Baggett-McCall's Blog

At the law Office of Baggett, McCall, Burgess, Watson & Gaugham, we have fought for the rights of personal injury victims since 1958. We have handled thousands of cases, offering comprehensive legal knowledge and stability to injured people. We built our successful practice on a commitment to personalized, efficient and responsive service. We work closely with a team of trained investigators, paralegals and support staff to prepare and present the best case for your financial recovery.

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Failed tire causes 4 deaths in tragic Louisiana car accident

On adult and three children were recently killed in a dreadful Louisiana car accident. The incident happened on a recent Saturday at a major highway intersection when an SUV collided with a school bus head-on. The school bus was transporting a high school baseball team to a game at the time of the car accident.

The car accident happened when a 36-year-old woman lost control of the SUV she was driving. According to police, the woman's back tire failed, which resulted in the SUV going off the road, over a center divider and into on-coming traffic. That is when the SUV hit the school bus head-on.

The female driver of the SUV and three children who were riding with her were not using safety belts. The woman, along the passengers -- a 6-year-old, a 7-year-old and a 16-year-old -- were all ejected from the SUV. Another passenger, aged 17, was using a safety belt. That passenger suffered injuries described as moderate. Fortunately, none of the children on board the bus, nor the bus driver, were injured in the tragic crash.

Considering that this Louisiana car accident was apparently caused when the SUV driver's tire failed, surviving family members of those who died may benefit from learning whether it was a manufacturing defect or maintenance error that led to the tire failure. Car accidents can be caused by defective automobile equipment, and when they result in death or injury, victims and their families may be entitled to financial restitution for the loss of life that occurs. A careful investigation of the fatal crash may help in getting important answers to open questions while also offering an opportunity to assess what legal steps, if any, may be appropriate in the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.

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Baggett-McCall Injury Attorneys has served personal injury clients throughout the Gulf Coast region since 1958 from our Lake Charles, LA office. We offer comprehensive legal knowledge and representation for our clients in the areas of personal injury, occupational disease, toxic torts, defective products, wrongful death, maritime and offshore injuries, automobile wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, and cancer cases. Contact our Lake Charles, LA office at (337)-478-8888 for a free consultation.

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2 Louisiana pedestrians incur medical costs after hit-and-run

A Louisiana man was recently arrested after he allegedly struck and injured two female pedestrians with his car. According to police, the man hit the women and then fled the scene of the accident. The women were hospitalized after the accident and will likely have to pay steep medical costs for their care.

According to the police department in Baker, where the accident occurred, a 31-year-old woman was in critical condition as of Feb. 12. The other victim, a 29-year-old woman, was in stable condition. Both hail from Denham Springs.

Eyewitnesses report hearing a loud noise, then running into the street to find the injured women. Witnesses also identified the man's car, which police later found with corresponding front-end damage. The driver, who allegedly fled the scene, was apprehended near his vehicle. He has been charged with numerous crimes. His most serious charges are first-degree negligent injury by vehicle and hit-and-run.

It is important for drivers to realize their responsibility to look out for pedestrians, with whom they share the road. In the state of Louisiana pedestrians have the right of way. When a driver strikes a pedestrian -- so long as the pedestrian was not in violation of traffic laws -- the driver will often be faulted for the personal injuries that result. In this case, the women may wish to file personal injury lawsuits against the hit-and-run driver. Such a lawsuit could be vital for these women to receive money to pay for their medical costs, which will no doubt be astronomical considering the time they have already spent in the hospital.

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Baggett-McCall Injury Attorneys has served personal injury clients throughout the Gulf Coast region since 1958 from our Lake Charles, LA office. We offer comprehensive legal knowledge and representation for our clients in the areas of personal injury, occupational disease, toxic torts, defective products, wrongful death, maritime and offshore injuries, automobile wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, and cancer cases. Contact our Lake Charles, LA office at (337)-478-8888 for a free consultation.

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What you need to know about Social Security Disability

If you have qualified to receive the benefits entitled under Social Security Disability, there are rights and responsibilities on your behalf that are required in order to effectively move the process along.

