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Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime under Louisiana law, as it has the potential to cause serious harm and other losses for individuals and society at large. If you’re in an accident with a drunk driver, the steps you take next can determine your success when seeking fair compensation. A Lafayette drunk driving accident lawyer can represent your interests.
The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy has working relationships with local judges, insurance companies, investigators, financial analysts, psychologists, and other professionals, giving us access to key information that supports our clients’ claims. We’re also familiar with court procedures through our work at the 15th Judicial District Court in Lafayette Parish, supporting personal injury lawyers.
One of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Louisiana and across the rest of the country is dangerous choices made by drivers on the road. Among these bad choices, driving while drunk or under the influence of another substance is among the most perilous. In a single year,12,429 people were killed in drunk driving accidents across the United States.
Drunk drivers are at least 13 times more likely to cause fatal crashes than sober drivers in Louisiana. Even non-fatal accidents can leave the victim facing serious losses. Moreover, drunk drivers can cause severe damage to personal property as well as city property. Alcohol was one of the main contributing factors to both fatal and non-fatal crashes in Louisiana throughout 2025.
In the wake of a drunk driving accident, it’s important to start the claims process as soon as possible if you plan to file for damages. Louisiana is known for reporting a high volume of personal injury claims, making up for 3.65 percent of the nation’s total claims, despite only representing 1.4 percent of the population.
Just because more claims are filed here doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a fair settlement. It’s wise to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to navigate the process.
The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy is dedicated to helping community members become whole again after devastating losses. From negotiating with insurance companies to navigating litigation through the 15th Judicial District Court, our Lafayette personal injury lawyers can steadfastly advocate for you.
Our local law firm brings 50+ years of experience to each case, spanning five generations of personal injury lawyers in the Kennedy family. We proudly serve Lafayette and the surrounding areas, working to pursue compensation for injured Louisianans after experiencing unexpected losses.
Over the years, we’ve earned a great reputation amongst our clients and industry organizations. Our accolades include:
Our firm cannot guarantee success for your case based on past results. That said, you can rest assured you are working with a local team you can trust.
Louisiana is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents. In an at-fault state, anyone whose actions or negligence caused an accident can be held liable for the damages. More than one party can be at fault in a traffic accident.
Even the injured party filing the claim can be partially at fault under Louisiana’s modified comparative fault law. Any percentage of fault can reduce the total settlement a claimant can earn. That’s why it’s important to establish fault here.
What you do if you’re in a Lafayette drunk driving accident is largely going to depend on the details of the crash. It’s beneficial to document as much of the scene as possible while you are there, and call local law enforcement as soon as possible.
Exchange information with the other driver if you can. If they flee the scene, continue collecting evidence. Take notes, pictures, and videos. Request a copy of the police report, too.
You can recover compensation if a drunk driver leaves the scene of an accident in Lafayette in several ways, depending on how you go about handling the case. Your own insurance coverage can typically cover your losses after an accident.
You can also choose to open an investigation to search for the at-fault driver and seek compensation from them directly. It’s highly recommended to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to explain your recovery options.
How much it typically costs to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer can vary, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount recovered by the claimant. Lafayette personal injury lawyers typically charge a contingency fee.
This is usually calculated as a percentage of the total settlement won. With a contingency fee, you don’t have to worry about paying anything out of pocket. Your attorney doesn’t collect payment unless they secure compensation for you.
Being involved in any type of traffic accident is bound to be stressful. Collisions involving drunk drivers can be even more stressful and chaotic. Regardless, it’s imperative that you understand Louisiana’s drunk driving accident laws, along with what steps to take in the wake of an accident. A Lafayette drunk driving accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can provide knowledgeable counsel for drunk driving accident cases.
Our attorneys are familiar with the tactics used by Louisiana insurance providers, and we’re not afraid to take them to court if they’re not willing to negotiate. If you’re ready to discuss your case with a trusted Louisiana personal injury lawyer, come and see us at our office in Lafayette. We’re located on Polk Street near the I-10 and I-49 interchange. You can also contact the office to set up a consultation with a member of our team today.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury from a defective consumer good, a product liability attorney with the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can help. Our team will review the details of your case and hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and losses.
Our law firm serves the greater Lafayette and New Iberia area, and offers complimentary initial consultations. You can discuss your case for free with a product liability lawyer familiar with federal statutes as well as Louisiana consumer protection laws. This insight can give you a better idea of your various legal options.
To learn more about product liability claims and your legal options, contact our law office online. You can also request a free case evaluation by phone.
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