Shreveport Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Information & Guidance for Victims of Drunk Driving
Almost half of all fatalities in drunk driving accidents in our state are alcohol related. Drunk drivers have a slower reaction time and when it comes to driving a vehicle weighing, at the minimum, 1-2 tons, a few seconds can make a huge difference. In addition to slow reaction time, impaired judgment and focus can result in an inability to read and respond to the signs on the road.
Some of the things that can go wrong and cause an accident include:
- Running stop signs
- Running red lights
- Speeding
- Reckless lane changing
Has a drunk driver injured you or a loved one in Shreveport? If so, you may be able to sue to recover damages for your losses.
Click on one of the following links to skip ahead to a particular section where you can learn more about drunk driving accidents in Shreveport and your options for recovery:
- Drunk Driving Laws in Shreveport, Louisiana
- How Does Alcohol Impair Drivers and Increase Crash Risks?
- Who Can I Sue After a Drunk Driving Wreck in Shreveport, Louisiana?
Contact a Shreveport drunk driver accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.
Shreveport Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer
Driving under the influence of alcohol causes
nearly one-third of all deadly accidents across the U.S., including Shreveport, Louisiana.
Drunk driving is 100% avoidable and 100% inexcusable, just like aggressive
driving and distracted driving. The negligent motorists who cause drunk
driving accidents can be held liable for the deaths, injuries, and property
damage they inflict.
There are many types of injuries that can be the result of a drunk driving car accident, for instance:
- Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or full paralysis
- Brain injuries can severely affect the quality of life
- Broken bones interrupt one's life for months or longer
Drunk Driving Laws in Shreveport, Louisiana
Similar to the laws found in many other U.S. cities and states — such as neighboring Texas and Arkansas — Shreveport legislation defines drunk driving according to levels of blood alcohol content (BAC). Different BAC limits are set based upon the drinker's age and the type of driving license they hold.
The following table reveals the varying BAC limits for Shreveport and the rest of Louisiana:
| Under 21 BAC Limit | 21+ BAC Limit | Commercial Driver's License Holder BAC Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 0.02 | 0.08 | 0.04 |
Even with the existing laws and their subsequent harsh penalties for driving drunk, too many people continue to drive once impaired by alcohol.
How Does Alcohol Impair Drivers and Increase Crash Risks?
People who drive under the influence experience impaired auditory and visual perception, along with slower reaction times, poor judgment, and drowsiness. Not surprisingly, a drunk driver with a higher BAC experiences even more intense impairments than someone with a lower BAC. The table below lays out the impairments experienced by BAC level:
| BAC Level | Usual Impairments Experienced by the Driver |
|---|---|
| 0.02 |
|
| 0.05 |
|
| 0.08 |
|
| 0.10 |
|
| 0.15 |
|
Even relatively low BACs cause motorists to experience impairments that are capable of increasing the risk of accidents. This is particularly true if a driver simultaneously engages in additional risky behaviors, like speeding or texting.
These impairments explain why each state in the U.S., including Louisiana, has outlawed drunk driving. Other related facts include:
- For drivers of legal drinking age, their risk of a deadly car accident when driving with a BAC of 0.08 jumps seven times compared to their risk when sober.
- For drivers under 21, that risk of a fatal accident is multiplied by 12 compared to their risk when sober.
Statistics on Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving is a hot topic today and has been for the last few decades. As a result, many organizations have devoted research to drunk driving behavior and risk factors. From Mothers Against Drunk Driving to the Insurance Information Institute and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the latest drunk driving statistics outline just how often impaired drivers are the cause of serious accidents and permanent harm:
- A drunk driver hits someone every two minutes.
- In 2018, Louisiana had 768 driving fatalities, and one in three deaths involved alcohol. Nearly 1,000 people died in crashes in 2021, prompting officials to call for better decision-making and alcohol avoidance when driving.
- Louisiana has 4.7 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 residents — higher than the national average of 3.2 deaths per 100,000 population.
- Drivers between the ages of 21 and 34 have the highest risk of dying in drunk driving accidents.
- Driving drunk is the second-highest driving error that contributes to fatal accidents, second only to speeding.
Who Can I Sue After a Drunk Driving Wreck in Shreveport, Louisiana?
Although the drunk driver is the obvious target in a lawsuit after a drunk driving accident, other parties may be liable for your damages (or those of your loved one). There are a few key points when it comes to seeking compensation after an alcohol-related accident:
- There are strict time limits for filing drunk driving claims in Louisiana: The statute of limitations in Shreveport — and all of Louisiana — for car accidents is only one year, so you must act quickly.
- Dram shop liability is limited in Shreveport: A dram shop is an establishment that sells alcohol to be consumed on-site, like a restaurant or bar. Unlike many other states, Louisiana law places the liability only upon the person consuming the alcohol and not the shop or person who provided the alcohol.
- Investigations and evidence are vital: It's possible that you may not realize the driver was drunk when they hit you. This is where follow-up investigations become important to discovering potential driver impairment while providing evidence for liability. Key evidence could range from a police report and BAC test to witness statements and more.
If you believe a drunk driver has impacted your family, you should reach out to an experienced Shreveport drunk driver accident lawyer as soon as possible. The statute of limitations started ticking the day of your accident.
Talk to a 5-Star Shreveport Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer 24/7
If you have been affected by a drunk driver in Shreveport, you are undoubtedly angry and frustrated that someone could be so reckless as to drink and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. You should reach out to an experienced Shreveport drunk driver accident lawyer today to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options for recovering your damages.
Time is of the essence in a drunk driving accident case. If a drunk driver has injured you, legal action may seem overwhelming during your recovery. The good news is that you don't need to go it alone.
Exceptional Advocacy & Maximum Recoveries for Shreveport's Drunk Driving Crash Victims
Compensation to those affected by the recklessness of another should represent the degree of harm. These injuries interfere with one's ability to earn a living and cause medical costs to skyrocket. We have handled many cases like this and seen them through to the best possible result for our clients. It is vitally important to act quickly following the accident, and all evidence to support your claim should be carefully preserved.
An experienced Shreveport drunk driver accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers is standing by 24/7 to help you pursue justice. The legal team at Morris & Dewett offers a deep understanding of the hardships victims of drunk driving accidents face. We're exceptionally skilled at overcoming the most difficult challenges to help victims win and achieve justice.
Call (888) 492-5532 or Email Us for a Free, Confidential Consultation.