How a Drunk Driver Accident Attorney Can Help You
Drunk driving accidents are all too common. According to the CDC, in Louisiana alone, hundreds of people die each year, with more than 3000 dying from drunk driving accidents between 2003–2012. There are many other accidents, though, that cause significant injuries but no deaths. If you have been in an accident caused by someone’s lack of sobriety, then you need to contact a drunk driver accident attorney in Baton Rouge.
How a Drunk Driver Accident Attorney Can Help
A drunk driver accident attorney in Baton Rouge can go to bat for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Money cannot undo what has happened to you, but you might be able to get compensation to cover medical bills or relieve stress or anguish.
The LSU Factor: Northgate and Tigerland Are Accident Hotspots
If you spend any time in Baton Rouge, you already know that Northgate and Tigerland are two of the busiest nightlife corridors near LSU’s campus. On weekends, football Saturdays, and any night the bars are full, these areas see a heavy mix of foot traffic, rideshare pickups, and drivers who shouldn’t be behind the wheel at all. That combination creates a predictable (and preventable) spike in drunk driving accidents.
Students and residents alike are often struck in crosswalks, sideswiped in parking lots, or rear-ended at intersections along Chimes Street, Highland Road, and the streets surrounding Tigerland. Because these accidents happen so frequently in such a concentrated area, a Baton Rouge drunk driving accident lawyer who already understands the traffic patterns, local police procedures, and typical crash locations near LSU can build your case faster and more effectively than an out-of-town firm parachuting in after the fact.
Accurate & Fair Representation
Yes, you can hire the first attorney you come across. Or an attorney suggested by your co-worker’s sister’s friend…but what assurances do you have that you will receive the best representation in this important case?
Courtroom Experience
You do not want to walk into one of these cases with a greenhorn. You want an attorney who knows what they are doing, has significant experience in the courtroom, and knows how to maneuver and why. The last thing you want is to wonder whether your attorney knows what he’s doing. With Williamson, Campbell, & Whittington, that’s never a concern.
Specialized Knowledge
WCW brings to the table a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience regarding drunk driver accident lawsuits and cases. This is because the experienced drunk driver accident attorneys at Williamson, Campbell, and Whittington have tried cases like this before. They have developed a reputation of being responsive with clients, and they are well-informed on the law and accomplished in the courtroom.
Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Punitive Damages in Louisiana?
Louisiana generally doesn’t allow punitive (exemplary) damages in personal injury cases—with a few important exceptions, and drunk driving is one of them. Under Louisiana law, if you can show that a driver’s intoxication was a contributing cause of your accident, you may be able to pursue exemplary damages in addition to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
This is one of the most common questions we hear: can I sue a drunk driver for punitive damages in Louisiana?
The honest answer is that it depends on the specific facts of your crash—blood alcohol levels, police reports, and witness statements all matter. An experienced attorney can review your case and tell you whether pursuing punitive damages is realistic, and how it could increase the total value of your claim.
Can I Sue the Bar That Overserved the Drunk Driver in Louisiana?
This is another question that comes up constantly, especially with so many bars clustered around Tigerland and Northgate. Louisiana’s dram shop law provides broad legal immunity to bars, restaurants, and other alcohol vendors in most circumstances. However, that immunity isn’t absolute. If a bar knowingly served alcohol to someone under the age of 21, there may be grounds to pursue a separate claim against the establishment.
Because these cases are fact-specific and the law offers vendors significant protection, this isn’t something to research on your own after a crash. If you’re looking for legal help for a DUI crash in Baton Rouge, an attorney can quickly evaluate whether a third-party claim against a bar or venue is even possible in your situation, and can pursue it alongside your claim against the driver.
Contact WFCW
If you have been injured in a drunk driver accident in Baton Rouge, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to answer questions for you in order to ascertain whether you have a case worth pursuing. Suffering a car wreck caused by someone else’s drunkenness is traumatic. We will work with you to ensure you get compensated fairly and quickly. Contact us today by message or at 225-383-4010 for a free consultation to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a drunk driving accident in Baton Rouge?
Call 911, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, and get a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available. Photograph the scene, your vehicle, and any visible injuries if you’re able. Then contact a drunk driver accident attorney in Baton Rouge before speaking with any insurance adjusters.
How much does a Baton Rouge drunk driving accident lawyer cost?
Most drunk driving accident attorneys, including our team, work on contingency. That means you pay nothing upfront, and legal fees are only collected if we recover compensation on your behalf.
What compensation can I recover after a DUI crash?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and—as discussed above—punitive damages if intoxication contributed to the accident.
How long do I have to file a claim in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including drunk driving accidents, is two years from the date of the crash. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to reach out for legal help for a DUI crash in Baton Rouge as soon as possible.
How can I make my recovery easier after a serious accident?
Beyond the legal and medical side, many injured clients find it helpful to make their homes easier to live in during recovery—things like voice-activated lighting, video doorbells, or automated locks can reduce strain while you heal. Local providers of smart home automation in Baton Rouge can help set up these kinds of accessibility features, letting you focus your energy on getting better while we focus on your case.