If you sustained injuries in a car accident in Iberia Parish caused by an intoxicated motorist, you could build a case against them and possibly recover money for your damages. A New Iberia drunk driving (DUI) accident attorney from the Morris Bart law firm could help you secure compensation based on the facts of your case.
One of our car accident lawyers can discuss your case with you today for free. We provide complimentary consultations for accident victims and their families. We want to ensure you understand your legal options before deciding what to do next.
Recovering Money Damages Based on Your Car Accident in Iberia Parish
If a drunk driver collided with you in New Iberia, you should not have to pay for the expenses and losses you experienced as a result. Often, the only way to get justice in a drunk driving crash is to hold the at-fault driver legally responsible for your financial losses and injuries.
We could help you develop a case and file an auto liability insurance claim or lawsuit against the driver who caused the collision. Proper documentation of your damages could help you recover awards for:
- Medical expenses related to your injuries, both current and future
- Care costs for as long as necessary
- Lost income and reduced ability to earn
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Miscellaneous costs
- Pain and suffering damages
- Intangible losses
Wrongful Death in a New Iberia Drunk Driving Crash
When a victim dies because of a drunk driver in Louisiana, the at-fault driver could face significant criminal charges. In addition, the victim’s surviving family members can seek wrongful death damages under La. Civ. Code Art. 2315.2. Awards could include:
- The deceased’s medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of income
- Loss of services
- Intangible losses suffered by family members based on their relationship with the decedent
We manage these claims for clients in New Iberia. We will discuss your claim with you today for free if you have questions or concerns before getting started.
For a free legal consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident lawyer serving New Iberia, call (337) 446-4571
Morris Bart, LLC, Fights for Victims of Drunk Driving Crashes in Iberia Parish
For over 40 years, the Morris Bart law office has represented clients who suffered injuries in Louisiana. We are a contingency fee personal injury law firm. When we accept a case, we:
- Investigate the crash and determine what happened
- Identify the liable party
- Protect the victim’s rights
- Develop a case based on negligence
- File an insurance claim and pursue fair damages
- Negotiate with the insurer
- Sue the drunk driver if necessary
- Represent our client’s best interests and fight for just compensation
In 2019, we won 6,500+ settlements and awards for our clients. Our case results include $650,000 for a drunk driving collision victim in Monroe, LA. This client suffered a broken arm, back, ribs, leg, hip, and pelvis in the crash. They also had punctured lungs. We held the reckless motorist responsible and got our client a payout from the insurance company.
Understanding the Case Against a New Iberia Drunk Driver
Louisiana’s drunk driving law (La. R.S. § 14:98) makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. It is generally abbreviated OWI, although some people use DUI or DWI instead.
A driver may face OWI charges if they:
- Have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above; or
- Drive impaired while under the influence of alcohol or drug use
If convicted in criminal court, the driver could face fines, jail time, a license suspension, and other consequences. In addition, they could face additional charges if victims suffered severe injuries or passed away.
Drunk Drivers Could Face Civil Liability As Well
In addition to their criminal case pursued by law enforcement, the drunk driver who caused your New Iberia crash may face a civil case. For example, you could file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for your accident-related damages.
We do not have to prove that the driver was guilty of an OWI to secure a financial recovery for you. The civil case is independent of any criminal charges or verdict. While having a guilty plea or verdict to support your claim is helpful, it is not necessary to win a cash settlement. Instead, we must prove the driver acted negligently by showing:
- The driver had a duty to do something, such as obey a specific traffic law.
- They breached that duty for some reason, possibly because of their impaired condition.
- Their breach of duty caused a collision.
- You suffered harm, including financial losses and physical injuries.
Imagine the drunk driver crossing the centerline and colliding with you head-on. Their duty was to stay in their lane. They breached this duty when they crossed into your lane. This breach caused them to collide with you, leading to your injuries. Whether their intoxication caused the accident is not essential to know. Crossing the centerline is negligence on its own.
Do I Need to Sue the Drunk Driver to Recover Compensation?
We usually settle car accident claims without going to trial. In many cases, we do not even have to sue. We only need to prepare and file a lawsuit if:
- The insurer refuses a fair settlement
- Questions remain about the facts of the case
- The deadline to sue is near
The deadline for suing in a Louisiana personal injury accident is generally one year under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492. You also have one year in a wrongful death case to sue. Exceptions could alter these deadlines, so your attorney will explain the timeline specific to your lawsuit.
Click to contact our New Iberia Car Accident Lawyers today
Discuss Your Legal Options with Morris Bart, LLC, for Free Today
You can speak with an attorney from the Morris Bart law firm today. Our personal injury lawyers are ready to assess the strength of your case and review your legal options during your initial consultation. We represent clients based on a contingency fee.
Call (337) 446-4571 now to reach our Lafayette office.
Questions?Call (337) 446-4571
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
