Olympia Drunk Driving Accidents Lawyer

After a drunk driving accident, your safety and well-being should be your top priority. Seek medical attention for yourself and others involved in the accident if needed. Call the police to report the accident and wait for them to arrive. Collect contact information from witnesses, take photos of the accident scene, and do not admit fault. Once you have addressed immediate concerns, consult a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options. 

Yes, as a passenger injured in a drunk driving accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Even if the driver of the vehicle you were in was impaired, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the negligent driver. Additionally, you may also be able to seek compensation from other liable parties depending on the circumstances of the accident. 

Liability in a drunk driving accident case is determined based on negligence. If the intoxicated driver’s actions were the primary cause of the accident and your injuries, they may be considered legally liable for the damages. Evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, breathalyzer test results, and other factors, will be crucial in establishing liability. 

In a drunk driving accident claim, you may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and emotional distress. In cases of severe injuries or wrongful death, additional compensation may be available to cover long-term medical care, loss of earning capacity, and funeral expenses. 

Yes, Washington has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing personal injury claims, including those related to drunk driving accidents. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, exceptions may apply in certain situations, so it’s essential to consult an attorney promptly to ensure your rights are protected. 

Yes, even if the drunk driver was criminally charged and convicted, you can still pursue a separate civil claim for compensation. Criminal charges are brought by the state to hold the driver accountable for breaking the law. A civil claim seeks to recover damages for your injuries and losses and is separate from any criminal proceedings. 

Hiring a personal injury attorney is crucial to protect your rights and interests after a drunk driving accident. An experienced attorney will navigate the legal complexities, negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. They will advocate for your best interests, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses. 

Before accepting any settlement offered by the drunk driver’s insurance company, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and for a lower amount than you may be entitled to. An attorney can evaluate the offer, assess the full extent of your damages, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair and just settlement. 

Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if you have it on your auto insurance policy. Consult with an attorney to explore all available options for recovering compensation. 

Not all drunk driving accident cases go to court. Many cases are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies or alternative dispute resolution methods. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise pursuing a lawsuit and taking the case to court. Rest assured that our attorneys are experienced trial advocates if your case requires litigation. 

Yes, you may still have a valid claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. As long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still pursue a claim for damages. 

Yes, in certain cases, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence. However, punitive damages are awarded at the court’s discretion and require clear evidence of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. 

To strengthen your claim, document as much information as possible, including taking photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries, obtaining contact information from witnesses, and preserving any evidence related to the drunk driver’s impairment. Seeking immediate medical attention is also crucial, as it creates a link between your injuries and the accident. Hiring an experienced attorney early in the process can significantly benefit your claim. 

Criminal charges against the drunk driver do not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim for damages. While the criminal case and your civil claim are separate legal proceedings, a conviction for DUI can strengthen your civil case by establishing the driver’s negligence. However, it’s essential to consult with an attorney to understand how the criminal case may impact your civil claim. 

Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the drunk driver flees the scene. Hit-and-run accidents can complicate the process, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help you explore other avenues for identifying the responsible party, such as relying on witnesses, surveillance footage, or seeking compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage.