How does an accident victim in Gonzales prove that a drunk driver caused their injuries?

Gonzales, LA – Drunk drivers injure people in Louisiana and other states all the time. When this happens, the victim has the right to bring a civil case to make the person pay for their medical costs and other losses. However, the person needs to successfully negotiate a settlement or win their case at trial. In order to do this, it is helpful to have concrete evidence that the person was negligent due to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Attorneys near me who dedicate their time to helping accident victims can provide additional information about these kinds of lawsuits and how to receive compensation.

Investigating DUI cases

Law enforcement looks for several different types of evidence when they investigate drunk driving incidents. This usually starts with a driving pattern. Drivers who are under the influence tend to drift in and out of lanes of traffic, go much too fast or slow for the road conditions, and ignore stop signs. These behaviors greatly increase the possibility of an accident.

After the driver is stopped, there are several other signs that a person was consuming drugs or alcohol. Things like bloodshot or watery eyes tend to indicate consumption of alcohol or substances. The person’s appearance may also be disheveled or unkempt. Alcohol also tends to leave a distinct odor on a person’s breath or clothing. There are certain drugs that are stimulants, which can make a person seem jittery or move erratically.

Civil lawsuits

People who have been harmed by drunk drivers will have much of the same evidence available to them. The victim’s attorney can get things such as the results of the chemical tests, videos of the driver’s actions and field sobriety tests, pictures of the accident scene, and information about any drugs or alcohol found in a search of the driver’s car. The civil lawsuit will focus on whether the driver deviated from the acceptable standard of care on the roads when they caused the collision. Things like drunk driving and other traffic violations tend to be strong evidence when arguing that a driver was at fault.

Punitive damages

Louisiana’s laws allow victims of drunk drivers to argue for punitive damages as well. This amount is meant as a form of punishment against the defendant for reckless behavior, rather than compensation for the victim’s injuries. Under state law, DUI accident cases are the only time that punitive damages are available.

Louisiana accident lawyers

There are attorneys in the area of Gonzales who focus on drunk driving accident cases. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a firm that works with accident victims to receive compensation on their behalf.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205