If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you know how devastating the aftermath can be. You may be dealing with debilitating physical injuries and a long road to recovery. Further, if you’re unable to work while undergoing treatment, you may face significant financial worries. In these circumstances, it can be hard to visualize a path forward.
There is good news, however: you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver who injured you.
The Thibeaux Firm is here to provide the legal support you need following an accident caused by an impaired motorist. Our founder, Attorney Omar Thibeaux, is known as “The 25% Attorney.” That’s because he charges a flat fee of 25 percent when we recover compensation for clients in situations like yours — and you pay nothing unless our drunk driving vehicle accident law firm wins your case.
As an experienced and compassionate Lafayette drunk driving accident lawyer, Attorney Thibeaux will guide you through the legal process, manage all aspects of your claim, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. With our legal support, you can focus on healing while we take care of the rest.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss how we can help you recover from this life-changing event.
When Is Someone Considered Impaired While Driving?
In adherence to federal law, a Louisiana driver is considered impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. This is the standard for most drivers, but even lower levels of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
When a driver reaches or exceeds the 0.08 percent legal limit for BAC, they are presumed to be too impaired to operate a vehicle safely. However, alcohol can impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills even at lower levels. For instance, a BAC of 0.05 percent can already affect a driver’s ability to focus and make the quick decisions often required of those who get behind the wheel.
It’s also possible for people to experience impaired faculties at different rates, depending on factors like weight, tolerance, certain medical conditions, and how much alcohol they’ve consumed.
Dangers of Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Alcohol significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect crucial driving skills, making it harder to respond to changes in traffic or road conditions and increasing the likelihood of drunk driving crashes. As a result, those who are driving while intoxicated are not only putting themselves at risk but also endangering others on the road.
The dangers of alcohol-impaired driving include the following:
- Reduced reaction time to sudden stops or hazards
- Difficulty maintaining lane position and proper speed
- Impaired judgment, leading to risky maneuvers
- Blurred vision or double vision, making it hard to see clearly
- Lack of coordination, affecting the ability to steer, brake, and accelerate
- Increased likelihood of aggressive driving behaviors like speeding or tailgating
These dangers make drunk driving one of the most preventable causes of accidents on the road. In Louisiana, when alcohol-impaired driving causes an accident, the person driving under the influence is financially responsible for the injuries and losses they cause. This means that the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover medical bills, rehabilitation, property damage, and other costs resulting from the crash. If their insurance is insufficient, the driver can be held personally liable for additional compensation.
Does Louisiana Have a Dram Shop Law?
Louisiana does not have a specific dram shop law, meaning that establishments serving alcohol are not typically held liable for accidents caused by intoxicated drivers. Instead, Louisiana’s civil laws allow victims of drunk driving accidents to pursue compensation directly from the responsible driver or their insurance company. While a dram shop law would allow lawsuits against bars or restaurants that overserve alcohol, Louisiana’s laws place the onus of responsibility on the impaired driver for the harm they cause.
In cases where the drunk driver has insufficient insurance or assets, a victim may need to pursue other avenues, such as suing the driver personally or filing a claim through uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced Lafayette auto accident attorney can help you understand your possible legal paths to recovering the compensation you need after a collision.
Proving Fault for Drunk Driving Crashes
To secure compensation in a drunk driving accident claim, you must prove another party was at fault. This involves showing that the at-fault driver’s actions directly caused your injuries. To do so, you and your Lafayette car accident lawyer must gather evidence and build a case that shows the other driver was impaired at the time of the accident.
An experienced attorney will begin by collecting the following:
- Police reports that show the driver’s BAC level or signs of impairment
- Witness statements that describe the driver’s behavior before or after the crash
- Surveillance footage or dashcam videos capturing the incident
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
Your attorney will also examine the driver’s history, including any prior DUI convictions, to demonstrate a pattern of reckless behavior. Additionally, they will work with medical experts to assess the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
By thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, your Lafayette drunk driving lawyer will build a strong case to hold the impaired driver accountable for the harm they caused you.
Contact an Experienced Lafayette Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
The process of pursuing a personal injury claim against a drunk driver can be involved and time-consuming. Thankfully, you don’t have to manage this on your own. Instead, let The Thibeaux Firm handle the legal steps involved in seeking compensation and justice.
As your Lafayette drunk driving car accident lawyer, Attorney Thibeaux will handle all aspects of your case and identify all possible avenues of recovery to maximize your likelihood of recovering full compensation. He will use his knowledge and resources to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests at every turn.
If you suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, let a hardworking and determined Lafayette DUI accident attorney aggressively pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free consultation with Attorney Thibeaux.