Baton Rouge Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Injured by a Drunk Driver?
It is against the law to drink and drive and yet people do it every day. Drunk drivers cause accidents that often result in serious injuries or loss of life. Anyone who operates a motor vehicle has a duty to drive in a safe manner and not cause harm to others. That duty is broken once a drunk driver gets behind the wheel and behaves in a negligent manner. A drunk driver who causes a traffic accident faces criminal charges as well as liability issues. It is important to contact Beau Layfield of The Layfield Law Firm, a Baton Rouge injury lawyer, if you were injured or a family member died in a drunk driving accident.
The Layfield Law Firm, LLC provides legal counsel to the injured or families impacted by an accident due to an individual driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Layfield Law Firm will help the victim receive monetary compensation for their injuries and suffering. Personal attention and careful case preparation are necessary when pursuing legal action against criminally negligent drunk drivers and their insurance companies.
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge
An individual driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher is legally drunk and too impaired to drive safely. DUI related accidents are usually more significant because of the altered perceptions of the driver. Excessive speed and the inability to stay in a traffic lane are common when intoxicated drivers are behind the wheel. The intoxicated driver does not have the ability to stop in time or correct erratic driving to avoid an accident. The types of accidents caused by drunk drivers are often head-on, side impact or rear -end and frequently result in catastrophic injuries.
Common injuries from DUI accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Air bag and seat belt injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Coma
- Death
Family members of a deceased victim of a drunk driving accident may wish to pursue a wrongful death action against the responsible party. An individual with serious injuries may require hospitalization and extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Some victims have temporary disabilities or permanent disabilities and are unable to work and earn an income. The victims of a drunk driving accident may be eligible for compensation for loss of earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Before accepting an insurance settlement offer, make an appointment today with Beau Layfield of The Layfield Law Firm, a Baton Rouge injury lawyer. The Layfield Law Firm, LLC will consult with you to analyze your case and ensure your right to fair compensation is protected.
Contact a Baton Rouge drunk driving accident attorney at The Layfield Law Firm, LLC for legal assistance and guidance through the insurance and court process if injured by a drunk driver.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At The Layfield Law Firm, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Beau always responded quickly to my questions, sometimes patiently just listened while I vented."As a business owner trying to juggle responsibilities with my clients and in my business, it was important to find someone who understood the value of my time while helping me navigate me through a difficult divorce.- Former Client
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"I'm blessed to have had Mr. Beau Layfield representing me throughout my divorce process."I contacted him initially because The Layfield Law Firm website specifically listed "uncontested divorce" within the areas of practice.- Former Client
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"Beau listened to my concerns and helped me come up with a strategy that worked best for my situation."During this process, there were times when I became so frustrated that I wanted to give up. Beau always brought me back to reality and made suggestions to assist with my concerns.- Former Client
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"After meeting with three attorneys about my case I choose the Layfield Law Firm."Hopefully I won't need a lawyer in the future, but if I do, I am calling Mr Layfield.- Former Client
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 225-283-1374 today!
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How do I know if I have a personal injury claim?
A personal injury accident is the result of the negligent, reckless or careless action of another. An accident that occurs from the use of a dangerous or defective product is an example of a personal injury accident. Another example is a drunk driver who causes a car collision with injuries or fatalities. In the case of negligence, the victim may be eligible for monetary compensation that can include lost income, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Beau Layfield and The Layfield Law Firm, LLC can represent a client in court and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the maximum possible compensation.
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Should I take a settlement offer?
It is never a good idea to settle an insurance claim before speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney that has experience with injury accident cases. Insurance companies have tactics they use to deny claims, redirect fault, and withhold available compensation. An insurance claim can be a complicated process and insurance adjusters can be intimidating to accident victims. An insurance company may assert that the injuries are not as serious as claimed, and attempt to settle quickly for a low amount.
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Do I have to go to court in order to obtain a divorce?
Filing divorce papers with a court is the only way you will obtain a legal separation from your spouse. This applies to any other form of legal separation, including a marriage annulment. Aside from the divorce decree itself, a court is able to assist in settling other matters related to divorce, which include child custody and the distribution of marital assets.
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How will custody of my child be decided?It is possible for you and your spouse to come to a decision regarding child custody without the court intervening.
However, if you and your spouse cannot come to a custody terms agreement, the court will decide for you, and will look at the following:
- the child's gender and age;
- the child's mental and physical health;
- the child's relationship with each parent;
- the parents' respective lifestyles;
- each parent's ability to provide basic necessities for the child, including shelter, food, and clothing; and
- the child's preference (if they are of a certain age).
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How long will the divorce process take?
The length of your divorce proceedings will depend on different factors, which include how long it takes to serve divorce papers to your spouse, whether your spouse is willing to waive their rights to service and notice of trial, whether you have minor children from the marriage and legal delays. Typically, it will take 20 to 40 days to receive a divorce judgment from the court after papers have been served. If your spouse decides to waive his or her rights to service and notice of trial, the judgment can come swiftly. It is important to note that a judgment does not become finalized until the 30-day "appeals" window has ended.
Another important point to note is that you must be living separately from your spouse for six months (or longer if there are minor children from the marriage) before being able to file a petition, unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as your spouse committed a felony. Securing an attorney for legal representation may result in your divorce process being resolved much faster than you attempting to navigate the proceedings on your own.