Operating a moving vehicle under the influence of alcohol is recklessly irresponsible. Drivers who have a blood alcohol concentration of .08%, the nationwide legal limit, have poor reaction times, difficulty concentrating, and poor speed control. These drivers may not be able to take the corrective action necessary to avoid an accident.
Fortunately for victims in these cases, drunk drivers are liable under RS 14:98 for any harm they cause. If you or someone you love was hurt by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
The Alexandria driving while intoxicated lawyers at Morris Bart are here to help. We offer a free consultation for victims of car accidents. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means we are only paid if we are successful with your case. To find out options you have for recovering your losses after an Alexandria driving while intoxicated accident or to get started right away, contact us today at (318) 416-0089.
Facts about Driving While Intoxicated
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08% impacts muscle coordination, impairing the driver’s reaction time, speech, vision, and balance. It impairs their concentration, causes short-term memory loss and difficulty with speeding control. It also reduces a driver’s ability to process information.
The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that there were over 10,500 fatalities in 2018. It also reports that the greatest percentage of fatal accidents involve drivers between the ages of 21 and 34.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2003 to 2012, over 3,000 people were killed in accidents in Louisiana involving a drunk driver. In Louisiana, 2.5% of adults report driving after drinking too much in the past 30 days. That’s notably higher than the national average of 1.9%.
For a free legal consultation with a Driving While Intoxicated lawyer serving Alexandria, call 800-537-8185
Types of Injuries that Occur in Driving While Intoxicated Accidents
Some types of injuries that victims incur as a result of people who drink and drive include:
Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in car accidents, the result of the extreme force created on impact. The healing process and severity depend on the nature of the injury. If the bone breaks and pierces the skin, the victim may experience heavy, even life-threatening bleeding. If the bone shatters on impact, the healing period will be lengthy and can cause lifelong complications and pain.
Internal Bleeding
This type of injury is particularly dangerous because victims do not always immediately recognize that they are bleeding internally. In some cases, they do not recognize the severity of their injury until the hemorrhaging becomes life-threatening. In situations like car accidents, where the trauma to the body causes severe hemorrhaging, internal bleeding can lead to external bleeding, organ failure, coma, and even death.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are often life-changing for the victim and their family members. Many spinal cord injury victims experience loss of sensation or mobility below the site of the injury, and in severe cases, they may be paralyzed from the neck down.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of disability and death in the U.S. The CDC reports that car accidents are the second-leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations, as well. This type of injury occurs when there is a blow to the head that impacts brain function. While some people experience only a momentary loss of consciousness, in many cases, like car accidents, the victim may experience significant memory loss and functional and emotional impairment.
These are just a few of the types of injuries victims suffer from as a result of an accident with an intoxicated driver. If you experience any one of these situations, contact an Alexandria driving while intoxicated lawyer from Morris Bart today at (318) 416-0089 for a free, no risk-consultation.
Possible Damages You May Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident
Some types of damages that victims recover after drunk driving accidents include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Future wages if their earning potential is lost or diminished
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
If your loved one died as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs left to the family to pay
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Benefits and wages previously provided by the deceased
You may be able to pursue other forms of damages as well.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, although rare, the court will award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the drunk driver for their egregious behavior and discourage them and others from behaving in this way ever again.
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How the Statute of Limitations Impacts Your Case
CC 3492 enforces a one-year limit on the time that an individual has to pursue legal action in a personal injury case like a drunk driving accident. So, you must file your claim within one year of the accident, or you will typically be barred from recovering any compensation.
How an Alexandria Driving While Intoxicated Lawyer Can Help
An Alexandria driving while intoxicated lawyer can answer all of your legal questions and offer you guidance for how you can proceed with your case. If you decide to retain our services, we will:
- Gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and any surveillance video footage that’s available.
- Examine your medical records, out-of-pocket experiences, and pain and suffering to calculate the total value of your case.
- Consult with medical experts who can provide testimony about the impact your injuries will have on your future.
- Build a strong case pursuing damages to the fullest extent of your injuries.
- Fight for your rights in court if an agreeable settlement cannot be reached.
For a free, no-risk consultation with a member of our team, contact Morris Bart today at (318) 416-0089.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