For starters, let's address the question of when you will be receiving payment for your disability. Under the law, Social Security disability benefits may only be received after five full months of disability. The eligibility notice will tell you how much your disability benefit will be and when your payments will begin. However, payments described in the eligibility notice are not necessarily permanent. Your case will be reviewed periodically to make sure you are still disabled and unable to work. In fact, you are responsible for informing Social Security of any of the following:

1. A change in your ability to work

2. If you return to work

3. If your medical condition improves

If you feel an incorrect decision has been made as to your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision made. Keep in mind however, this appeal must be written and delivered to any Social Security office within 60 days of the date you received the letter informing you of the decision as to your eligibility for benefits.

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Baggett-McCall Injury Attorneys has served personal injury clients throughout the Gulf Coast region since 1958 from our Lake Charles, LA office. We offer comprehensive legal knowledge and representation for our clients in the areas of personal injury, occupational disease, toxic torts, defective products, wrongful death, maritime and offshore injuries, automobile wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, and cancer cases. Contact our Lake Charles, LA office at (337)-478-8888 for a free consultation.

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Louisiana bus rider files personal injury claim after car crash

A Louisiana woman recently filed a personal injury claim relating to her injuries incurred while riding on a public bus. Allegedly, she was hurt when the bus was struck by another vehicle. She is suing for restitution for the personal injury she suffered and asking for rental car costs.

The parties named in the lawsuit include the individual who was driving the car that struck the bus, State Farm Automobile Insurance Company, the public transit companies responsible for the bus and several other defendants. In her complaint, she claims that a vehicle being driven by one of the defendants sideswiped her bus. She alleges that the driver who hit the bus was not properly on the lookout while driving, and she has accused him of not maintaining proper and reasonable control of his car. She also accused him of reckless and careless driving.

The woman asserts that, as a result of her injuries, she has become permanently disabled. She requested compensation in an unspecified amount for physical and mental suffering and pain, and for costs associated with renting a vehicle. She also sought compensation for her future inability to work, loss of consortium, money for permanent disability and for the loss of her ability to enjoy life.

As with many Louisiana personal injury claims, this woman's case may ultimately be settled prior to a final hearing. Commonly, after both sides have had the opportunity to review each side's version of the facts, and has had a chance to review all of the evidence surrounding the case, an agreeable settlement may be reached to the benefit of both sides. The advantage of settling a case rather than proceeding through a final hearing is that litigation costs are dramatically less and litigants can forego unpredictability of court proceedings.

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Harsh weather car accident reminds Louisiana drivers to stay safe

Harsh weather conditions are continuing to create numerous problems for drivers in Louisiana. Indeed, freezing storms across the state resulted in one recent car accident, in which two Southeastern Louisiana University students drove into a sign. One witness attributed the crash to wet roads, causing the vehicle to hydroplane and go out of control.

While it is unknown if the driver had been speeding at the time the crash, an eyewitness reported that he thought they were approaching the turn too quickly. The same witness reported that it appeared the two students had been injured quite badly. The occupants of the vehicle were taken to a local hospital for treatment, but it is unknown exactly how serious their injuries were.

Ever since the harsh weather conditions began, authorities say that they have responded to more than 200 car accidents. The police also indicated that Interstate 10 has seen two people killed and another person injured critically in southern Louisiana. Police are not the only ones who are taking action to prevent accidents and injuries from happening during winter storms either. Southeastern Louisiana University also made an effort to keep its students safe by canceling its classes for two days at the end of January because of bad weather conditions.

Often, a Louisiana car accident caused by harsh weather conditions is exactly that, an accident that may have been unavoidable. However, sometimes such accidents happen because the driver was irresponsible, negligent or not paying attention to the road. When accidents like this occur -- because another driver failed to act responsibly -- victims way opt to pursue personal injury claims against that driver. The decision to bring a personal injury claim forward is often a personal one. Nevertheless, restitution received from a successful claim could be vital to ensure that a victim can pay for any medical care that is required.

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Murder charges in hit-and-run Louisiana auto accident

On a recent Tuesday, a 22-year-old Louisiana man appeared in court to face charges relating to the death a 6-year-old child. Prosecutors allege that the man caused anauto accident which killed the boy. They further allege that he proceeded to flee the scene of the incident and is guilty of hit-and-run.

During the accused man's most recent court appearance, the presiding judge set his bond at $150,000 for the alleged manslaughter of the child. Another $75,000 bond was set for the alleged attempted manslaughter of the deceased child's 9-year-old sister. An additional $50,000 bond was set for the charge of hit-and-run.

