I Was Hit By A Drunk Driver And Injured. Does That Have Any Impact On My Personal Injury Case?

Many people in New Orleans have been killed or badly injured in car accidents involving drunk drivers. Because of the threat these drivers pose, Louisiana law has made special provisions to protect individuals hurt in these accidents and impose additional penalties on drunk drivers.

When a person is injured by a drunk driver, the injured party may pursue punitive damages against that driver. Punitive damages are damages awarded to the injured party above the amount granted as compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost wages and pain and suffering.

These additional damages are granted for the purpose of punishing the defendant and deterring similar conduct in the future.

Injuries caused by drivers intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs present one of the few cases in which punitive damages may be pursued in Louisiana. In most other cases of injury caused in a car accident, they cannot be pursued.

If you were injured by a drunk driver in New Orleans and need legal advice, please feel free to call our office at (504) 527-8767.