If a drunk driver collides with your vehicle, you may not know how to respond. Consult a Lake Charles drunk driving accident lawyer for guidance. From here, your attorney will encourage you to focus on self-care following your accident. Meanwhile, they can seek compensation from the liable motorist on your behalf.
Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys understands the impact of drunk driving collisions and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Trust a Lake Charles car accident lawyer from our team to handle your legal matters in the aftermath of your auto collision involving an intoxicated motorist. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Why You Should Take Legal Action Against a Drunk Driver
If you do nothing after an auto accident caused by an intoxicated motorist, you let this individual off the hook for the harm that they’ve caused. You may have to cover all of your accident losses out of pocket. At the same time, the motorist at fault for your accident may not have to take any accountability for their actions.
Have a drunk driving accident attorney serving Lake Charles help you build a case against an individual who chose to drive while intoxicated. Our lawyer can evaluate your case, pursue compensation, and prove the motorist’s negligence.
Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys makes it easy to connect with a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer who will prioritize your drunk driving accident case. We can use our legal know-how to help you pursue the most favorable outcome available under Louisiana law. Contact us today for more information.
"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."
How a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Lake Charles Works
Louisiana lawmakers take impaired driving seriously. If a motorist operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, they can face civil and criminal penalties. On top of these, an intoxicated motorist at fault for an auto accident may have to cover the losses of anyone they harm.
Your Lake Charles drunk driving accident lawyer could help you get money through an auto insurance claim. After an auto accident involving an intoxicated motorist, your auto insurer can collaborate with the driver’s insurance company. Next, the other party’s insurance carrier may offer a settlement.
You can assess an insurance settlement proposal with your lawyer. Ultimately, there is no legal mandate for you to accept a car insurance settlement. If you want to take a driver who got behind the wheel while intoxicated to trial, your attorney will support your decision to do so.
"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"
Compensation Available to You in a Drunk Driving Crash Case
If you’re wondering whether you need a lawyer if you’re the victim of a drunk driving accident, think about what will happen if you proceed with a claim or lawsuit by yourself. A liable party’s insurance company could pressure you to accept an offer that falls short of what you want. Or, in a trial, you could make mistakes that make it tough to convince the court to award damages.
Car accident attorneys focus on getting their clients outstanding case results. In your drunk driving collision case, your lawyer may get you economic and non-economic damages for your auto repair costs, medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other quantifiable and subjective losses. They may utilize a wide range of evidence to strengthen their argument.
Your lawyer can provide you with FAQs and other legal resources related to your case. They can help you make informed legal decisions as your litigation progresses. Plus, with your attorney on your side, you are well-equipped to prove negligence.
"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."
The Role of Negligence in a Drunk Driving Collision Case
It is your responsibility to show a judge or jury that an individual decided to drive while intoxicated and caused your car accident. Your personal injury attorney can give you information about negligence and its impact on the outcome of your case. They can develop an argument centered on these elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: A motorist is legally obligated to comply with Louisiana’s driving under the influence (DUI) laws and other state mandates.
- Breach of Duty of Care: This motorist was intoxicated and, because of this, violated their duty of care.
- Causation: The intoxicated motorist got into an accident in which you were harmed.
- Damages: You have incurred losses due to this motorist’s actions.
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results, traffic camera footage of your auto accident, witness statements, police reports, and other evidence can bolster your case against an intoxicated motorist. If you have an abundance of proof, it may be clear to a judge or jury why your case is warranted.
"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."
Who You Can Sue as Part of a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
You could sue the motorist at fault for your drunk driving collision. Outside of this individual, you may be able to ask for compensation from a bar, restaurant, or alcohol retailer if they served someone under 21 or visibly intoxicated, which led to your auto accident.
Initially, your lawyer can investigate your drunk driving crash to determine who is at fault. They may find that one or more parties are responsible for your accident. At this point, they can submit your compensation request and represent and advocate for you at each stage of your legal proceedings.
Assigning blame does not guarantee compensation; the at-fault party may contest your claim. An at-fault party may commit substantial time and resources to contest your lawsuit. Regardless, your lawyer remains focused on your case and proving that you should be compensated accordingly.
Our Lawyers Look for Ways to Turn Wrong into Right
Sadly, you can’t change the fact that a drunk driver crashed their car into yours. However, you can file a claim or lawsuit against this motorist.
Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys can connect you with a Lake Charles drunk driving accident attorney to help you with your auto collision claim or lawsuit. To get started, request a free case consultation with us.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."