NOPD reports that a 52-year old woman was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Mid-City on February 9. This makes the third traffic fatality in New Orleans in less than a week. According to reports, a man driving an SUV in the 3000 block of Canal Street struck and killed the woman as she was crossing the street. She was transported to the hospital where she died for her injuries. The driver fled the scene but he was later apprehended by law enforcement officers. A blood alcohol test revealed the driver’s BAC was twice the legal limit. He was charged with vehicular homicide.
In another accident, a 25-year old man died after crashing his vehicle into an ambulance near University Medical Center on Tulane Avenue. A toxicology screen is pending in this case. In another drunk driving accident, a 35-year old man was killed when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle when the driver ran a stop sign. In this case, police report the driver’s BAC was over the legal limit.
Can I Receive Compensation for a DUI Accident?
If you are injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against that driver to collect damages. This is separate from any criminal charges the state may file against the drunk driver. As the victim of a DUI accident, you should not be required to bear the financial burden placed on you and your family because another person made the decision to drive while impaired by alcohol. That person should be held accountable for his or her actions by being required to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, travel expense, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the DUI accident.
In addition to the financial damages, you may also be entitled to receive compensation for non-economic losses incurred as a result of the car crash. Non-economic losses you may be entitled to receive compensation for include but are not limited to:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Emotional suffering and stress
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support (in the case of a death)
The damages you are entitled to receive are based on the facts and circumstances of the accident in addition to the severity of your injuries. While no amount of money will ever erase the damage caused by a drunk driver, a financial award can help relieve some of the financial burden placed on you and on your family.
An experienced DUI accident attorney understands the important of a thorough accident investigation to identify and preserve key evidence that will prove that the drunk driver is responsible for the accident and your injuries. You have a limited time to file a personal injury lawsuit; therefore, do not wait to contact an attorney. The sooner we can begin working on your case the better chance you have of obtaining a fair and just settlement.
New Orleans DUI Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, contact the car accident attorneys of The Olinde Firm for a free case evaluation. During your free accident consultation, our attorneys will review the circumstances regarding your accident and provide you with legal advice about your right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses from the drunk driver.