If you suffered injuries in a Jefferson Parish crash caused by an intoxicated driver, the Morris Bart law firm could help you recover compensation. A Terrytown drunk driving (DUI) accident attorney from our team can assess your case and explain your options for seeking justice and holding the driver responsible.
Our Westbank collision lawyers provide complimentary consultations for victims of traffic accidents in Terrytown. You can learn about your legal options, rights, and next steps during your conversation with an attorney today.
Damages Recoverable in a Terrytown Drunk Driving Accident
Before our attorneys file an insurance claim or lawsuit against a drunk driver, we gather evidence of the recoverable damages you sustained in the crash. We use this evidence to calculate a fair settlement value for the claim. If we go to trial later, we also use it to show the judge and jury how much you lost because of the accident.
We can often recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and related costs
- Future treatment and care expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Diminished earning ability
- Vehicle repair bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Other intangible damages
Depending on the facts of the case, additional damages could be available.
Drunk Driving Accidents Could Result in Wrongful Death Cases
Our attorneys also handle wrongful death claims as outlined in La. Civ. Code Art. 2315.2. If your loved one died because of a drunk driver in Jefferson Parish, we want to express our sincerest condolences. We’d also like to assist you in holding the driver legally responsible and recovering these damages to help your family during this difficult time:
- Medical bills
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Income loss
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of companionship
- Other noneconomic losses suffered by surviving family members
Typically, the surviving spouse or children recover compensation in these claims. However, under some circumstances, the decedent’s parents, siblings, or grandparents may be eligible.
For a free legal consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident lawyer serving Terrytown, call (504) 613-4771
Morris Bart, LLC, Pursues Cash Settlements for Accident Victims
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have worked with car collision victims to recover settlements and awards, holding negligent drivers liable. We know what it takes to protect our clients’ rights and develop a compelling case for compensation.
Today, we have 15 locations across the Gulf South and serve victims across four states, including Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. When our lawyers represent a client hurt by a drunk driver, we are committed to:
- Investigating the accident to prove what happened
- Identifying the liable party and holding them responsible
- Protecting the victim’s right to fair compensation
- Filing an insurance claim backed by solid evidence
- Demanding a fair payout
- Negotiating with the insurer representing the at-fault driver
- Suing the drunk driver if necessary
Our attorneys will do what is necessary to recover the compensation you need following a drunk driving crash. We can often settle these cases outside of court, but sometimes going to trial is necessary.
Negligence and Liability in a Drunk Driving Crash in Terrytown, LA
Under La. R.S. § 14:98, it is illegal for drivers in Louisiana to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated—often known as OWI, DWI, or DUI. In general, a driver is guilty of intoxicated driving when:
- They have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above; or
- Alcohol or drug use impaired their driving ability
If convicted, the penalties they could face include loss of driving privileges, jail time, and significant fines. These penalties apply to the criminal case against them, pursued by prosecutors and supported by evidence gathered by police.
As a victim of their injurious behavior, the civil case against them will be much more important to you. These two cases are separate and have no bearing on one another, meaning you could recover damages in your civil case regardless of the outcome of their criminal case—if they face charges. However, a criminal conviction could offer additional support for your claim.
Proving the Drunk Driver Acted Negligently
Victims of Louisiana drunk driving crashes are sometimes shocked to learn that we do not need to prove the driver was drinking to hold them legally responsible for the crash and related expenses. Instead, we only need to prove negligence, liability, and the fair value of the case.
Instead, we must have evidence to show that the driver caused the crash and your injuries occurred as a result. Our attorneys know how to prove each element of negligence and value these cases appropriately.
Click to contact our Terrytown Car Accident Lawyers today
The Statute of Limitations Plays a Factor in How to Approach Your Claim
In some cases, deadlines may force us to sue the drunk driver. Under La. Civ. Code Art. 3492, Louisiana generally only gives victims up to 12 months to sue. We may have to take legal action when this deadline nears, and we have not yet settled. Other reasons we may have to sue include:
- The insurer denies the claim or parts of it
- They blame our client for the crash
- The driver did not carry insurance
We Have a Proven Track Record of Success
In 2019 alone, the Morris Bart law firm won more than 6,500 verdicts and settlements for clients. Our case results include a significant recovery—more than $650,000 in cash—for a victim of a drunk driving accident in Monroe, LA. They endured numerous broken bones and lung injuries in the collision.
Our New Orleans office handles crash cases in Terrytown. However, our attorneys will come to the Westbank to meet with you and discuss your case.
Morris Bart, LLC, Provides Complimentary Consultations for Accident Victims
Speak with a lawyer from the Morris Bart law office in New Orleans for free today. We offer consultations to victims and their families at no cost. You can connect with an attorney now to learn more about your rights, legal options, our contingency fee services, and what you could do next to pursue justice and compensation.
Reach out to our lawyers now by calling (504) 613-4771.
Questions?Call (504) 613-4771
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
