Everybody knows that drinking and driving is a bad idea. Driving drunk not only can land you in jail, but it significantly increases the chance that you will be involved in an auto accident.
Alcohol reduces reaction times and impairs motor skills. This makes it not only difficult but also incredibly dangerous, to operate a vehicle while drunk. Drunk driving creates grave dangers for other vehicles, especially bicycles and motorcycles, and for innocent pedestrians.
Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident
In a lot of ways, a drunk driving accident is similar to any other car accident case. The injured person can get damages for things like pain and suffering, past and future medical bills, lost wages, decreased earning capacity, and loss of enjoyment of life. But, while a drunk driving accident may appear to be just another car accident, they can be quite different because victims can also be awarded punitive damages.
Punitive damages are designed to punish offenders for their bad actions. However, in Louisiana, you can only get punitive damages if they are specifically allowed by law. Drunk driving accidents are one of those areas.
To be awarded punitive damages for a drunk driving accident, the victim has to show that (1) the driver was intoxicated, (2) disregarded the safety of others, (3) damage was caused while actually operating a vehicle, and (4) the intoxication was a cause of the accident.
If the victim can show these facts, they can be awarded additional damages on top of what they would otherwise get for their injuries.
Contact a New Orleans Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
New Orleans is and always has been a city where people know how to go out and have a good time. This can be fun but creates the potential for serious injuries to unsuspecting victims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, The Mahone Firm is here to help you. Call (504) 564-7342 to talk to a New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyer about your case.
