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“Driving under the influence”, or “Driving while intoxicated”, is the term for alcohol-related driving behavior. It is responsible for nearly 1/3 of all traffic deaths in this country. Many of these impaired drivers are repeat offenders and all can cause a heavy burden of death and/or injury to themselves and to innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Anyone who causes an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance is considered negligent. Unfortunately, this is of little comfort to someone who has sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an alcohol-related accident. The driver convicted of DWI has the liability to pay for all damages. While some states impose liability on bars, clubs, restaurants or hotels which supply liquor improperly, Louisiana does not. In Louisiana, providers of alcohol are provided immunity from lawsuits. One possible exception would be if the drunk driver was below the legal age - 21 years - for alcohol service. If the intoxicated driver was under age, the person or business that provided the alcohol may also be held responsible for any damages caused by an intoxicated, under age driver. Another possible exception would be if some other law applied, such as maritime law. In an accident caused by a drunk driver, in addition to compensatory damages, punitive damages may also be recoverable. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and to make an example out of the wrongdoer so that others would be discouraged from similar conduct. If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call Broussard & Hart. at 337-439-2450 or Toll Free at 866-281-4774 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation. More InformationResourcesDrunk Driving Organizations |
Today is Sunday, September 7, 2008
Drunk Driving Accidents
