A Baton Rouge man was charged with drunk driving after he caused a chain-reaction crash on I-10 that injured a police officer. According to NOLA, Sgt. Staty Lewis was stopped on the shoulder to assist another driver whose vehicle had been involved in a hit and run.
Sgt. Lewis’ vehicle was parked partially on the left shoulder and left lane with the emergency lights activated. A Toyota Venza attempted to merge into the center lane when it was hit by a 2015 Kia Optima driven by David Earl McGirt, 29. The Venza then collided with the back of Sgt. Lewis’ vehicle.
At the time of the collision, Lewis was reaching inside the vehicle to retrieve a medical kit. The officer suffered a broken shoulder and was airlifted to the hospital for treatment.
McGirt was charged with driving while intoxicated and careless operation of a motor-vehicle.
This crash is an unfortunate reminder that alcohol and driving don’t mix. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash with an intoxicated motorist, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
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A Baton Rouge car wreck lawyer from Laborde Earles Law Firm can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you fight for the maximum payout. We have recovered more than $200 million for our clients in cash settlements and verdicts. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Louisiana?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,046 people in Louisiana died in alcohol-related accidents between 2003 and 2012. Drunk driving rates in Louisiana are higher than the national average among all age groups.
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In a survey cited by the CDC, drivers were asked if they had operated a vehicle within the past 30 days after consuming too much alcohol. While only 1.9 percent of drivers who took the survey said they had driven after consuming too much, the percentage for drivers in Louisiana was much higher (2.5 percent).
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According to Alcohol Alert, there was a steady decline in the number of drunk driving fatalities in Louisiana from 1982 to 2011; however, in 2014, 300 traffic deaths were attributed to drunk driving—the highest number since 2009. That means about 41 percent of all traffic fatalities that year involved a drunk driver.
As you can see, driving under the influence is a major problem in our state. Despite public awareness campaigns that encourage drivers to remains sober, far too many motorists choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol—and other road users pay the price.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a collision with a drunk or drugged driver, turn to Laborde Earles Law Firm. A Baton Rouge accident attorney will help you navigate the claims process and hold the at-fault driver accountable.
One small mistake, such as overlooking future damages or accepting a settlement too early, could significantly reduce the amount of compensation you recover. Our legal team will help you avoid costly errors and fight for the maximum payout. Schedule a free consultation today by callin
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