St. Tammany Parish Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in St. Tammany Parish, LA

Being struck by a drunk driver is one of the most terrifying experiences a person can face. In the blink of an eye, someone else’s reckless behavior can change the entire course of your future. This can leave you or your loved one with debilitating injuries, medical debt, and emotional distress. Whether you were struck by a drunk driver on your way to Slidell or were hit on Orange Street in Folsom, a St. Tammany Parish drunk driving accident lawyer is here to help.

Hammond Law Firm, LLC Has the Experience You Deserve

For over 30 years, the personal injury attorneys in St. Tammany Parish at Hammond Law Firm, LLC have fought for the men, women, and children injured and killed in drunk driving accidents throughout the New Orleans area. Our attorneys have earned AV ratings from their peers, the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell that an attorney can achieve. We strive to bring this level of excellence to every case that comes across our desks and are ready to help you today, however you might need us.

How to Prove Fault in a St. Tammany Parish Drunk Driving Accident

In a single year, the United States sees around 12,429 deaths due to drunk driving. In 2020 alone, 338,000 people were injured in drunk driving-related accidents.

When you or someone you love is either injured or killed due to drunk driving, it is crucial that you and your attorney are able to establish liability. Doing so will likely require a full review of all available evidence, including any breathalyzer test results, surveillance or dashcam footage, and witness statements.

In order to officially prove liability, your attorney will need to prove the existence of certain elements in your case. These elements include:

• Duty of care. You will need to prove that the defendant owed you a certain duty of care, such as owing you the duty of care that they would operate their vehicle in a safe way.
• Breach of duty. Next, you will need to prove that the defendant breached this duty. In a drunk driving accident claim, this duty is typically breached because the driver was operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
• Causation. Your attorney can then work to prove that this breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
• Damages. Finally, you must show that you suffered real and actual damages because of the defendant’s reckless or negligent actions.

At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we make it our mission to review all the available evidence and uncover new forms of evidence. This can help prove liability in your drunk driving accident case. That way, you can receive the highest amount of compensation possible and move forward with your life.

Calculating Your Rightful Damage After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in St. Tammany Parish, you could be entitled to recover several forms of compensation. Some of the most common forms of damage include:

• Medical costs relating to your injuries, such as all hospital bills and surgeries
• Lost wages due to your inability to work and any reduced earning capacity that comes with it
• Property damage to your vehicle or damaged items inside your vehicle as a result of the accident
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages
• Wrongful death damages, such as funeral or burial costs

At Hammond Law Firm, LLC, we are here to review your injury claim and help calculate the damages you may be entitled to recover. We can review factors such as the severity of your injuries and the circumstances present during the accident to come up with the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.

FAQs

How Can an Attorney Help Me After a Drunk Driving Accident?

An attorney can help you after a drunk driving accident in many ways. First, they can investigate the accident in order to determine the cause. Attorneys are good at collecting evidence to prove the other driver was impaired at the time of the accident. They can also review evidence such as your medical bills to calculate the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Finally, if negotiations with the at-fault party are unsuccessful, they can represent you in court.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

When it comes to how much it might cost to hire a drunk driving accident attorney in St. Tammany Parish, it’s hard to offer an exact number. There are several determining factors present that can affect your attorney’s fees. These factors include the duration of your case, your case’s complexity, and your lawyer’s experience. Ask your attorney about their fee structure during your initial consultation so that you know what to expect.

What Are Some Common DUI Accident Injuries?

In Louisiana, some of the most common DUI accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Bruises
• Burn wounds
• Cuts and lacerations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Bone breaks or fractures
• Concussions
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ or nerve damage

Every day, 32 people across the United States are killed in drunk driving accidents. These deaths are largely preventable and cause the families of victims severe mental and emotional pain. A wrongful death or personal injury claim can help address this. Contact a St. Tammany Parish wrongful death lawyer today to learn more.

How Long Can It Take to Resolve a Drunk Driving Injury Claim in Louisiana?

How long it takes to resolve a drunk driving accident case will depend on how complicated your case is, whether the case settles during negotiations or goes to court, and the severity of your injuries. Some cases can be resolved within a matter of only a few months, while others can take over a year. If a case has to go to trial, the timeframe for a case to be resolved significantly increases.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love was injured or killed due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver, you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. There is no sense in waiting to seek help.

The dedicated and experienced team at Hammond Law Firm, LLC is here for you. We are ready to evaluate your claim, determine liability, and calculate the damages you are eligible for. Contact our office today for more information and to schedule your initial consultation.