According to investigators, the accused man's vehicle struck the 6-year-old boy and his 9-year-old sister while the two children were walking to their bus stop recently. The boy succumbed to his injuries shortly after being struck by the car. The girl, who suffered multiple injuries in the crash, is fortunately expected to survive.

Surveillance video, which captured the accident taking place, indicates that the man allegedly stopped his vehicle following the accident, but then he proceeded to drive away. Authorities arrested him and took him into custody just several miles away from the auto accident scene. Considering this and other evidence that has been gathered against the man, in addition to the manslaughter charges that he now faces, the parents of the deceased boy and injured girl may have personal injury and wrongful death claims should they choose to pursue them. While there is no way that they can get their young boy back, they may nonetheless seek to hold the man fully accountable for this tragic Louisiana accident.

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Louisiana cyclists have memorial to prevent catastrophic injuries

Dozens of bicycle riders gathered together in Baton Rouge on a recent Sunday afternoon in remembrance of a man who was killed by a car on his bicycle. The Louisiana cyclist was struck two years ago by an alleged drunk driver, at which time he suffered the catastrophic injuries that led to his death. He was an artist, a father and a cycling enthusiast. The assembled cyclists who gathered in the man's memory included experienced bicyclists, children and even the man's 7-year-old daughter. She wore a Batman shirt in her father's memory because she used to call him Batman. According to friends, the girl's father was so enthusiastic about bicycles that he did not even own a car. Nevertheless, because of his young daughter, the man was considering buying a car just prior to his death. Another accident victim was also hospitalized for a period of weeks after the crash. Although this individual was fortunate to survive, he is apparently not doing so well. He has some good days and some bad days, his mother says. Ever since the 30-year-old man's death in 2012, family members have been trying to seek justice. Prosecutors charged the man who struck him with second offense drunk driving. He was also charged with vehicular homicide and negligent injuring. One year ago, the surviving victim of this accident chose to file a personal injury claim against the alleged drunk driver and the drinking establishment that apparently served the driver numerous alcoholic drinks before the accident. The family members of the deceased father also retain the right to seek restitution under the law. Indeed, whenever a drunk driver causes death and/or catastrophic injuries to a Louisiana resident, victims and family members will have every right to seek justice against that person, including demands for financial damages sustained as a result of the seemingly senseless tragedy. For more legal news visit www.baggettmccall.com

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Pollution at Home

Environmental or toxic pollution can cause several types of illness and disease, from minor skin irritations, asthma, or a sore throat all the way to fatal diseases. The links between asbestos and mesothelioma have been well-documented and occupational benzene exposure has been a hot topic for years because of its being closely associated with Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma. At our law firm, we see a wide range of environmental hazards in the workplace that can be prevented, but there are some simple ways to improve the air quality in your own home as well. 1. Indoor Plants. Highly volatile organic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene can be found in common household items such as paints, carpets, and rubber. Certain types of houseplants serve as excellent air filters for these harmful toxins. 2. Create a hostile environment for mold. Be sure to have proper ventilation throughout the house. It's an excellent idea to install a vent in your bathroom to eradicate dampness, be sure to immediately clean up spills, thoroughly dry your dishes before storing, and act on the first sign of a leaky pipe. 3. Be smoke-free. Smoking cigarettes, particularly inside the home, is obviously hazardous to your health; but even lighting a toasty fire in the fireplace can be a problem if there is inadequate air circulation resulting in fine particle pollution. Be sure your fireplace is ventilated properly and has a chimney that has been cleaned within the last few years. For more personal injury news and advice visit www.baggettmccall.com

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Bus rider files personal injury claim against driver who hit bus

An injured bus passenger recently filed a legal claim against a driver who struck the bus she was riding. The Louisiana personal injury lawsuit blames the driver for rear-ending the bus and causing her injuries. The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 2. According to the complaint, the woman says that the defendant (who allegedly hit her bus) was carrying out his duties under the employ of a company named EAN Holdings when the accident occurred. The complaint alleges that the driver did not maintain proper distance from between his vehicle and her bus, failed to maintain a sufficient lookout and failed to maintain control of his vehicle. The complaint further blames the man for driving carelessly and failing to properly use his breaks. Other violations cited include failing to maintain his vehicle in working order, failing to obey road rules and other violations. The woman has yet to specify the amount of damages she is seeking. However, her injuries claimed include mental anguish, pain and suffering and distress. When a Louisiana car accident is caused while an employee is carrying out his or her job duties, it is not uncommon for the employer to be added as a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit that arises from the crash. The defendant in this case, therefore, is not only the man who was driving the car that hit the bus. It is also the man's employer, based upon the legal theory that the employer is vicariously liable for the actions of its employee and is also responsible for maintaining a work vehicle properly. Documenting these facts is important to ensure that the appropriate person and/or entity is named as a party in any claim for damages caused by a given accident. For more personal injury news and advice visit www.baggettmccall.com

