Need an Injury Lawyer for a Louisiana DUI Accident?
Between the years 2006-2013, 3,046 people lost their lives in DUI-related accidents in Louisiana alone. This means that tens of thousands of people lose their lives in these horrific accidents every year across the state. 2.5% of people who live in Louisiana have reported driving under the influence of alcohol, and we wish for this number to be reduced down to 0. However, things do not always work out this way and accidents occur, leaving you in an upsetting and complex situation as you wonder how you will heal from your injuries and receive the compensation you deserve in your time of need.
Immediately Following Your Accident
Have you been injured in a Louisiana DUI accident and you wonder where to turn? First things first, you should always understand how to take care of yourself and seek treatment as well as do what it takes to preserve your accident. This includes the following steps:
- Call 911 immediately, as medical crews will tend to the injured while the police investigate and make a police report. A police report will make it easier to move forward with your case because somebody will be officially charged with DUI, which can help with your claim.
- Seek medical attention even for minor injuries. You may not see injuries on the surface, but they could linger for a long time and you don’t want to miss out on opportunities to recover just because you wouldn’t see a doctor.
- Get a copy of your accident report so that you can start pursuing your personal injury claim against a negligent party.
- Speak with an attorney about how you can prove your case.
Involvement of the police is an extremely important step in your accident case. When somebody has been charged with a DUI on a criminal level, it may be much easier to make a civil claim against them. You don’t want to be alone during this difficult time, so an attorney can help in your time of need.
Why Medical Attention is Vital
If you want to receive damages in your case later on down the line when you are attempting to compensate, you should always seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some of the most common injuries that occur in DUI accidents include spinal injuries that can lead to paralysis, leg and knee injuries from side-impact collisions, neck and back injuries, chest injuries like broken bones, and brain injuries with lasting effects on your life. You may have a claim for compensation for these injuries if you act quickly and preserve your case to the best of your abilities.
How to Identify Liable Parties in a DUI Accident
The drunk driver is always the party liable for your accident, right? Drunk driving cases appear to be cut and dry as it pertains to liability, as the driver made the decision to drink and get behind the wheel of a vehicle, knowing that this could cause adverse consequences on you for the rest of your life. However, aside from the drunk driver, you could also hold a vendor at a bar liable for your injuries in some cases. For instance, what happens if a vendor decided to sell alcohol to a minor without checking I.D.? Because of this, the minor got behind the wheel of a car and your accident occurred. In this case, the vendor could also be liable for your injuries, so compensation could be split between the two parties.
As you can see, these cases can be entirely complex, which is why you want to retain your rights and speak to an attorney as soon as possible. We can help in your time of need. Call us as soon as possible to get started on your Louisiana DUI accident case.