Mardi Gras is supposed to be a fun event that people look forward to. Letting loose and enjoying yourself is fine, so long as nobody gets hurt. Unfortunately, some people can take it too far, get drunk, and cause a car accident. From there, they may exhibit some road rage and make things very unsafe for the other driver. Understanding what to do in a road rage & drunk driving incident during Lafayette Mardi Gras can get you out of a potentially chaotic situation.
As you struggle with the aftermath of someone else’s DUI incident, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to see if you have a case. The Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can pursue full compensation for the damages the other driver caused you. Filing a Lafayette drunk driving accident claim can be a solid way to recoup damages and hold the drunken individual accountable for violating the state’s road rage laws. Our firm can figure out the finer details of your case.
What to Do in a Drunken Road Rage Situation
If you decide to move forward with a civil claim against a drunk driver after a road rage incident in Lafayette, it’s likely that your personal injury case will be heard in the 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish. This is the usual venue for personal injury cases in Lafayette, particularly those that involve significant medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. All of these may be applicable if the road rage incident got physical and you were injured.
If you find yourself facing an angry, drunken individual who caused a car accident or decided to harass you in the street, the most important thing you can do is not engage. According to recent data from CARTS, there were over13,000 DWI arrests throughout the state in 2024 alone, so there’s a strong chance the police will arrive and arrest your harasser before things escalate. Until that time, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and preserve your future claim:
- Above all, do not engage. This cannot be stressed enough. If you decide to start fighting back, you may be held equally responsible for a physical altercation, and you may be prevented from seeking damages. According to CARTS, there were over 146,000 car accidents throughout Louisiana in just 2024. You may want to just be happy that you survived this one and wait quietly for the police. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t shout back.
- Create distance. Prior to the accident, you may have been followed by a drunk, angry person who feels that you insulted them. They may tailgate you or swerve near you to scare you. According to recent data from the Lafayette Police, there were over5,300 arrests of both adults and juveniles, with some of them being for exactly that kind of harassing and dangerous behavior. Create as much distance as you can to avoid a confrontation.
- Never leave your vehicle. If both of you stop at a red light, that may be the moment that the driver tries to escalate things. They may just scream at you from their car until the light turns green, then speed off. If they don’t, and they leave their car to start something with you, do not leave your car under any circumstances. Lock all the doors, and put your windows up.
- Contact the authorities immediately if you feel unsafe in any way. Tell the dispatcher everything you suspect, including the other driver’s potential intoxication and threatening behavior. If possible, document their license plate number. When police arrive, let them handle everything from there. Contact a lawyer later if you want to file a claim.
FAQs About Road Rage & Drunk Driving During Lafayette
What Is the Biggest Drunk Driving Holiday in Louisiana?
Generally, the biggest period for drunk driving in Louisiana is the Mardi Gras season. The festivities of that time tend to involve a lot of drinking, and many people make the potentially life-altering decision to drive drunk. That decision tends to lead to car accidents, injuries, and even deaths. If you are injured by a drunk driver during Mardi Gras, you should contact an accident lawyer as soon as you can.
How Can I Protect Myself in a Road Rage Incident?
There are many things you can do to protect yourself during a road rage incident. The most important thing you can do is not engage. Don’t give your harasser any reason to get angrier or make things worse. Just stay in the car, and call 911 as soon as you can. If your harasser has a weapon or tries to break into your car, try to drive away and get to a highly populated area.
Can I Pursue Legal Action Against Someone for Road Rage?
Yes, you can absolutely pursue legal action against someone for road rage in Louisiana. Depending on the situation, you can file a civil claim while also pressing criminal charges. You can seek compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You could possibly even pursue punitive damages if the situation was particularly harrowing. Make sure you have plenty of evidence and an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Should I Hire an Accident Lawyer?
Yes, you should hire an accident lawyer. In many ways, the biggest mistake you could make for your case is failing to hire experienced legal help. The other driver, though they may have been drunk at the time, may mount a considerable defense. You don’t want to end up going against their legal team without legal assistance of your own. The last thing you want is for the person who drunkenly injured you to face no consequences.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Your Case
If you have been in an accident with a drunk driver and possibly even harassed or threatened by them in a road rage incident, the wisest move you can make for your case is to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer. They can provide you with guidance, protect your interests, and work to prevent you from being taken advantage of. For generations, the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy has devoted our time and effort to representing our clients. We can do so for you, too.
At the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, we can prepare your case for settlement or trial and seek compensation for all your damages.Contact us to speak to our team today.
