Shreveport Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Injured in a Car Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver in Shreveport, LA?

Drunk driving accidents are one of the most tragic and preventable causes of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads today. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident in Shreveport, Louisiana, you need an experienced and dedicated attorney to help you seek justice. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we specialize in helping victims of drunk driving accidents navigate the complex legal process and get the compensation they deserve.

With years of experience and a commitment to protecting the rights of accident victims, Ryan E. Gatti and his legal team provide aggressive representation for those who have suffered due to the reckless actions of intoxicated drivers. If you need legal assistance after a drunk driving accident in Shreveport, our office is here to help.

Contact us today (318) 633-0186 at to request a free case review with our Shreveport drunk driving accident lawyers.

Drunk Driving Laws in Louisiana

In Louisiana, drunk driving is a serious offense, and the law treats it with the severity it deserves. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Louisiana is 0.08%. However, even if a driver’s BAC is below this threshold, they can still be arrested and prosecuted for driving under the influence (DUI) if their ability to operate the vehicle is impaired.

For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is even lower—0.04%—and for drivers under the age of 21, any measurable alcohol in the bloodstream is grounds for arrest. The penalties for a DUI conviction in Louisiana can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.

In addition to DUI, Louisiana also has specific laws related to the consequences of causing an accident while driving under the influence. If an intoxicated driver causes an accident that leads to injury or death, they can face criminal charges and civil liability for their actions. Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to pursue compensation for their damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Alcohol impairs several key functions that are critical for safe driving, including reaction time, judgment, and coordination. When a person consumes alcohol, it enters the bloodstream and affects the brain’s ability to process information. This leads to:

• Slower reaction times: Alcohol delays the brain's ability to respond to stimuli, making it harder for drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions or emergencies.
• Impaired judgment: Alcohol can cloud decision-making, leading drivers to take risks they normally wouldn't, such as speeding or failing to obey traffic signals.
• Reduced coordination: Alcohol affects motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making it more difficult to steer, brake, and accelerate properly.
• Blurred vision: Alcohol can cause blurred or double vision, making it hard to see clearly while driving, especially at night.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

Proving liability in a drunk driving accident is often a multi-step process that requires evidence and legal expertise. The key to a successful claim is showing that the intoxicated driver was at fault for the accident, which can be done by:

• Proving the driver was intoxicated: Evidence of intoxication can include the results of field sobriety tests, breathalyzer tests, or blood tests performed by law enforcement officers at the scene or at the police station.
• Establishing the driver’s negligence: In addition to proving intoxication, your Shreveport drunk driving accident lawyer must show that the driver’s actions behind the wheel were negligent. This might include proving that the driver was speeding, ran a red light, failed to yield, or otherwise violated traffic laws while under the influence.
• Witness testimony: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident or observed the driver’s behavior before the crash can be valuable in establishing liability. Their testimony may support claims of intoxication, reckless driving, or erratic behavior.
• Accident reconstruction: In more complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be called in to analyze the crash site and determine how the accident occurred. This can be particularly useful when there is a dispute over the details of the accident.
• Law enforcement reports: Police reports documenting the arrest of the intoxicated driver, including the details of their arrest and any blood alcohol concentration readings, can serve as critical evidence in proving liability.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our team will gather all the necessary evidence and use our legal knowledge to build a strong case for you. We are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve.

Louisiana Dram Shop & Social Host Liability

In some cases, a drunk driving accident may not be the result of just the driver’s actions but also those who served or provided alcohol to the driver. Louisiana law includes provisions for dram shop and social host liability, which can hold alcohol-serving establishments or individuals responsible for the consequences of their actions.

Dram shop liability refers to the responsibility of bars, restaurants, or other commercial establishments that serve alcohol to individuals who are visibly intoxicated or who are known to be underage. If an intoxicated driver causes an accident after being served alcohol at a commercial establishment, that business may be held liable for the injuries caused by the accident.

Social host liability can apply when a private individual or group hosts a gathering where alcohol is served. If a guest becomes intoxicated and later causes an accident, the host may be found liable for the damages caused. Louisiana's social host liability laws hold individuals accountable for providing alcohol to minors or overserving guests to the point of intoxication.

Personalized Legal Support from a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Shreveport, LA

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we understand the life-altering consequences of drunk driving accidents not just legally but personally. Our team is deeply connected to the Northwest Louisiana community, providing empathetic and personalized legal representation for victims. With every case handled, our focus is on ensuring clients feel heard and receive comprehensive legal care.

Being part of the community allows us to effectively understand the specific challenges faced by Shreveport residents. We value open communication and tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that you not only have a seasoned drunk driving accident attorney in Shreveport on your side but also a compassionate ally.

Our approach goes beyond typical legal representation by incorporating strategies that consider the emotional and psychological impact of these accidents on victims and their families. We believe that engaging with local counseling and support services can provide additional layers of recovery, ensuring that our clients are not only legally protected but also supported in their journey back to normalcy.

Schedule your free consultation today by calling us at (318) 633-0186 or filling out our online contact form. Let us help you seek the justice and recovery you deserve.