In 2017 the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reported that more than 40 percent of motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana were alcohol-related. Impaired driving accidents cost more than $44 billion every year, resulting in over 10,000 deaths and thousands of other injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many lives are turned upside-down in an instant because of a drunk driver’s decision to get behind the wheel. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a drunk driving accident, you have the right to hold them responsible for your related expenses. A Covington drunk driving accident lawyer from our team at Morris Bart, LLC is here to help. We offer a free case review for car accident victims. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means if you do decide to contract our services, you will owe nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. We are only paid if we are successful in pursuing your case. To get started, call us today at (504) 613-4771.
How Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations May Impact Your Claim
Louisiana’s statute of limitations imposes a one-year limit on the time that accident victims have to pursue compensation for delictual actions. If you are filing a wrongful death action on behalf of a decedent, you have one year from the date of their passing to do so. Seeking to file a civil action does not have an unlimited time frame. The faster you start the legal process, the faster you can expect a resolution.
For a free legal consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident lawyer serving Covington, call 800-537-8185
Types of Injuries that Occur in Drunk Driving Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 30 people die in drunk driving-related crashes every day. Here are some of the types of injuries that can occur in drunk driving accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These injuries occur when there is a blow to the head that disrupts your normal brain function. Less severe TBIs, such as concussions, may only cause headaches and other mild symptoms. Severe TBIs can cause profound confusion and changes in motor function and behavior.
- Broken bones: These injuries are usually not life-threatening and are treated by a physician with no long-term complications. However, if the bone pierces the skin, it can create a possibility for severe bleeding and infection.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries are often life-altering for the victim, as damage to the spinal cord prevents the brain from being able to have messages properly relayed to other parts of the body. Some victims may require wheelchairs or other assistive devices after such a traumatic injury.
- Internal bleeding: This is actually a symptom of other injuries, including organ damage, hematoma, and other complications. While mild internal bleeding can heal on its own, severe hemorrhaging can lead to shock, coma, and even death.
If you or a loved one has sustained any injuries as a result of a drunk driving accident, you have the right to hold the negligent party responsible. Contact Morris Bart, LLC, at (504) 613-4771 today for a free consultation from a Covington drunk driving accident lawyer.
Recoverable Items after a Drunk Driving Accident
There are several damages that you may be entitled to after your accident. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Medical costs, such as ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgical procedures, doctor’s examinations, and medication
- Emotional trauma
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
If your loved one did not survive due to the seriousness of their injuries, you may be able to recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering of the decedent
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
- Medical costs that have been left to the family to pay
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
This is not an exhaustive list of items you may be able to seek following a collision with a drunk driver. Many people wonder how much they will be able to pursue for noneconomic damages, which are losses that do not have a predetermined value. Typically, the more severe your injuries, the more likely you will be able to receive for noneconomic damages.
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How a Covington Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
A drunk driving accident lawyer can take on your legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most during this stressful time. By working with Morris Bart, LLC, we can:
- Help you explore options: Our team has managed countless cases just like yours. We understand what you can expect from the legal process and help you make decisions that best benefit you and your family.
- Keep you updated: One of our goals is to keep you updated on the legal process as it unfolds by managing your expectations, explaining your rights under the law, and helping you make tough decisions. When you work with our team, we handle your case from the moment it starts to the moment it ends.
- Investigate your case: We can gather evidence like the police report, medical records, eyewitness statements, and (if available) traffic surveillance video to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
- Estimate the value of your damages: We can consult with medical experts and review your medical records to determine how much we should seek for your losses, while also factoring in the cost of your pain and suffering.
- Negotiate on your behalf: We can negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyer to pursue a fair settlement that covers your expenses.
- Represent you in court: If we cannot reach a fair settlement out of court, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial and seek a judge’s verdict. While most personal injury claims are settled without taking this route, we believe that you should not have to take an offer that does not cover your expenses.
To learn more about what our dedicated legal team can do for you, call Morris Bart, LLC at (504) 613-4771.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