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Louisiana car accident: 8 children injured in school bus crash

When we watch our children climb aboard their school buses in the morning, we fully expect them to arrive at school safely. The truth is, though, a school bus in Louisiana is just as likely to get into a car accident as any other vehicle. While the size of the bus does provide some level of safety to the children riding inside, there is no way to make sure our children are completely safe. Recently, New Orleans police reported that a school bus crash resulted in the injury of eight children. The children were transported to the hospital following the accident to receive treatment for their injuries. Fortunately, all of their injuries were non-life-threatening. The incident occurred on Interstate 10. The bus was traveling eastbound near the exit at Louisa Street. So far, there have not been any charges brought against the school bus driver, nor have any charges been brought against any other drivers. However, New Orleans police continue to investigate the cause of the accident. It is scary to think how vulnerable our children are when they are out of our hands, but Louisiana schools do their best to safeguard them when they are riding on school buses. When a car accident like this occurs and no fatalities or serious injuries result, it is certainly a blessing. Nevertheless, hospital bills, even when they are associated with a short visit for a minor injury, are costly. Some of the parents of the children injured in this crash may not be able to afford the medical expenses incurred when their children received hospital care. These families may elect to file personal injury claims for financial relief to cover those costs. The school that is responsible for the bus and/or the bus company and driver may also choose to reimburse the families voluntarily, depending on the underlying facts regarding the frightening collision. For more legal news and advice visit: www.baggettmccall.com

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What To Do In The Case Of A Work Injury

No matter where you work, whether your employer is a factory, plant, skyscraper, or storefront, you may be injured on the job. Most companies have their own protocols for reporting and treating a work injury, and you should adhere to your employer's policies. Here are 3 steps to keep in mind if you are an employee: 1. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately At the first sign of sickness or the occurrence of an injury, seek medical treatment. Even slight symptoms can sometimes prove to be something more serious. Medical treatment will help you to treat the sickness or injury so that you can get better. Having a doctor examine you will also begin a medical paper trail documenting your injury or illness, should it prove to be work-related. Your doctor also will help to determine cause of the injury or illness. 2. Report The Injury The moment you suspect that your injury or illness is related to your work, you should report it to your supervisor or employer. This documents that your injury or illness is related to your place of work if that is the case. It also aids in filing for workers' compensation or other benefits due to you in the case of a work-related injury or illness. In many states, to receive workers compensation you must report your injury within 30 days of the incident that caused it (or in cases of work-related illness within 2 years). In addition, make your spouse or relatives aware of this so that should you have a serious injury that prevents you from reporting it yourself, your family member can do so instead. Early reporting can also help to stop an injury or illness from progressing and may keep other employees from becoming ill or being injured from the same cause. Reporting the incident or illness will also let your employer know that a certain aspect of the environment or business needs to be addressed to avoid further injury or illness. 3. Call Your Lawyer Attorneys specializing in recovering for workplace injuries can make the process of making a claim relating to your injury less stressful. It is comforting to have someone on your side who knows your rights and how to protect them. Baggett McCall has been protecting the rights of all workers, especially industrial workers exposed to petrochemicals and manufacturing processes, for over 50 years. Choose your lawyer carefully! For more legal news and advice visit: www.baggettmccall.com

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2 practices to help Louisiana drivers avoid pain and suffering

