criminal proceedings may punish the offender, they do not address the financial and emotional losses victims endure. A civil case allows you to seek compensation for those damages.
2. Establishing Liability
Proving that the driver’s intoxication directly caused the accident is essential. A lawyer can gather evidence to build a strong case, such as:
- Police reports
- Breathalyzer results
- Witness testimony
3. Eligibility for Punitive Damages
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2315.4, victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are designed to punish the offender and deter similar reckless behavior. A compelling argument backed by evidence is crucial to secure this additional compensation.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys at Crescent City Law Today
Drunk driving accidents are avoidable tragedies that leave lasting impacts on victims and their families. With Crescent City Law, you gain a compassionate legal advocate who will relentlessly pursue justice on your behalf and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Contact us today at 504-264-9492 to start your journey toward recovery.
