Lafayette Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Lafayette Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Lafayette is home to many fun events and festivals, like Le Festival de Mardi Gras à Lafayette and Ragin’ Cajuns games. However, these events can lead to drivers operating a vehicle while intoxicated. If you are hit by a drunk driver, consider working with a Lafayette drunk driving accident lawyer.

Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Lafayette, LA

We’ve seen many drunk driving accidents at Blake Jones Law Firm. Our attorneys know the toll it takes on families. That’s why we work hard to get compensation for victims of drunk driving accidents so they can move forward and heal.

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What Do I Do If I Am Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident?

In 2024, there were a total of 163 drunk driving crashes that led to injuries or death in Lafayette. In situations where you are the victim of a drunk driver, you should take several important steps to bolster your case later.

First, observe how the driver is behaving. See if they appear drunk or have trouble standing or walking. Seeing or smelling alcohol can also be good evidence. If you are still on the scene, tell the police about your suspicions. If not, tell your lawyer.

Record as many details as possible about the accident. If possible, get the exact make and model of their vehicle, along with their license plate number. Note where the damage occurred on every vehicle involved.

If you can, take photos and videos of the accident scene. These can be sent to your lawyer after the fact to prove certain elements of your claim.

Finally, if you have not already done so, seek medical care as soon as possible. You need written evidence of the scope of your injuries as soon as possible after an accident. This prevents insurance companies from trying to use your delay as a defense.

A Lafayette drunk driving accident attorney can use your evidence to recover damages. Compensation can cover the expenses you had to pay because of the accident. Common damages include medical costs and wages that were lost due to injury.

Why Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

Victims of drunk driving accidents often experience significant disruptions in their lives. Attorneys can have a valuable role in the aftermath of such an incident. They can:

• Look into the details of the accident. One of the most important parts of a car accident is figuring out how it happened. This can influence who is at fault for the incident. Insurance companies often try to claim that certain things happened before verifying that they’re true. An attorney can find the concrete facts.
• Determining who is liable. The amount of compensation you could obtain can be directly affected by the amount of fault you are deemed to hold. In Louisiana, multiple people can be at fault for the same accident. An attorney can reduce your percentage of fault so that you are entitled to more in damages.
• Gathering evidence. Even if you know you’re innocent, you still need the evidence to prove it. Some evidence from a car accident goes away quickly and could be difficult to find later. An attorney has the knowledge to preserve evidence in advance so it doesn’t get lost. They can also investigate your accident to uncover more evidence in your favor.
• Timing. Louisiana drunk driving accident laws set a strict time limit for filing personal injury claims. If this deadline is not met, the claim will be rejected, regardless of how strong it is. It can be difficult to file on time while injured unless you have professional legal representation.
• Negotiation. Insurance companies often try to lowball victims in drunk driving accident cases by offering quick settlements. If the victim agrees, they will likely not have enough money to cover all their expenses. An attorney can effectively negotiate with insurers to achieve a higher amount.

If your case isn’t resolved through negotiations, we can start a legal claim against the insurance company in the 15th Judicial District Court.

Why Choose Us?

Blake Jones Law Firm has won multiple six- and seven-figure settlements for our clients. Many of these individuals must go through serious medical procedures due to their injuries. These settlements can address the medical expenses that come with drunk driving accident cases.

FAQs

Will My License Be Suspended After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Your license will likely be suspended after a drunk driving accident. You only have 30 days from the charge to schedule a hearing with the DMV. In this hearing, you can argue for a reversal of the suspension, or you might qualify for a hardship license. If you’re too late, your license will be suspended for at least several months.

What Is the Difference Between a DUI and DWI in Lafayette?

The difference between a DUI and a DWI in Lafayette is very little. They are virtually the same charge in Louisiana. Both charges apply to intoxication from alcohol as well as any other substance that impairs your ability to drive. They also apply to any vehicle, not just a car. This incorporates other vessels, like boats.

Is Louisiana a No-Fault State for Auto Accidents?

Louisiana is not a no-fault state for auto accidents. It is an at-fault state. In at-fault states, the victim of a car accident can file a claim with the insurance provider that covered the person who is considered at fault. Who is considered at fault depends on the circumstances of the incident. Sometimes, more than one person can be at fault at once.

Why Do People Get Punitive Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

People get punitive damages in a drunk driving accident case if the drunk driver behaved in an especially problematic way. This is meant to punish the drunk driver and let others know how serious the punishment might be. This is reserved for drunk driving cases that are more egregious than a standard case.

Drunk Driving Is a Widespread Issue

In 2024, there were 154 crashes in Lafayette that led to injury. They happened due to driving under the influence. Victims of these accidents are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Blake Jones Law Firm. We can recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.