When someone decides to get behind the wheel while drunk, it can have devastating consequences for other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Although there is nothing that can turn back time and stop the accident from happening, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the person or companies who caused the accident.
It can be overwhelming to think about taking legal action during this time, as you are probably coping with serious injuries and major disruption in your life. A Metairie drunk driving accident lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to help you with your case. Our staff can discuss your potential claim in a private and free consultation. Call us now at (504) 777-7777.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving Accidents
When someone decides to operate a vehicle after consuming alcoholic beverages, there are countless dangers involved. In general, alcohol makes it much more difficult to drive in a safe manner. Here are some of the ways that drunk driving can lead to accidents:
- Reduced reaction time
- Lack of coordination
- Inability to concentrate
- More easily distracted
- Inhibited judgment
Drunk driving is defined in Louisiana as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more, according to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Office of Motor Vehicles (DPS). Your lawyer can help you collect the evidence you need to show that the other party was intoxicated. There may be a police report prepared after the crash that determines whether one of the parties was intoxicated, or you may be able to find eyewitnesses who saw the defendant consuming alcoholic beverages before driving.
In some situations, you may have a claim against the person who was driving while intoxicated. However, if the drunk driver was underage, you can bring a claim against the person who provided them with alcohol. There are a few other situations that may warrant bringing a claim against a third party that you can discuss with your lawyer.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Metairie, call (337) 777-7777
Holding Someone Responsible for Drunk Driving
A drunk driving accident is a type of personal injury accident. To recover compensation, you must show four key elements:
- Duty: You must prove that the defendant owed you a duty to drive with reasonable care and skill.
- Breach: You must prove that the defendant failed to drive according to this duty at the time of the crash.
- Causation: You must show that the defendant’s failure to drive according to the duty of care was the direct cause of the accident.
- Damages: You must provide documentation and evidence supporting the amount of compensation that you are seeking in your claim.
The standard of care requires drivers to pay adequate attention behind the wheel, follow all traffic signals, and refrain from drunk driving. Because driving under the influence is illegal, a reasonable and careful driver would not drive if they had consumed too much alcohol.
When it comes to damages, it is very important to make sure that you are requesting the amount of compensation that you will need to cope with your injuries. There are many devastating injuries that can happen as the result of a drunk driving accident, such as:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spine injuries
- Paralysis or amputations
- Bruising
- Skin injuries like road rash
- Mental suffering and stress
A lawyer can help you determine the amount of compensation that you will need to cover your expenses to date, as well as the cost of your future estimated medical care. If you have a traumatic brain injury, for example, you may need to be under medical care until the condition resolves. If your injuries have left you unable to work or return to your usual occupation, you can also request compensation for your reduced earning capacity.
There are many more aspects of your potential claim that a Metairie drunk driving accident lawyer can assist you with. Our team will provide you with the responsive and supportive legal counsel you need during this stressful situation. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (504) 777-7777 now for a free consultation.
Metairie Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
How a Lawyer Will Assist You
There are many aspects of your case that a lawyer can take care of on your behalf so that you can focus on healing. Some of their services include answering key questions like what the defendant’s BAC was at the time of the crash and whether the defendant has any medical conditions that impact their ability to drive after drinking.
Here are some other ways that your lawyer will help you pursue financial recovery:
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Researching potential claims that you can assert
- Ensuring that you hold all potentially liable parties accountable
- Communicating with the court and opposing parties
- Scheduling and attending hearings at court on your behalf
- Taking depositions and defending you in a deposition
- Securing any insurance benefits you need
- Negotiating a potential settlement
- Preparing for trial
There are many other ways an attorney can make the legal process as smooth as possible. You can call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to see how a Metairie drunk driving accident lawyer can help you with your case.
Sometimes people can feel intimidated talking to a law firm about their rights, but there is no reason to be concerned. Our goal is to help you understand your options and discuss whether we can help you pursue legal action against the drunk driver who caused you harm. There is no charge to you, and if you decide to pursue legal action, we only collect fees if we win a settlement or judgment in your favor. Call us now at (504) 777-7777.
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