DUI & DWI Car Accident Attorneys in Baton Rouge

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a drunk driver, you already know how quickly one reckless decision can upend your life. Whether you’re driving home on I-10 through Baton Rouge, running errands in Prairieville, or meeting friends in Central, the risk of encountering an impaired driver is unfortunately all too real. The aftermath of these crashes is often devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and a long road to recovery.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand what you’re going through. Our team of seasoned DUI car accident lawyers and DWI car accident attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve and the accountability you need to move forward. With 679+ years of combined legal experience and a deep understanding of Louisiana’s DUI laws, we are proud to serve Baton Rouge and the surrounding communities.

Why You Need a DUI or DWI Car Accident Lawyer in Baton Rouge

Not every car crash is just an accident. When someone gets behind the wheel impaired by alcohol or drugs, they are making a conscious choice to gamble with the safety of everyone around them. As DUI accident injury lawyers, we’ve seen the toll this can take on individuals and families — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Our DWI car accident lawyers in Baton Rouge are skilled at navigating both the legal and personal aspects of these cases. We understand that your story isn’t just a file or a claim — it’s your life, and it deserves to be heard. Whether you’re facing surgeries, missing time at work, or grieving the loss of a loved one, we will be your advocate from day one.

The Reality of Drunk Driving in Louisiana

Here in Louisiana, the consequences of impaired driving are impossible to ignore. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, alcohol played a role in 30% of all traffic fatalities statewide in 2023. That’s nearly double the national average. Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas are no exception.

Our drunk driving accident attorneys are well-versed in how these statistics translate into everyday lives. We work with clients who have experienced severe injuries, totaled vehicles, and unimaginable losses. When a night out ends in tragedy because someone chose to drive drunk, our mission is to help you find justice and rebuild.

What to Do After a DUI or DWI Accident in Baton Rouge

In the chaos following a crash, it can be hard to think clearly. But the steps you take right after a DWI-related car accident can make a big difference in your case.

Start by calling 911 and getting medical attention immediately. Even if you feel okay at first, some injuries take hours or even days to appear. Let the responding officers know if you suspect the other driver is impaired. Gather contact details from witnesses and take photos of the scene if you’re able. Most importantly, don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company before consulting with a DUI accident lawyer near you.

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to settle quickly and cheaply. Their goal is to protect their profits, not your recovery. Before signing anything, talk to a DWI collision attorney who can protect your rights and advocate for what you’re truly owed.

Penalties for Drunk Driving in Louisiana

Driving under the influence is not just dangerous, it is a serious criminal offense in Louisiana. Whether it’s labeled as DUI, DWI, OWI, or OUI, Louisiana law treats them all the same under RS 14:98.

Here’s what offenders can face:

First Offense

• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Ten days to six months in jail
• Possible community service and substance abuse programs

Second Offense

• Mandatory 48 hours of jail time
• Up to six months behind bars
• Additional court-mandated penalties

Third Offense

• Felony charges
• One to five years in prison
• Extensive fines and mandatory treatment programs

Vehicular Homicide

• Five to 30 years in prison
• Fines up to $15,000

These criminal penalties serve one purpose: to punish the offender. But they do nothing to help you recover from your injuries, replace lost income, or cope with emotional trauma. That’s where a DUI accident legal representation team like ours steps in.

Proving Liability in a DUI Accident Case

Many clients ask whether they can still pursue compensation if the drunk driver hasn’t been convicted in criminal court. The answer is yes. In fact, you don’t need a conviction to win a civil case.

Our car accident lawyers handling DUI and DWI cases focus on four key elements:

• The driver had a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely
• They breached that duty by driving under the influence
• Their actions caused a crash
• That crash led to your injuries or financial losses

We use evidence like police reports, BAC test results, medical records, witness statements, and even traffic cam footage to build strong cases. If you were injured in a DUI accident, your best move is to reach out to an experienced DWI accident claim attorney who can act fast before crucial evidence disappears.

What You Can Recover in a DUI or DWI Accident Claim

Being hit by a drunk driver changes everything. The bills start piling up, your physical recovery may be uncertain, and the emotional impact can last for years. The law allows victims to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, and we make sure nothing is left on the table.

You may be eligible for:

• Full coverage of current and future medical expenses
• Compensation for lost wages or inability to work
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and PTSD
• Property damage
• Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases

Our team of DUI crash personal injury lawyers has the experience to assess the real value of your case, not the lowball number an insurance adjuster might throw out. We are relentless when it comes to fighting for fair compensation, whether your injuries were caused by a car, truck, or even as a pedestrian.

Why Victims Across Baton Rouge Trust Gordon McKernan

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we do more than file paperwork. We step into your shoes, learn your story, and use every legal tool at our disposal to get results. Over the years, our firm has recovered more than $3 Billion for clients across Louisiana. That’s not luck. That’s the result of strategic litigation, personalized service, and a refusal to back down.

People across Baton Rouge, Prairieville, and Central call us because they want more than just a lawyer — they want an advocate. Whether you need the best DUI accident lawyer for serious injuries, a skilled alcohol-related car crash attorney, or someone to simply explain how to file a claim for a DUI car accident, we’re here to help.

Take the Next Step Toward Justice

If you’ve been injured in a DUI or DWI-related accident, don’t try to handle it alone. The legal system is complicated. Insurance companies can be ruthless. And healing takes time.

Let our driving under the influence accident lawyers focus on your case so you can focus on recovery. Call us today for a free consultation. There’s no risk. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. That’s not a slogan. That’s the G Guarantee.

Reach out now and speak with a lawyer for DUI car crash claims who truly understands what you’re going through.