Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. When an intoxicated driver collides with other motorists or pedestrians, the results can be devastating or even fatal. The drunk driver must be held liable and pay for damages.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a DUI accident, you may qualify to recover compensation. Professional legal assistance can boost your chances of a financial win. A DUI accident lawyer in Monroe can review your case for free and help you form an action plan.
A driver drinks alcohol behind the wheel. Our Monroe DUI accident attorneys can help you figure out how to proceed after a drunk driver injures you.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a DUI Accident
Drunk driving kills 28 people in the United States every day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This risky behavior could affect anyone. If you are injured by a drunk driver, knowing what to do could help you.
Seek Medical Attention
Make sure you get medical care as soon as you sustain injuries in a DUI accident. If you did not seek emergency care after your accident, make an appointment with your doctor for an evaluation. Getting medical care not only ensures you receive treatment for your injuries but also helps connect your injuries to the accident, which will be important in your case.
Document the Accident
Save any pictures and videos of the scene. This can be beneficial to your case because it helps establish how the accident occurred. You should also take photographs of your injuries to document them.
Get the Police Report
Even if the driver leaves the scene of the accident, call the police to report it. A DUI is a criminal offense, so it is essential to report the accident to the authorities and file a police report. Make sure you save any copies of the police report. If you don’t have the report, your lawyer can help you retrieve it and use the report to establish the defendant’s liability.
Save Eyewitness Information
Save the contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident. This includes their phone numbers and home addresses. Your lawyer can reach out to witnesses to secure their testimony, which can help prove liability for your accident.
Hire a DUI Accident Lawyer
Allow DUI accident lawyers in Monroe to represent you throughout your case. Our law firm can protect your legal rights and help you recover damages for your losses. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.
For a free legal consultation with a DUI Accident lawyer serving Monroe, call 800-537-8185
Can You Sue Someone for Drunk Driving?
Louisiana law allows you to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver who injured you. You can seek two types of damages: special damages and general damages. Special damages can be calculated by totaling your losses after the accident. General damages can include pain and suffering or disfigurement.
You may also seek punitive damages to punish the driver who caused your car wreck. Drunk driving is reckless and can result in deadly consequences.
Louisiana’s Statute of Limitations for a DUI Accident Case
In Louisiana, the deadline to file a lawsuit after a car accident is generally one year following the accident. If you don’t file your case on time, you may be barred from recovery, so don’t delay.
Recoverable Damages in a DUI Accident Case
You may qualify to recover damages if a drunk driver caused your injuries. Some of the recoverable losses in car accident cases are:
- Emergency medical bills
- Hospitalization and ER visits
- Ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
Your DUI accident case settlement should cover all your short- and long-term damages. Work with a DUI accident attorney in Monroe to fight for a fair settlement, or to take your case to trial if the insurer refuses to make a fair settlement offer.
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Working With a Monroe DUI Accident Lawyer
Working with a lawyer can benefit your case in multiple ways. Our DUI accident attorneys in Monroe can:
Lessen Your Burden
We understand that it’s an incredible burden to juggle a health issue with a complicated legal case. We make it a priority to handle all your legal needs while giving you the space to recover from your injuries.
Seek Compensatory Damages
When we represent you, our goal is to ensure that the liable party is held accountable for causing your injuries. As such, we will:
- Analyze your damages
- Seek the opinion of medical experts
- Evaluate all the effects of the accident and your injuries
Negotiate a Settlement
We will fight for a fair settlement that covers all your short- and long-term damages. If the insurance company is unwilling to make a fair offer, we can take the case to trial.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Your case may not go to trial. Most personal injury lawsuits settle out of court. We will work to negotiate a settlement that repays the losses you suffered. If we are unable to reach a settlement agreement, we will litigate to obtain the results your case deserves.
How Much Is My DUI Accident Case Worth?
The extent of your injuries will determine how much your case may be worth. Multiple injuries may warrant a higher settlement. For example, we successfully obtained $650,000 for our client who was injured by a drunk driver and suffered multiple fractures and punctured lungs. We can review your case to give you an idea of what to expect from your case.
Let Our DUI Accident Attorneys in Monroe Work for You
As a law firm that has been in business for over three decades, we have seen it all. The DUI accident lawyers in Monroe at Morris Bart, LLC understand how devastating these accidents can be.
Our process includes discussing our legal strategies with you, evaluating recoverable damages, and educating you on the legal process. Call us today to weigh your legal options.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
