Washington Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Key Takeaways

• A drunk driving accident can cause serious physical and emotional injuries and financial devastation for accident victims.
• Seek out the guidance of a drunk driving accident lawyer in Washington to help determine what your damages are and how to pursue recovery of losses under Washington State law.
• Your car accident attorney provides guidance on investigating what occurred, gathering evidence, and seeking witness support while also potentially helping you recover compensation from all forms available.
• Contact McPartland Law Offices for a FREE case evaluation to discuss your rights after a tragic situation.

After a drunk driving accident, victims often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of navigating the legal system alone.

The emotional and financial toll can make it feel impossible to recover, especially when insurance companies try to minimize your compensation.

A dedicated Washington drunk driving accident lawyer can fight for your rights and provide the support you need to rebuild your life.

Hiring a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for Fair Compensation

Without a doubt, being hurt in a car accident caused by a drunk driver is devastating. When this occurs, there is often a lot on the line, including the need to seek out legal guidance. Hire a Washington personal injury attorney early on in drunk driving cases. Often, victims do not realize the level of financial support and guidance available to them after such an incident.

For example, the Crime Victims Compensation program is a resource that may help you to get some of your medical bills paid. Some attorneys do not even know about the existence of this program, but it can be a financial resource for those who may be unable to see compensation from the drunk driver or from their health insurance.

With the help of a car accident lawyer early on in your case, you may be able to get support for each of these areas:

1. Comprehensive investigation of what occurred: Proving the intoxicated driver was in fact responsible for the accident is one component of that.
2. Gathering evidence: This may include obtaining proof that the person was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be necessary, but there are other forms of evidence necessary in a DUI accident as well, including evidence the other driver swerved, ran a light, or otherwise was reckless in their actions.
3. Identify witnesses: Your attorney will also work with you, the police report, and others to identify witnesses who may be able to provide insight into what happened.

Drunk driving crashes can raise the issue of a “dram shop” case. Dram Shop cases involve overservice of a person at a bar, nightclub or other location, where the person was served by the establishment despite being obviously intoxicated. It is a good idea to seek help from a personal injury attorney early on in a dram shop case. Proving this is challenging, but a drunk driving accident attorney may be able to help you.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help with Insurance Company Negotiations and Medical Bills

The insurance company has the motivation to reduce or eliminate any claims, even in matters such as drunk driving. The value of damages you receive as accident victims is dependent, then, on your ability to prove negligence and losses. Your personal injury attorney may be able to offer help and guidance in several ways:

• Explaining benefits owed to you: Your attorney will help you determine the value of all losses from the motor vehicle accident. This may include losses from medical expenses, lost time at work, property damage, and pain and suffering claims.
• Prevent insurance companies from shortchanging you: Those with serious injuries may need ongoing support and medical care. Your insurance company may try to refuse claims for specific types of care you seek. Your attorney may help support your need for that type of compensation.
• Limit your risk of being injured twice: This refers to accident victims not receiving the compensation owed to them for the accident and not getting the proper care.
• Handle the negotiation process: While your personal injury attorney is responsible for handling the negotiation process to maximize your claim, this is only about 40% of what they do.
• Assist in seeking other support: In this type of accident claim, the State of Washington offers the Crime Victims Compensation Program. Your car accident lawyer may help you qualify and apply for this type of financial support if the driver lacks personal injury protection or health insurance. Call today for details about Crime Victim’s Compensation.

Navigating the Legal Aftermath of an Accident with a Drunk Driver

Though the city may pursue a criminal case against an intoxicated driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the legal limit, your car accident attorney’s job is to get the at-fault driver, and any other responsible persons or entities, including bars and restaurants (dram shop cases) and their insurance company to pay for any losses you incurred as a result of their actions. Navigating the legal process after these accident cases may be complicated.

Is Drunk Driving Tort Law?

Yes, drunk driving crashes in Washington State falls under tort law. That means that accident victims may seek to file a personal injury claim against the impaired driver for damages caused by the accident.

How Does Tort Law Impact Personal Injury Claims?

A drunk driving accident falls under tort law, meaning that it is a type of civil wrong that causes harm or loss to another person. As a result, victims have legal options, including seeking compensation for their injuries and other damages through personal injury claims. This is not reliant on any criminal charges being pressed – your civil case is separate and must be filed to provide you with compensation if the insurance company does not respond in a reasonable manner prior to filing a lawsuit.

Is Washington State an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Yes, Washington State operates under an at-fault system for car accidents. This means that car crashes and related losses to the intoxicated driver’s mistakes are the financial responsibility of that driver. The driver who is intoxicated is responsible and held liable for all damages.

How Washington State’s At-Fault System for Car Accidents Affects Claim Filing

When you suffer injuries due to the negligent actions of another driver, in this case, a driver with impairment, you have the legal right to compensation from the at-fault party. That means that your legal team can estimate the value of your losses and seek a claim against the at-fault party’s liability insurance policy. If they do not pay fairly or deny your claim, it is then possible to seek legal action through a lawsuit.

Pursue this process as soon as possible to limit the risk of not having all available evidence in your case. You may benefit from seeking out an attorney sooner rather than later to also minimize the risk of not filing a claim that is comprehensive enough to include all of your losses.

Note, too, that your attorney can help you complete the Crime Victims Compensation claim, which could help cover some of your financial losses.

Related Article: Washington Statute of Limitations Guide for Car Accidents

Settlements and Compensation: Insights into Drunk Driving Accident Cases

While our Washington law firm can offer a basic estimate of the value of your drunk driving accident claim, the value is very complex. It depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, such as brain injuries, broken bones, or wrongful death if your loved one died in such an accident.

The average settlement for a drunk driving accident in Washington can range significantly. Working with legal representation to maximize your claim could be helpful in getting a more accurate estimation of your losses.

Can I Seek Punitive Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

The state of Washington does not have punitive damages like other states do. That means that you cannot seek out punitive damages even for this type of criminal act. However, Washington accident victims may seek out damages for all other losses, including both economic and noneconomic losses, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost time at work
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death in fatalities

Why Washington Counts on Us for Justice

As a drunk driving accident lawyer Washington can count on, our legal team works to provide our clients with outstanding support and guidance at one of the most critical times of their lives. Since founding our law offices in 2012, our attorneys have helped clients recover over $50 million in damages owed to them by negligent drivers, including drunk drivers.

Testimonials

“Really fought for me and made sure I was taken care of.” — Elizabeth E.S.

“Relieved a lot of stress throughout the process. I highly recommend them if you need legal help.” — Chris B.

Fight for Justice: Connect with Washington’s Drunk Driving Law Firm

For those who suffer injuries after the actions of a drunk driver, protecting your right to compensation is critical. Set up a free consultation with a drunk driving accident attorney who can pursue maximum compensation in your case and help you get the care you need to recover.

Contact McPartland Law Offices today to discuss your case. Request a free case evaluation by calling 509-495-1247 or filling out our online form.