Baton Rouge Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., we understand the devastating impact that drunk driving accidents can have on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision caused by an intoxicated driver, you deserve justice and fair compensation. Our experienced Baton Rouge drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call (337) 222-3526 or contact us online today to request a free consultation with our team.

Drunk Driving Laws in Louisiana

Louisiana has strict laws in place to deter and penalize drunk driving. Under Louisiana law, it is illegal for any driver to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under the age of 21, the limit is 0.02%.

Penalties for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Louisiana include fines, license suspension, mandatory participation in alcohol education programs, and possible jail time. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and increased fines. In cases where a drunk driver causes an accident that results in injury or death, they may also face felony charges and civil lawsuits.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol significantly affects a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even at low levels, alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Key ways in which alcohol affects driving include:

• Reduced Reaction Time – Drunk drivers have slower reflexes, making it difficult to respond quickly to hazards on the road.
• Impaired Judgment – Alcohol affects decision-making, leading to reckless behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or running red lights.
• Decreased Coordination – Controlling a vehicle requires hand-eye coordination, which is compromised by alcohol consumption.
• Blurred Vision – Alcohol impairs vision and depth perception, making it difficult to judge distances and see road signs or other vehicles clearly.
• Drowsiness – Many intoxicated drivers experience extreme drowsiness, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, proving liability is crucial in securing compensation. To establish fault, evidence must demonstrate that the driver was intoxicated and that their impairment directly caused the accident. Key pieces of evidence that can support a drunk driving accident claim include:

• Police Reports – Law enforcement officers responding to the crash typically conduct field sobriety tests and administer breathalyzer or blood tests. The police report will document the driver’s intoxication level.
• Witness Testimonies – Bystanders, passengers, or other drivers may have seen the intoxicated driver’s reckless behavior before or during the accident.
• Traffic and Surveillance Footage – Video evidence from nearby security cameras or dashcams can provide visual proof of erratic driving or the crash itself.
• Bar and Restaurant Records – If the drunk driver was overserved alcohol at an establishment before the crash, receipts and witness accounts may help establish liability.
• Medical and Toxicology Reports – If the at-fault driver was taken to the hospital, medical records may confirm their intoxication.

Louisiana Dram Shop & Social Host Liability

In some cases, parties other than the drunk driver may be held responsible for an accident under Louisiana’s Dram Shop and Social Host liability laws. While Louisiana has relatively limited dram shop laws compared to other states, certain circumstances may hold alcohol providers accountable:

• Bars, Restaurants, and Liquor Stores – If an establishment knowingly serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then causes an accident, they may be held partially liable.
• Social Hosts – If a private individual provides alcohol to a minor who then causes a crash, the host may be legally responsible.

Holding these third parties accountable can be complex, but our skilled Baton Rouge drunk driving accident lawyers can investigate all possible avenues for compensation.

The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge has seen an alarming trend in drunk driving-related incidents, making it imperative for victims to seek experienced legal guidance. Our area’s bustling nightlife and increasing traffic density contribute to this, and recognizing the signs and impacts is crucial for prevention and recovery.

As seasoned legal professionals, we bring extensive experience to every case, understanding the unique challenges faced by accident victims. Our approach involves comprehensive case evaluations, gathering compelling evidence to hold negligent parties liable. By prioritizing your recovery, we strive to alleviate the burdens and uncertainties that accompany such traumatic events. Moreover, we collaborate with local experts and accident reconstruction specialists to build robust cases that highlight the negligence involved, ensuring that you have the strongest representation possible in court.

Your Trusted Legal Allies

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., our unwavering dedication to personal injury law sets us apart. We bring a client-first philosophy to our practice, underscored by:

• Exclusive Focus: Our practice is dedicated entirely to personal injury law, allowing us to concentrate all efforts on representing serious accident victims.
• Proven Track Record: We’ve secured numerous million- and multimillion-dollar settlements, showcasing our ability to deliver tangible results for our clients.
• Contingency Fee-Based: Our clients pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation, making quality legal representation accessible to all.
• Free Consultations: We provide free, confidential consultations to help you explore your legal options without financial risk.

Contact us today at (337) 222-3526 for your free consultation, and let us help you rebuild your future with the assurance of seasoned professionals by your side.