The aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. If you’ve been involved in one, you may not have the bandwidth to get through the legal process alone. That’s where a Lafayette car accident lawyer steps in.
Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys has been helping injury victims achieve the justice they deserve for nearly three decades. If you’ve been on the wrong end of a drunk driving accident, a Lafayette drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue financial compensation.
Why Hire a Lafayette Drunk Driving Accident Attorney?
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, a lawyer can do the following to further your case:
- Investigate your case: An attorney can gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage, to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurers: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize your compensation. An attorney can advocate for a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court: If a settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer can take your case to court and fight for your rights.
A Lafayette personal injury lawyer will give you the best chance to secure the money you deserve.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
What Are Most Lawyer Fees for a Drunk Driving Accident?
The lawyers at Galloway Jefcoat work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any upfront costs, and your attorney only gets paid if they recover compensation for you.
Your lawyer’s fee will be a prearranged percentage of your settlement or court award, which you can discuss at your initial consultation.
"Galloway Jefcoat are amazing professionals who are very client focused. They will guide you thru all the details to help get your litigation solved. I was involved in a crash that ultimate required a knee replacement"
How Much Can You Sue a Drunk Driver For?
Compensation for drunk driving accident claims can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Factors that can influence this amount include:
- Injury severity
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering
A drunk driving accident lawyer in Lafayette can help you pursue the maximum possible settlement.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Types of Damages Available
Victims of drunk driving accidents can seek compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover costs for hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: You can be reimbursed for income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: You can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can seek payment for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, you can be awarded additional compensation to deter future reckless behavior and punish the other driver.
A drunk driving accident attorney in Lafayette can make sure your claim includes all applicable damages.
"Great experience, from day 1 I felt like I finally had someone on my side and that feeling didn't leave me for 1 single moment."
Does Insurance Pay for Drunk Driving Accidents?
Yes, insurance typically covers drunk driving accidents. If the other driver is insured, their liability coverage can pay for your damages. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply.
How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your ability to recover compensation.
A Lafayette drunk driving accident attorney can help you file your claim promptly.
How Long Does It Take to Sue a Drunk Driver?
The time it takes to resolve a drunk driving accident case depends on factors like the case’s complexity and whether you settle or go to trial. Simple cases may conclude within a few months, while more complicated claims can take years. Additionally, the criminal prosecution of the drunk driver can delay civil drunk driving cases.
Delays in evidence collection or negotiations can also extend this timeline. A Lafayette car accident attorney works to expedite the legal process for you. Who Is Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in Louisiana?
In most cases, the drunk driver is responsible for a drunk driving accident. However, in some instances, there may be others who share liability, such as:
- Bars or restaurants: Establishments that overserved alcohol to the drunk driver may be held accountable under Louisiana’s dram shop laws.
- Vehicle owners: If the drunk driver was using a borrowed car, the vehicle owner could share liability for the crash.
- Employers: If the drunk driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer might be held responsible.
A car accident lawyer in Lafayette can investigate the incident to determine liability.
What Happens if I’m Partially at Fault?
Louisiana enforces a comparative fault rule, which means that even if you share blame for a car crash, you can still recover compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are 20% at fault for the crash, and you’re awarded $100,000 in damages, you’d receive $80,000.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking these steps after a drunk driving accident can strengthen your claim:
- Call 911: Notify the authorities and file an accident report.
- Gather evidence: Take photos, collect witness information, and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Seek medical attention: Prompt treatment will be crucial to your case.
- Avoid speaking to insurers: Direct all communication with insurance adjusters to your attorney.
- Contact a lawyer: Call a drunk driving accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Contact a Lafayette Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, the other driver should be held accountable. A Lafayette drunk driving accident attorney from Galloway Jefcoat can provide the guidance and support you need to do just that.
Schedule a free consultation to take the first step toward rebuilding your life.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."