Drunk drivers and people who fail to use safety belts in Louisiana put themselves and others in danger. Indeed, the latest statistics from 2013 regarding car accident fatalities proves this to be true. Considering the immense pain and suffering that victims and families must endure following a deadly car accident, it is hoped that more Louisiana residents will heed this warning. In 2013, there were 43 fatal car crashes in northeastern Louisiana. This represents an increase compared to the average number of annual fatalities over the last seven years, which was 41. Out of the 43 fatal accidents in 2013, 35 of them involved a victim who was not wearing a seatbelt or an intoxicated driver. The total number of deaths from vehicular accidents also increased above the seven-year average of 46. A total of 51 people died from motor vehicle accidents last year. Given these increased figures, the Louisiana State Police are trying to educate the driving public on the importance of safe driving practices. Not getting behind the wheel drunk and putting one's safety belt on are two of the easiest and most effective things that drivers can do to stay safe. If that is not enough, drivers should also be warned that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law if they cause the death or injury of another individual while driving under the influence -- they may even spend time in jail. Those injured by a drunk driver, and the families of those who are killed, will also have civil cases to seek monetary damages for financial losses as well as the pain and suffering caused by such irresponsible behavior. For more visit our blog: www.baggettmccall.com

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Auto accident injures Louisiana judge

Unfortunately, car accidents are a common and even daily occurrence in Louisiana and throughout the country. They don't often, however, involve Louisiana District Court judges. One such auto accident did occur recently in Jefferson Parish. A van owned by an indoor air technologies company rammed into the rear of a car that was stopped at an intersection. The operator of the stopped car was a judge from the 24th Judicial District.

The judge recently filed a lawsuit against the company and its driver in the 24th district. The company is likely responsible for the driver's negligence due to agency principles. Assuming that the facts will verify that this is a rear-end collision, the case is one of clear liability and the only issue would then be what amount would fairly compensate the victim. It's likely that the insurance adjuster and the victim have a basic disagreement on the monetary value of the case. The judge probably decided to sue rather than accept what she sees as an inadequate amount.

In the complaint, she claims injuries to her neck, shoulder and lower back with shooting pains into lower extremities. She demands a range of damages, includingpain and suffering, lost earning capacity, lost wages, and permanent disability. These claims must be proved by expert medical evidence, along with possible actuarial testimony on the value of the lost earning capacity. One issue is whether the judges in her district are too conflicted to preside. A change of venue may be necessary, or a judge who does not know the plaintiff may have to be imported from elsewhere.

An auto accident can drain someone physically, mentally, and financially especially when it's caused by another driver. Lost wages and spiraling medical expenses can be frustrating. If the evidence supports that the driver was negligent, the civil court system in Louisiana generally awards financial relief. The big issues here are likely to center on the extent of the injuries and the fair value to compensate them.

For more legal news visit our blog: www.baggettmccall.com

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Louisiana car accident takes the life of a police officer

Being a police officer is a dangerous job with many risks. Driving above the speed limit while responding to a call can increase the danger involved with driving, which can create catastrophic accidents. Alcohol also diminishes one's ability to operate a vehicle without impairment, endangering not only the person under the influence, but also those around him. A fatal car accident in Louisiana exhibits the unfortunate consequences when factors such as speed and alcohol are part of road travel.

The legal blood alcohol limit in Louisiana is .08. A 57-year-old driver was driving under the influence of alcohol and had a blood alcohol level of .10 when he was involved in an automobile accident one night. While a police officer was driving down the road with his lights and sirens on, responding to a call for backup, he collided with a pickup truck turning into his path. The force of the collision pushed the police vehicle into traffic, where it hit a SUV, which subsequently crashed into a motorcycle.

The police officer, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was killed as a result of this car accident after being transported to the hospital. Both the driver of the pickup truck and the motorcycle driver only suffered minor injuries. However, the 80-year-old driver of the SUV, also driving without his seatbelt, was taken to the hospital and was being treated for critical injuries at last report. The pickup truck driver has been charged with DWI, but criminal charges for the death and injury of the victims in this accident have not been made.

The loss of a loved one is never easy, especially when it is sudden and unexpected. The wife of the police officer killed in this fatal car accident has the opportunity to file civil claims for wrongful death against the driver of the pickup. Those who were injured can also file personal injury claims against any other party deemed negligent in causing or contributing to the Louisiana accident. Although these actions cannot bring back a life, the time spent in the hospital or the fear now associated with driving, it can assist in funeral costs and/or medical bills and other financial losses recognized by our laws.

For more legal news visit our blog: www.baggettmccall.com

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Car accident leads to death of 1, injuries to 3 in Louisiana

A person who leaves home to run an errand or attend a party at night surely does not expect to eventually become involved in a fatal car accident. Discovering that a family member has died in a car accident due to another driver's negligent or reckless behavior can leave people feeling distraught and hopeless. In this type of situation, the loved ones whose family member has died can rightfully file a suit against the person who is deemed to have caused the wreck, seeking monetary damages linked to the incident.

