Louisiana Drunk Driving Attorneys

Advocating for Victims of Drunk Driving in Louisiana

Our state’s drunk driving statistics are a sobering reminder of how many lives are destroyed by reckless, negligent motorists. Between 2009 and 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 2,349 people were killed in the state of Louisiana in accidents involving alcohol. This means that 4.6 people died in drunk driving incidents for every 100,000 people in the state of Louisiana, much higher than the national rate of 3.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

Given the prevalence of drunk driving on our roads, those who are injured or killed by drunk drivers need an advocate. Victims of drunk driving accidents often experience serious injuries, in many cases costing them their careers, their mobility, their comfort, and and their futures. As Louisiana drunk driving injury lawyers, it’s our job to make sure the victims of drunk drivers get everything they need to rebuild their lives, including everything from lost wages and medical bills to loss of enjoyment or companionship.

When we take on a drunk driving case in Louisiana, we look beyond the crash report to understand how the collision has changed every part of a client’s life. That includes the impact on their ability to work, to care for family members, and to participate in the day-to-day activities that once brought them joy. We may consult with medical providers, review treatment plans, and assess how long recovery may take so that any resolution reflects both current and future needs, not just the bills that have arrived so far.

We also recognize that many drunk driving wrecks happen on major Louisiana roads like I-10, I-12, and I-20, where higher speeds often lead to more severe injuries. Crashes on these corridors can involve multiple vehicles, commercial drivers, or visitors passing through the state, which makes the legal and insurance issues more complex. Our role is to untangle those complications so clients can focus on healing while we pursue accountability from every responsible party.

Call the Louisiana drunk driving accident attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward today at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Most do not need to be convinced of the problems of drunk driving. However, national data regarding drunk driving reveal the dangers that Americans face each day on the road.

The CDC released the following information regarding drunk driving from 2020:

• 11,654 people lost their lives in drunk driving accidents
• Police made over 1 million arrests for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Alcohol-impaired drivers got behind the wheel 127 million times
• 1 in 5 traffic deaths involving children ages 0–14 were caused by drunk driving

The number of times people drive drunk is far higher than the number of times they get caught. The only way to get justice, in many cases, is by pursuing a negligent driver in civil court for the harm they caused. By suing a drunk driver for negligence, plaintiffs affirm that the damage done to innocent individuals is unacceptable. No one should be forced to endure crushing debt and a diminished life because of the reckless actions of a drunk driver.

In Louisiana, a criminal conviction for driving while intoxicated may punish the offender, but it does not automatically pay for a victim’s medical care, lost income, or long-term needs. A separate civil claim allows injured people and grieving families to seek compensation directly from the drunk driver and, in some situations, from additional at-fault parties. 

State law also sets out blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for drivers and gives injured people the right to use evidence from the criminal investigation in their civil claim. For example, if a driver is arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after causing a collision on a Louisiana highway, the breath or blood test, field sobriety observations, and witness statements gathered by law enforcement can be powerful proof in a civil case. As experienced Louisiana drunk driving accident lawyers, we know how to obtain and use this evidence to help build a clear picture of what happened and why it should never have occurred.

Louisiana Drunk Driving Laws & Your Civil Case

After a serious crash with an impaired driver, many people are unsure how Louisiana’s drunk driving laws affect their ability to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The criminal case focuses on whether the at-fault driver violated the law, while the civil case focuses on how that driver’s choices harmed you and your family. These cases often move on different timelines, and one does not have to be finished before the other begins. Understanding how they interact can reduce confusion and help you decide when to reach out for legal guidance.

Generally, the prosecutor will handle the DUI or related criminal charges in the local parish court, while your civil claim will proceed in a separate court, even if it involves the same collision. Evidence gathered by state troopers or local police—such as the crash report, results of chemical testing, and body camera footage—may be requested and used in your civil case. A drunk driving accident attorney in Louisiana can coordinate the timing of these requests and help you avoid missteps, such as missing important deadlines for filing suit while waiting to see what happens in criminal court.

Louisiana law also has deadlines, called prescriptive periods, that limit how long you have to bring a civil claim after a drunk driving crash. Because each situation is different and timing rules can be complex, it is important to get individualized guidance about how these rules may apply to your case. Acting promptly allows your legal team to preserve key evidence, speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh, and document your injuries at facilities such as University Medical Center in New Orleans, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, or other hospitals across the state.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Louisiana

The minutes, hours, and days after a drunk driving wreck can feel overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one has been seriously hurt. Taking a few key steps can help protect your health and your ability to pursue a claim later, even if you are not yet sure you want to file a lawsuit. Focusing on safety, documentation, and avoiding common mistakes gives you a stronger foundation if you choose to move forward.

Here's what to do if you or someone you love was involved in a drunk driving accident:

• If you can do so safely, call 911 and cooperate with law enforcement. Make sure that an official report is made. 
• Let responding officers know if you suspect the other driver is impaired and point out any signs you observed, such as the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or open containers in the vehicle. 
• Seek medical attention right away, whether that is through emergency services at the scene or by visiting an emergency room or urgent care clinic later that day. Prompt treatment creates a record of your injuries and can uncover issues that may not be obvious immediately after the collision.
• You can also take simple steps to preserve information that may matter later, such as saving photos of the crash scene, keeping copies of discharge papers, and writing down the names of any witnesses who stopped to help. 
• Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or on social media, and be cautious about providing recorded statements to insurance companies before you understand your rights. 
• Contact a drunk driving accident attorneys as soon as possible and, if you can, bring any information you have to your consultation, as this can help your attorney evaluate your situation and explain your options.

How Our Louisiana Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident and are seeking compensation, hiring the right attorney is essential. An experienced lawyer will know how to build an effective case to argue for the settlement you need. Our trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to do what’s right.

When you reach out to us after a crash, we can review how the collision happened, explain how Louisiana law applies, and outline the options that may be available to you. That often includes identifying all potential insurance policies, such as the drunk driver’s liability coverage, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, and any additional coverage that may apply. By understanding the full picture at the outset, you are better equipped to decide whether to move forward with a claim and what to expect as the process unfolds.

Many people are worried about speaking with insurance adjusters or are unsure about what to say after a serious wreck. We can help by handling those conversations so that you do not feel pressured into accepting a low offer or making statements that could be taken out of context. We also keep clients updated on important milestones—such as the investigation, negotiations, and any court dates—so that there are no surprises and you always know where your case stands.

When you contact us after a drunk driving crash, we can assist you with:

• Reviewing the facts by going through the accident report, your recollection of events, and any photos or documents you have gathered.
• Explaining your options under Louisiana law so you understand the difference between an insurance claim and a lawsuit and what each path may involve.
• Communicating with insurers on your behalf to help protect you from pressure, low settlement offers, or confusing requests for information.
• Tracking important deadlines and next steps so that your claim moves forward while you focus on medical treatment and recovery.

Our firm has won over $1 billion using our approach. After decades of legal practice in Louisiana, the attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward are renowned advocates for victims of drunk driving accidents. By holding drunk drivers accountable, we’re able to get their victims everything they need for medical care, lost income, and other vital needs. If you are struggling with medical debt, lost wages, and other forms of suffering, you do not have to face these hardships alone.

If you have been injured in an accident, call the Louisiana drunk driving accident attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward today: (225) 209-9943. Your consultation is free, and you do not pay unless we win your case.