When drunk driving causes a collision in Louisiana, the injured victims are often left with significant physical and emotional losses. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their pain and suffering. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to understand your rights and options when seeking recovery for damages.
Ways to Recover Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
In Louisiana, there are two primary ways that victims of accidents involving drunk drivers can recover compensation: through a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party or through filing an insurance claim with their own insurance company (or the at-fault driver’s insurance company). Ultimately, which course of action is best will depend on each individual situation. In either case, it is important to retain an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your losses.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
In a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver, victims may be able to recover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In certain cases involving intentional or egregious conduct on the part of the at-fault driver, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Victims may also file an insurance claim with their own insurance company or the at-fault party’s insurance carrier in order to seek compensation for their losses. Most automobile liability policies will cover victims of intoxicated driver accidents in Louisiana. In some cases, a victim’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional protection in the event that the at-fault driver does not have adequate liability insurance.
Punitive Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident
Louisiana Civil Code 2315.4 provides victims of drunk driving accidents with additional rights and protections. This statute enables victims to recover punitive damages from the at-fault party if they can prove that the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.
Seeking Help to Recover Compensation
The experienced attorneys at the Olinde Firm are here to answer any questions you may have about an accident caused by a drunk driver in Louisiana and provide knowledgeable advice on pursuing a claim for compensation. We are committed to helping victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Olinde Law Firm
By calling the Olinde Firm for a free consultation, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you assess your legal options for recovery after being injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Louisiana. Those responsible for an accident injury can be held liable for the damages caused by the negligent motorist. Call us for a free review of your case and to find out about options to recover compensation in New Orleans at (504) 587-1440 or (800) 587-1889. You can also reach out to us online. With proper legal guidance, you may be able to obtain the fair financial compensation you deserve following a devastating accident.