
Bossier City Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Ready to Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable in Bossier City, LA
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you deserve justice and full compensation. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our dedicated Bossier City drunk driving accident lawyers aggressively pursue claims against intoxicated drivers and other responsible parties. We understand the devastating physical, emotional, and financial toll these preventable accidents take on victims and their families.
Whether you are facing costly medical bills, missed time from work, or the loss of a loved one, our experienced attorneys are here to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a drunk driver in Bossier City, call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online today for a free case review.
Drunk Driving Laws in Louisiana
In Louisiana, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, the threshold is only 0.02%.
The state enforces strict criminal penalties for DUI (Driving Under the Influence), including license suspension, fines, jail time, and mandatory alcohol education classes. However, criminal charges do not automatically result in compensation for victims. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you must pursue a civil claim to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
That’s where a skilled Bossier City drunk driving accident lawyer can make all the difference.
How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive
Alcohol has a profound effect on a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair:
- Judgment – leading to risky behavior and poor decisions.
- Reaction time – slowing the driver’s ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic.
- Coordination – affecting balance, steering, and braking ability.
- Vision – causing blurred or double vision and reducing depth perception.
- Concentration – decreasing focus on the road and awareness of surroundings.
When alcohol is involved, even the most basic driving functions are compromised. This significantly increases the likelihood of causing a serious or fatal crash.
How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver
Proving that the other driver was intoxicated is essential to winning a drunk driving accident case. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we conduct a thorough investigation and gather critical evidence to build a strong claim, such as:
- Police Reports – including DUI arrest details, field sobriety test results, and breathalyzer or blood test data.
- Witness Testimonies – from passengers, bystanders, or other drivers who observed reckless behavior or signs of intoxication.
- Surveillance Footage – from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashboard cameras.
- Expert Analysis – from accident reconstructionists or toxicologists, if needed.
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, our attorneys work tirelessly to establish clear liability and maximize your financial recovery.
Louisiana Dram Shop & Social Host Liability
In certain situations, parties other than the drunk driver may also be held liable. Louisiana has limited dram shop laws, which apply to licensed alcohol vendors. A bar, restaurant, or liquor store can be held liable if they:
Knowingly served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident.
Sold alcohol to a minor under the legal drinking age.
Social host liability in Louisiana is more restricted, but under some circumstances, adults who provide alcohol to minors or knowingly allow underage drinking on their premises can be held responsible if an accident occurs.
Our team at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law will examine every potential avenue for liability to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
Q: What should I do after a drunk driving accident in Bossier City?
A: Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed. Document the scene with photos and gather witness information. Do not confront the suspected drunk driver. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Q: Can I still file a claim if the drunk driver wasn’t charged or convicted?
A: Yes. A civil claim is separate from criminal proceedings. You can pursue compensation even if no criminal charges were filed, as long as you can prove the driver’s negligence.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim in Louisiana?
A: Louisiana has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means you must file your lawsuit within one year of the date of the accident, or you may lose your right to recover damages.
Q: What damages can I recover in a drunk driving accident case?
A: You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages to punish the drunk driver.
Q: What if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?
A: If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you may still be able to recover damages through your own policy. We can help you navigate this process and pursue all available sources of compensation.
Contact a Bossier City Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we are passionate about helping victims of drunk driving accidents receive justice. We handle all aspects of your case—from investigating the crash and negotiating with insurers to taking your claim to trial if necessary.
Our attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Contact us at (318) 633-0186, and let us help you understand your rights and options.

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“Treats clients like family.”
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