Unfortunately, DUI accident cases typically increase during the holiday season. Passengers in vehicles involved in a DUI accident in New Orleans can sustain traumatic injuries, which result in significant financial losses, emotional suffering, and physical pain.
Passengers may have one or more causes of action against the drivers involved in a drunk driving crash. Our New Orleans DUI accident attorneys investigate drunk driving accidents to determine all causes of action available to an injured passenger to maximize that person’s chance of receiving full compensation for all damages caused by a DUI accident.
Who Is Responsible For A Passenger’s Damages From a DUI Accident?
The answer to that question depends on how the accident occurred. According to Louisiana’s personal injury laws, only a person responsible for causing the accident that resulted in a person’s damages can be held liable for those damages. Therefore, any party who is responsible for contributing to the cause of a drunk driving accident could be liable for damages in a personal injury claim.
For instance, if you were riding in a car with a drunk driver and the drunk driver causes an accident, you could sue the drunk driver for your damages. Also, if you were a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver, you can still sue the drunk driver for your damages.
However, if both drivers contributed to the cause of the crash, your lawsuit would be against both drivers. The liability each driver would have for your damages would depend on the percentage of fault assigned to that driver for causing the accident.
Investigating a DUI Accident
Because you must prove liability for a drunk driving accident, conducting a comprehensive and thorough DUI accident investigation is essential. Our New Orleans DUI accident lawyers have extensive experience investigating car crashes, including crashes involving a drunk driver. We have developed a network of professionals and experts who assist our legal team in determining how the DUI accident occurred and who was responsible for causing the collision.
In addition to investigating the accident, our legal team carefully documents your damages to calculate the maximum value for your personal injury claim. You may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including but not limited to:
- The cost of medical care for injuries caused by DUI accident
- Loss of income and benefits because of the drunk driving crash
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental anguish and distress
- Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent impairments
- The cost of retaining an attorney and filing a lawsuit to pursue compensation for your damages
- Other out of pocket financial costs associated with the DUI accident, your injuries, and your recovery
The value of a personal injury claim depends on numerous factors. Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that we take all available steps to get you the compensation you deserve and need after being injured by a drunk driver.
Contact A New Orleans DUI Accident Attorney For A Free Case Review
Attorney Fred Olinde and the legal team of The Olinde Firm can help you pursue a personal injury claim arising from a DUI crash. Contact our office by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with one of our DUI accident lawyers.