How are intoxicated drivers held accountable for causing accidents in Inniswold?

Inniswold, LA – Drunk driving is illegal, but when a driver causes an accident while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the situation becomes more complex. The consequences for drunk driving collisions can be divided into criminal and civil forms of liability. Those who were injured by the driver may choose to file a lawsuit, and this can be done regardless of the outcome of any criminal charges or investigation by the police. The civil case is only brought for the purpose of paying the victim for their losses, and the plaintiff does not necessarily have to prove intoxication and other elements of the crime to succeed in their lawsuit.

Attorneys near me can give additional information to victims of drunk drivers regarding the possibility of compensation and other remedies.

Criminal charges

Louisiana has laws against driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol like every other state, and penalties can be serious based on things like the driver’s prior record and whether any fatalities occurred in the accident. If police arrive at an accident scene and suspect that one of the drivers involved may have been intoxicated, they will start their investigation and possibly make an arrest based on their findings. After being arrested and charged, the driver can face penalties such as fines, license suspensions, probation, and jail time if they are convicted. However, these charges need to be proven in criminal court beyond all reasonable doubt, and the victim may still face a civil lawsuit if they are acquitted.

Civil lawsuits

Accident victims always have the option of getting legal advice about whether they should attempt to receive compensation through a civil lawsuit. An attorney can advise regarding things like whether there is sufficient evidence of negligence for a successful case, or whether the driver caused an amount of damage that would warrant legal action. Some of the same evidence from the accident scene may end up being used in both the civil and criminal cases. The types of compensation available include costs of medical bills, lost income, non-economic damages for pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages to punish defendants who engaged in reckless behavior.

Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, so it is certainly possible that the victim will receive compensation through a settlement even if the criminal charges were dropped or reduced.

Advice about drunk driving accident lawsuits

There are accident attorneys in the Inniswold area who can provide additional advice about any of these matters. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is an experienced firm that handles various personal injury issues related to drunk driving accidents in Louisiana.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205