If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you have the right to speak with an attorney, explore your legal options, and pursue compensation for your damages. You may be able to recover the cost of your medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma from the at-fault party.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand the sensitive nature of a drunk driving accident and how it can harm a victim’s life. Our Alexandria drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to helping you win your case and serve justice.
What to Do If You Were Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you were in an accident and the other person was intoxicated, you could take actions to protect your case. By taking the proper steps after a crash, you may help us show the drunk driver caused your accident and that you did not contribute to your injuries. You may also help us confirm the value of the recoverable damages in your case.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we recommend taking the following steps after an accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Your priority should be to seek medical attention immediately after the crash. Even if you can walk away from the accident, you should still visit the emergency room or your doctor if you have any pain or other symptoms.
Symptoms of some injuries, like whiplash, may not emerge until a few days after the accident. Getting an assessment quickly may mean an earlier diagnosis, immediate treatment, and a faster recovery.
Not only do you want to promote your health, but you also do not want to give the at-fault party the chance to question your injuries. If you wait too long to seek medical care, they may try to blame your injuries on something that happened following your accident or downplay the severity of your injuries.
Keep Detailed Records
Try to document your accident as best you can based on the circumstances. Local law enforcement hopefully visited the scene of your accident and filed a related report. This could become key evidence in your case, especially if they arrested or cited the at-fault driver.
Other helpful actions may include:
- Taking photos of the accident scene and your injuries
- Getting the contact information of all eyewitnesses
- Keeping track of your medical records
- Writing down the details of the collision
Your Alexandria drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can use this information to build your case. Photographs and videos from the scene can also be compelling evidence for jurors if your case goes to trial.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Alexandria, call (318) 777-7777
Limit Communications with All Accident-Related Parties
Your legal team can handle all correspondence with the involved parties and their insurers. During this time, try to avoid speaking with the insurance companies or making any statements about your accident.
Additionally, you should avoid posting about the collision on social media, since what you say can be used later to question your claim. You do not want to say or post anything that could put your case in jeopardy.
Get Legal Advice
Before you speak with anyone about your accident, you may want to consult an Alexandria drunk driving accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. An attorney can listen to your story, discuss your legal options, and answer your questions. They can also help you submit your claim or file your lawsuit.
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers are here to help you if you have any questions or concerns regarding your case. Let our lawyers guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf, seeking thesettlement you deserve.
Our attorneys provide free initial consultations to speak with crash victims hurt by a drunk driver in Alexandria. We also accept these cases based on contingency fees. We do not charge our clients upfront. Instead, we get our fees from the compensation we recover for them. This means we only get paid when we recover compensation for you.
Alexandria Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (318) 777-7777
Holding a Drunk Driver Financially Liable for Your Injuries
Under CC Art. 14:98, operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is illegal. Your lawyer from our team will review the available evidence in your case and investigate your situation to find new information. We may obtain:
- The results of the drunk driver’s field sobriety test, breathalyzer, blood test, or urine test
- The police report from your accident
- Surveillance video footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Expert testimony
- Medical reports
By obtaining evidence, we may bolster your claim so that you can collect compensation for your losses. At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we can use our network of resources to assign fault and prove negligence. We know what it takes to build, prepare, file, and settle a drunk driving case in Rapides Parish.
Still, it is essential to understand that the at-fault driver’s drunk driving arrest and criminal case have nothing to do with your civil claim or lawsuit against them. Having evidence to show they were drunk when they caused your crash can help. However, it is possible to recover appropriate compensation in your case even if they never face criminal charges.
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Why Do Victims of Drunk Drivers in Alexandria Choose Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers?
Choosing a lawyer is a personal and important decision. Those drunk driving victims who choose Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for their case do so after careful consideration—and they choose us for a good reason.
Reasons to choose us for your drunk driving case in Alexandria include:
- Our Louisiana roots: Our lead attorneys are Louisiana born and raised. These Louisiana roots mean that we care deeply about Louisianans, and we take drunk driving cases extremely seriously. You’ll quickly understand that you’re not just a client, but family.
- Our results: Anyone considering a lawyer in Alexandria should ask this question: What has this firm actually accomplished? Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has a lengthy record of case results, including sizable verdicts and settlements. Whether your case goes to trial or settles, you’ll know that your attorneys can get it done.
- Our uncompromising client service: Our testimonials prove consistent client service is a priority at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. Our firm does not exist without our clients, and we’ll ensure that you feel our appreciation. Prompt communication, compassionate representation, and honest advice are just a few ways we’ll serve you.
Former Clients in Alexandria Explain the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Difference
Pay great attention to what former clients say about a law firm. We proudly refer you to reviews from clients we’ve represented in Alexandria:
- “I don’t know what I would have done without the help from Laborde Earles Inury Lawyers. I got nowhere with the insurance company of the person that caused my accident, so I decided to call Laborde Earles Law Firm. They were very friendly and gave me confidence that they would handle my case.” – Lizz Hayward, former client
- “My experience with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was a great adventure. They keep you updated with your claim, with phone calls and text messages. I didn’t have to do anything but relax.” – Eldida Barnes, former client
Can I Handle a Drunk Driving Accident Case on My Own?
Handling a drunk driving case without an attorney can cause major stress, harm your mental and physical health, and even prevent you from obtaining the desired results.
You must consider your inexperience with the legal system. Then, consider the ample experience Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers offers. We know how to win cases like yours, as our results prove.
While we handle your case, you can focus on your health.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Compensation for Damages in Drunk Driving Cases
Like other car accident cases in Louisiana, if you were the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to both economic and noneconomic damages. Our team documents the expenses and losses our clients incurred and seeks a payout that compensates them for these damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages reimburse the out-of-pocket expenses you incur after an accident. Economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, vehicle repairs, and assistive devices. These types of damages are calculable and can be verified with bills and receipts. You might also recover expected future expenses.
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages reimburse you for intangible losses. For instance, you may have suffered emotional trauma from the accident. Although the value of this loss cannot be verified with monetary figures, it is still a compensable damage. You may also be able to recover the costs of disability, dismemberment, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and other noneconomic damages.
Our attorneys work with experts and use industry-accepted methods to put a value on current and future damages. We will calculate the cost of your losses and seek appropriate compensation.
Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations
While your legal team may help you recover the cost of various damages, you do not have a long time to act. Under CC Art. 3492, you generally have one year from the date of your accident to take your case to court.
While this may seem like a long time, days and weeks quickly turn into months. If you do not take legal action within this period, you could jeopardize your case.
Many car accident claims never require suing or going to trial. However, if this becomes necessary in your case, it is vital that we protect your right to do so. For this reason, it is imperative to meet all necessary deadlines. If your case does require a lawsuit and jury trial, our attorneys will be by your side representing your best interests every step of the way.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You Seek Damages
Right now, you might feel that your case is hopeless and that you have nowhere to turn. You may have had your claim denied by the insurance company or have difficulty establishing negligence. However, despite these concerns, you have legal options.
An Alexandria drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can:
- Provide legal guidance throughout your case
- Investigate your case to find new pieces of evidence
- Determine the cost of your economic and noneconomic damages
- Handle all communications with the insurance company
- Fight for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Provide legal representation if you decide to file a lawsuit
Our legal team will cater to the unique circumstances of your case. Every case is different, and there is no “one size fits all” formula to drunk driving cases.
Call Our Law Firm After Your Drunk Driving Accident in Alexandria
A drunk driving accident can have a devastating impact on your life. However, you have legal options. Let us protect your rights and help you seek a fair settlement.
We can review the facts of your case and provide advice today. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Call or text (318) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