The accident occurred on Louisiana Highway 67 at night. A 20-year-old man was driving a sport utility vehicle and ended up crashing into a car driven by a 51-year-old woman. A vehicle occupied by two other women, a 71-year-old and a 24-year-old, then ran into the sport utility vehicle and the 51-year-old's car, authorities said.

The 51-year-old woman died in the crash. The other three people suffered injuries and were taken to the hospital. Police, who initially did not know what caused the SUV to run into the car, continued to investigate the crash.

The loved ones of the woman who died in the multi-vehicle crash may elect to file a wrongful death claim against the driver who is believed to have caused the tragic situation. The injured victims also may file personal injury suits under similar circumstances. If authorities determine that the driver was driving too fast for the traffic conditions at the time of the accident or was otherwise distracted, this could be considered driver negligence. Proof of such negligent behavior may help to establish the driver's liability in a related civil court proceeding in Louisiana, and financial restitution awarded in a successfully litigated case can help with funeral costs, medical bills and other expenses tied to the car accident.

For more visit our blog.

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Possible toxic exposure after explosion in Louisiana plant

Chemical fires can cause more damage than just structural. Exposure to certain substances can pose a great risk to the health of anyone who may come in contact. Toxic exposure is particularly troublesome because it can be difficult to avoid. This is due to the composition of chemicals released into the air. A recent fire at a chemical plant in Louisiana may have long-term consequences for area residents who may not have had enough time to protect themselves.

The fire was the result of an explosion at a chemical plant. Many residents are critical of the company as it took almost an hour for an area alarm to sound. Some had to take it upon themselves to contact the plant in order to find out that a "shelter in place" advisement had been issued. A few area schools went under lockdown as massive amounts of toxic gas went into the atmosphere. Several residents reported that the smoke from the fire was overpowering.

Short-term effects of the chemicals that were released include respiratory and nervous system ailments. Long-term effects can include liver damage and even cancer. Citizens residing in that area as well as those who work at the plant are at the highest risk for exposure, and the company has been criticized for not providing enough information about the health of the latter group. Several organizations have been attempting to hold the company accountable and create new federal standards, but it is an ongoing process.

Toxic exposure can have far-reaching consequences, and the residents in Louisiana may be forced to deal with health issues in the future. Effects on the health of the populace can range from mild to severe, but no matter the outcome, many officials argue that exposure is preventable. If a person lives near a chemical plant and believes he or she has been sickened by chemical exposure, the best course of action may be to seek assistance from an experienced attorney. No person should have to feel as though they are in danger in their own home, and there are solutions to keep people safe.

For more visit our blog: www.baggettmccall.com

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Avoid being in a Louisiana auto accident over the holidays

Christmas is over and holiday shoppers have given their gifts. Nevertheless, the dangerous holiday driving season has yet to end. Many Louisiana residents will go to New Year's Eve parties and be forced to drive home under dangerous driving conditions, where many individuals will be driving while inebriated. Although most will make it home safely, some drivers could be involved in a serious drunk driving-relatedauto accident due to no fault of their own.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently put out some statistics regarding alcohol-related crashes that occur during the holiday season. These figures are sobering to say the least. During the last decade, approximately 41 percent of all auto accident deaths that happen around New Year's are alcohol-related. Around 37 percent of the car crash deaths that happen around Christmas are related to alcohol.

When comparing these figures to the year average of 31 percent of fatal crashes being alcohol-related, it is clear to see why police are so passionate about patrolling the streets and keeping them free of drunk drivers during the holidays. Drunk driving can certainly lead to death. Further, those arrested and charged with the crime may face stiff penalties and be held accountable under the law for any personal property damages and/or personal injuries they cause.

Drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents usually end up spending time in jail, paying stiff fines and living with the guilt of having caused the death of an innocent person. If this is not reason enough for some drivers at risk of committing a DUI to drink soda in lieu of alcohol at a holiday party, then perhaps nothing can motivate drivers to be more responsible over the holidays. Still, Louisiana residents who are seriously injured in such an auto accident, and the family members of those who are killed, will retain the right to seek restitution and justice against the DUI driver at fault for an accident.

For more visit our blog: www.baggettmccall.com