Drunk Driving Accidents in St. Tammany Parish

Practical Civil Guidance After an Impaired-Driving Crash

We represent people injured by impaired drivers and pursue damages from responsible parties. At Olsen Law Office, we draw on our automobile-injury practice and familiarity with St. Tammany Parish roads to address the civil issues these collisions create.

Crashes on I-12, US 190, and busy intersections in Mandeville can involve serious injuries, multiple insurance policies, and evidence connected to a separate criminal investigation. We build the civil injury claim around the collision, medical treatment, and resulting losses.

Contact us at (985) 256-3553 to arrange a consultation about a drunk driving accident in St. Tammany Parish.

Civil Claims After a Drunk Driving Accident

A civil injury claim seeks financial compensation for the person harmed. A criminal DWI prosecution is brought by the state to punish an accused driver. These proceedings have different purposes, standards, and parties.

A civil claim doesn’t require a criminal conviction. A charge may be reduced or dismissed without deciding whether the driver is civilly responsible for the crash. We evaluate the evidence independently rather than treating the criminal case as the sole measure of liability.

Evidence that may support the civil claim includes:

• The police report and crash documentation
• Blood alcohol testing and field sobriety evidence
• Photographs, video, and witness accounts
• Medical records connecting the collision to the injuries and treatment
• Insurance information and records of related financial losses

Identifying responsible parties requires a fact-specific investigation. We review vehicle ownership, the driver’s employment circumstances, available insurance information, and the facts surrounding alcohol service. These details may affect which parties and coverage sources warrant further consideration, but responsibility depends on the evidence and applicable Louisiana law.

Compensation for Injuries Caused by an Impaired Driver

Available compensation depends on the injuries, financial losses, insurance coverage, and proof of fault. We document economic damages, which are measurable financial losses, as well as non-economic damages, which address personal consequences without a fixed invoice.

Potential categories of damages may include:

• Medical costs: Past medical expenses and supported future medical costs
• Income losses: Lost earnings and reduced future earning capacity
• Property damage: Damage to the vehicle and other personal property
• Personal harm: Pain and suffering, disfigurement, or scarring
• Life effects: Loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium

Punitive damages are intended to punish and deter particularly serious misconduct rather than compensate for a specific bill. Under Louisiana law, they’re available only when a specific statute authorizes them, such as Civil Code Article 2315.4 for injuries caused by an intoxicated driver’s wanton or reckless disregard for safety, and no category or amount is automatic. We assess what the facts and evidence may support.

Louisiana Filing Deadlines for Injury Claims

Louisiana uses a prescription period, which is the time allowed to file a lawsuit before the legal claim expires. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1, claims arising from injuries sustained on or after July 1, 2024, generally have a two-year prescription period running from the day the injury or damage occurs.

The prior one-year prescription period generally applies to injuries sustained before July 1, 2024. The deadline therefore depends on the crash date, and other facts may affect the analysis. We identify the governing deadline rather than assuming every automobile injury claim follows the same period.

Preparing a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Seek prompt medical care after an injury. Records created near the time of the crash can document symptoms, diagnoses, treatment, and the relationship between the collision and the resulting harm. Keeping bills and treatment records organized also helps establish the extent of the losses.

We advise clients to document the incident and preserve relevant materials. Photographs, witness contact information, medical bills, repair records, insurance correspondence, and other crash-related communications create a record for evaluating the claim.

Our preparation includes identifying at-fault parties and gathering insurance information. We review available records, explain the claims process, and discuss applicable deadlines so clients can make informed decisions about the next stage of the case.

Drunk Driving Accident Cases in St. Tammany Parish

Injury lawsuits arising in St. Tammany Parish fall within the 22nd Judicial District Court. We bring familiarity with its procedures to automobile injury cases, including claims involving alleged impaired driving.

A claim may be resolved through insurance negotiations or proceed to litigation. The appropriate course depends on the evidence, disputed issues, available coverage, and response from the responsible parties. We keep clients informed and provide practical advice as the case develops.

Discuss Your Claim with Our Injury Lawyers

We offer consultations for people and families affected by drunk driving accidents in St. Tammany Parish. During your consultation, we can discuss the collision, your injuries, the available documentation, and the filing deadline that may apply.

We approach each case with compassion, clear communication, and attention to the client’s individual needs. You can reach us by phone or through the contact form.

Call (985) 256-3553 to request a consultation with Olsen Law Office about your drunk driving accident claim.