Louisiana continues to struggle with one of the highest rates of impaired driving fatalities in the country.
Every year, families across our state are forced to deal with devastating injuries and tragic losses caused by drivers who made the decision to get behind the wheel while impaired.
Under Louisiana law, a driver is generally considered legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or greater. However, intoxication is not limited to alcohol. Drivers may also be considered impaired due to illegal drugs, prescription medications, or other substances that affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Drunk Driving Cases Are Different
A car accident involving an intoxicated driver is not handled exactly like an ordinary car wreck claim.
Louisiana law recognizes that drunk driving involves particularly dangerous conduct and, in some cases, allows injured victims to pursue exemplary damages, sometimes referred to as punitive damages, in addition to traditional personal injury damages.
Those damages are intended not only to compensate victims, but also to punish particularly reckless conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Preserving Evidence Is Critical
One of the most important steps following a drunk driving accident is preserving evidence of intoxication.
Depending on the circumstances, that evidence may include:
Because some of this evidence can become more difficult to obtain over time, early investigation is often extremely important.
Insurance Companies Often Treat These Cases Differently
Insurance companies understand the risks associated with intoxicated driving and know that impaired driving cases may expose their insured drivers to additional damages.
As a result, drunk driving claims are often evaluated differently than ordinary automobile accident claims.
Was the Driver Working at the Time?
In some cases, additional parties may also share responsibility for the accident.
For example, if an intoxicated driver was acting within the course and scope of their employment at the time of the crash, their employer may also bear responsibility for the damages caused.
Commercial vehicle accidents and company vehicle accidents often require a more extensive investigation into these issues.
Have You Been Injured by an Impaired Driver?
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk or impaired driver, contact us online or call our Covington office directly at 985-590-6182 to schedule your free consultation today.
We represent clients throughout St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Washington Parish, and communities across the Northshore including Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, and Madisonville.
When you hire us, rest assured that an attorney handles your case. Your
file won’t be handed over to a junior attorney or secretary. Communication is a cornerstone of our firm.
Our legal library is full of articles on a variety of topics related to personal injury claims in Louisiana. Learn about how accidents happen, what to do when you are a victim, and how an attorney can help you fight for the compensation you may deserve.
