New Orleans is no stranger to fatal drunk driving accidents. Throughout the year, our city invites the world to celebrate in our many festivals. However, impaired drivers are taking to the streets more and more, causing devastating injuries and tragic loss.
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, Allan Berger & Associates is here to help you through this difficult time. We understand no amount of compensation can ease the pain of your loss. Wrongful death claims are difficult, but they can be necessary to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
Your claim deserves to be handled with sensitivity and respect. Turn to our wrongful death attorneys in New Orleans and schedule a free consultation today by clicking here or calling (504) 618-1596.
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a negligent accident involving an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our personal injury lawyers in New Orleans.
Who Are the Faces of Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents in New Orleans?
A recent decision by a state appellate court has sent shock waves throughout our community. The sentence of a drunk driver convicted of multiple counts of vehicular homicide has been vacated.
Tashonty Toney plowed through a group of cyclists in 2019, killing two and injuring several others. After a recording of Toney and his sister laughing at the victim’s testimony was played in court, Toney received the maximum sentence. Altogether, the sentence totaled 91 years.
As fatal drunk driving accidents continue to rise, New Orleans Parish DA will take a stand and appeal the court’s decision.
According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Plan for 2022, in the last reporting year:
- Drunk driving fatalities accounted for 40.6% of all fatalities
- 5% of impaired drivers were between 25 and 44-years old
However, statistics cannot truly reflect the cost of drunk driving. In the last few months, the local news lists the names of students who will never graduate and children who will never grow up.
On November 20th, eight people were killed in three separate drunk driving accidents in one night. The collisions claimed the lives of:
- 21-year-old Danon Fulwiley
- 23-year-old Corey Porter
- 25-year-old Ariana Lachico
- 19-year-old Lily Dufrene
- 18-year-old Hali Coss
- 18-year-old Michaila Bowling
- 38-year-old Frederick Varnado
On October 22nd, a drunk driver struck a mother and daughter in a stopped minivan. While the mother survived, 9-year-old Abby Douglas would die of her injuries two days later.
On August 4th, Makayla Bonura and Chloe Shartle were passengers in a drunk driving accident so horrific, the car “was literally ripped in half.” The 16-year-old intoxicated driver struck two trees, a utility box, and two signs.
Fatal drunk driving collisions happen far too often on Louisiana roads. If you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, consult our wrongful death attorneys. We can help you take the necessary steps to hold intoxicated drivers accountable for their actions.
What Steps Can Family Members Take Against a Drunk Driver?
Family members who have lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash have a right to recourse. Whether criminal charges have been filed or not, surviving family members can hold negligent parties accountable in civil court.
Wrongful death claims are an important part of the justice system. Families file wrongful death claims to:
- Get answers to questions that may linger after a drunk driving accident
- Prevent future deaths by bringing attention to the negligent behavior
- Help secure closure so families can grieve in peace
To successfully file a wrongful death claim against a drunk driver, family members should:
- Contact our wrongful death attorneys at Allan Berger & Associates. Wrongful death claims are highly emotional and complex. You need experienced representation you can trust.
- Work closely with your attorney to gather critical evidence, including death certificates and police reports.
- While most claims settle out of court, be prepared and ensure your attorney can represent you at trial.
At Allan Berger & Associates, our nationally-recognized attorneys have been helping clients recover damages for over 40 years. You can trust that your loved one will be represented with dignity and sensitivity.
How Can a Wrongful Death Attorney Help You Seek Justice?
As fatal drunk driving accidents continue to rise, we can help families take a stand. The purpose of a wrongful death claim is not financial gain, but to hold responsible parties accountable. The amount of compensation represents the severity of the offense.
Wrongful death claims can also help provide closure. When families lose a loved one in a drunk driving accident, many questions go unanswered. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances of your loved one’s death and uncover the answers you need to move on.
Are Damages Different in Drunk Driving Accidents?
Whether you have been seriously injured in an accident or have lost a loved one in a collision, you are entitled to compensation. Recovering damages is different for every case. It is important to speak with our wrongful death attorneys or personal injury lawyers to discuss the details of your unique circumstances to determine all damages available to you.
We have represented numerous fatal drunk driving accident claims. Some of the most common damages include:
- Compensation for funeral expenses
- Compensation for medical expenses
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of care and emotional support
- Emotional distress
- Possible punitive damages
We have also helped injury victims recover:
- Full compensation for medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future income
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
Contact Allan Berger & Associates today.
Why You Need Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in New Orleans
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident in New Orleans, you need experienced representation. Personal injury law is highly complex. Your attorney must have a comprehensive knowledge of drunk driving accidents and experience negotiating with insurance companies.
Drunk driving accident claims are typically filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance. Insurance companies are motivated to minimize payouts and may put unfair pressure on you to accept an offer lower than you deserve.
At Allan Berger & Associates, our New Orleans wrongful death attorneys and personal injury lawyers will negotiate on your behalf to secure a favorable settlement. We have a long track record of achieving higher-than-expected results.
We will work tirelessly to secure compensation and honor the memory of your loved one by seeking justice. Schedule a free initial consultation today by clicking here or calling (504) 618-1596. We are here for you.
