Drunk driving is illegal, and driving impaired by a substance increases the risk of an accident, putting many individuals on the road in danger. When a driver causes an accident because they are impaired, it can lead to serious injuries. They can face criminal charges, and those injured can file civil claims for damages. If you were hurt by a drunk driver, a Thibodaux drunk driving accident lawyer can help you investigate and file a claim, securing justice and compensation.
A successful claim can recover many losses, including medical costs, lost income, and property damages. This can significantly help with your financial recovery and give you the financial support you need to physically recover. Hammond Law Firm, LLC, wants to help. We can help you by gathering proof of liability, calculating the cost of your injuries, and holding the at-fault driver accountable for their misconduct.
In Thibodaux, there were, thankfully, no fatal accidents in 2024. Unfortunately, there were ten fatal accidents in rural Lafourche, and five of them were alcohol-related. There were 113 suspected injury crashes in Thibodaux, and six of these accidents involved alcohol. Five of the 104 accidents had no suspected injuries involving alcohol.
Alcohol is disproportionately involved in fatal accidents. In Lafourche Parish in 2024, alcohol was related to 4.31% of all property damage-only accidents, while it was related to 8.43% of all suspected injury accidents. Alcohol was related to 33.33% of all fatal accidents.
To recover financial damages from a driver after a drunk driving accident, you must prove that they were liable for the accident. While a conviction for driving under the influence can be supportive in this claim, the requirements of a civil claim are unique to criminal court.
To hold a driver legally and financially liable for the damages in an accident, you must be able to prove the following:
You can recover the full cost of your compensatory damages if you can prove the drunk driver is entirely liable for your crash. This includes economic damages, like medical bills and lost income. It also includes non-economic damages, like the physical pain and emotional trauma of the accident. In a drunk driving accident, you could also receive punitive damages, called exemplary damages in Louisiana.
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone. Contact Hammond Law Firm, LLC, today if you are injured by a drunk driver and learn how we can help you file a claim.