The penalties under RS 14 §98 for driving while intoxicated in the state of Louisiana are tough and for good reason. Intoxicated drivers cause serious accidents on Louisiana roadways that result in major injuries to innocent victims. According to data collected by Louisiana State University, there were 7,600 crashes in Louisiana involving alcohol alone in 2019 alone.
Driving while intoxicated can include more substances than just alcohol. In Louisiana, an intoxicated driver can be someone driving while impaired due to:
- A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more
- Illegal drugs or a controlled dangerous substance
- An excessive dose of a prescription medication
- Combining medication with alcohol against the recommendation of a physician or drug manufacturer
- And more
If an intoxicated driver has struck you, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain, and suffering. Even if the driver who caused the crash did not receive a ticket for drunk or intoxicated driving, any negligent actions a driver takes that harms another individual could be actionable.
A Mandeville driving while intoxicated lawyer at the Morris Bart law firm, can help you take legal action to pursue compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (504) 613-4771 for a free consultation with our Mandeville legal team.
Evidence in an Intoxicated Driver Accident
For a defendant to win a personal injury case, they typically must produce evidence that the person who caused their injuries was acting negligently. In the case of an intoxicated driver, demonstrating negligence may center on proof of the driver’s intoxication.
Evidence of Driver Intoxication
Sometimes, the police report or a ticket for DUI issued by the police at the scene of the accident will demonstrate the negligence of the intoxicated driver.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), visible signs that the driver was intoxicated can be entered in your case in the form of your testimony or witness statements. Visible signs of an intoxicated driver include:
- Slurring of speech
- Red and watery eyes
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Difficulty following a conversation
- Difficulty staying awake
- Open alcohol containers in the car
A smell of alcohol or marijuana is also a relevant observable detail. If you notice any of these signs of intoxicated driving at the scene of your accident, make sure to alert law enforcement officials when they arrive.
Other Forms of Driver Negligence
Even if there is not sufficient evidence in your case to pin driver negligence on intoxication, a Mandeville driving while intoxicated lawyer can investigate other forms of driver negligence in your case. These could include:
- Breaking traffic laws
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Operating an unsafe vehicle
The team of lawyers at the Morris Bart law firm, will work tirelessly to gather facts in your case to prove negligence on the part of the other driver. Evidence in your case may include:
- Photographs and videos from the accident
- CCTV from nearby cameras
- Statements from witnesses found and recorded after the accident
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
If you work with a Mandeville driving while intoxicated lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm, we will handle all evidence gathering in your case so you can direct your focus to your injuries and treatment. For a free consultation, call us today at (504) 613-4771.
For a free legal consultation with a Driving While Intoxicated Accident lawyer serving Mandeville, call 800-537-8185
Seeking Medical Treatment
If you sustained severe injuries in an accident with an intoxicated driver, you may have required an ambulance ride to the hospital. Alternately, your injuries may seem minor, and you chose to return to your residence after the accident and seek treatment later.
It is always a good idea to receive a full examination from a medical professional after any car crash. Even if the injuries you have suffered seem minor, the adrenaline of the accident could mask something more serious. You could have injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Broken or fractured bones
A medical professional will be able to give a thorough diagnosis and begin treatment on any external and internal injuries suffered in your accident.
It is also useful to document these injuries for your claim, as the court will require evidence that demonstrates the extent of your injuries when they assess a monetary award in your settlement. You may be entitled to awards for:
- Cost of emergency and ongoing medical treatment
- Post-accident ambulance fees
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Reduced earning capacity
To discuss the specifics of your case with our Mandeville driving while intoxicated legal team, call the Morris Bart law firm, at (504) 613-4771 today.
Let Us Negotiate on Your Behalf
Our Mandeville driving while intoxicated attorneys are always ready to defend the rights of those who have suffered injuries in a crash with a driver who has been drinking or taking drugs. Do not let the insurance company of an intoxicated driver downplay your injuries or try to convince you to accept a settlement that is lower than you deserve.
Give yourself the time you need to heal and let the team of attorneys at the Morris Bart law firm, negotiate with the insurer for you. When the Morris Bart law firm, represents you, our lawyers will:
- Gather evidence in your defense
- Document the full extent of your injuries
- Handle all paperwork and deadlines
- Make ourselves available to answer your questions
- Negotiate with insurance companies
If the insurance company for the intoxicated driver that injured you is not willing to make a fair and reasonable settlement, we can take your case to court.
Contact the Morris Bart law firm, at (504) 613-4771 today for your free, no-obligation case consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we will not accept payment for our services until we reach a fair settlement for you.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
