According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 30 people die every day across the United States in drunk driving accidents. That’s approximately one person every 50 minutes, not to mention the lives forever altered because of injuries.
If you suffered injuries or someone you love passed away from a DUI accident in the greater New Orleans area, you have the right to hold the negligent party responsible for their behavior. At Morris Bart, we believe drunk drivers should be held responsible.
What Can a New Orleans DUI Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
While you focus your efforts on recovering physically and financially, a New Orleans car accident lawyer will handle the legal side of things, which includes:
- Answering any questions you may have about your case and offering legal advice
- Gathering receipts and medical records to calculate the full value of your case
- Collecting evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, and surveillance video of the accident
- Hiring an accident reconstructionist to put together the scene of the crash and determine negligence
- Building a strong case to pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries
- Fighting for your rights in court if we cannot reach a fair settlement during negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company
For a free legal consultation with a DUI lawyer serving New Orleans, call 800-537-8185
What You Can Get Compensation for From a DUI Accident
Every DUI case is different. However, because our DUI lawyers in New Orleans have worked on many claims like these before, we can help you recover your damages. Drunk driving accident victims can get compensation for:
- Hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Future wages if you cannot return to work
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Future costs of physical therapy or medical treatments
Punitive Damages in a DUI Accident
The court will occasionally award punitive damages on top of economic and non-economic damages. These are meant to punish the defendant for their negligent behavior. The intent is to discourage the individual and others from behaving in such a manner ever again.
Filing a Wrongful Death DUI Accident Lawsuit
If your loved one was involved in a DUI accident and passed away, you can collect compensation by filing a wrongful death claim. Your New Orleans DUI attorney may be able to recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of benefits and wages previously provided by the deceased
- Loss of support and protection
Your car accident lawyer can also inform you of additional damages you may be eligible to recover from. We understand the tremendous pain your family is having to face, and our compassionate attorneys want to alleviate the added financial burden you’re dealing with.
Click to contact our New Orleans Car Accident Attorney today
How Much Will a DUI Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our DUI lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect fees if we secure your compensation. Our contingency percentages vary on whether the case was settled through a settlement or court award. You can expect fees to range between 25 to 40% of what you recover.
We will cover the cost of legal necessities that can help you win your case, such as hiring an accident reconstructionist to testify that the defendant acted negligently. However, if we are not successful in your case, we will not be paid.
What Evidence Can Show My Damages?
To strengthen your case, it’s important to collect any evidence that can prove the severity of your injuries and damages. Your New Orleans personal injury lawyer can help you do this, and it can include any of the following:
Accident Report
The police officer who responded to the crash scene will create an accident report that you can pick up from the city’s police department.
Medical Records and Bills
These can give insight into the severity of your injuries as well as how much you have spent visiting healthcare providers.
Statement From Your Employer
Your employer should specify how many days you missed, if vacation or leave time was used, and how much money you were expected to earn.
Photographic Evidence
Images can give a visual representation of your lawsuit. Take photos of your injuries and how they have healed, the scene of the accident, and the damage done to your vehicle.
Evidence of Communications
This can include letters, journals, or messages that show how the accident affected your mental state.
Louisiana Statute of Limitations Can Impact Your Claim
The statute of limitations places a deadline on taking legal action. According to Louisiana code §3492, you have one year from the day of your accident to file your DUI injury claim.
It’s important to take action as soon as the accident occurs. This way, you have a better relocation of the events leading up to your injuries. If you do not file by this deadline, the courts will likely bar you from filing a lawsuit to recover damages.
Contact Morris Bart Injury and Accident Lawyers Today
At Morris Bart, we take a strong approach to holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions. With the help of a dedicated DUI lawyer in New Orleans, the drunk driver who caused your accident may face jail time, fines, license revocation, punitive damages, and other charges.
Individuals in New Orleans, New Orleans East, or the Orleans Parish can learn more by contacting our DUI lawyers today for a free, no-risk review of your case.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
