Seattle Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Washington state experiences a large number of drunk driving crashes annually and hundreds of people die or are seriously injured in Seattle alone. This means that you and your family are at heightened risks of danger due to the negligence or carelessness of impaired drivers. Our experienced Seattle drunk driving attorney is here to ensure that perpetrators of drunk driving are brought to justice and that you secure the compensation you need.
Contact our law firm today if you’ve been the victim of a drunk driving accident by calling (844) 355-9378 or filling out our online contact form.
Why Choose Elk & Elk For Your Case?
Elk & Elk is your go-to firm after a drunk driving car crash. This step can oftentimes seem overwhelming and confusing, but our reputation speaks for itself:
- Our Seattle car accident lawyers have recovered over a billion dollars in personal injury compensation for victims across the United States.
- Elk & Elk has 50 years of experience protecting and fighting for people who have been injured as a result of the negligence of drunk drivers.
- We handle and submit all the necessary legal paperwork, investigate your claims, negotiate with insurance companies to ensure a fair financial outcome, and fight to protect your rights.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics in Washington
Drunk driving is terrifying for many individuals and families. Here are some data points from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission:
- In 2023, there were 384 crashes involving an impaired driving. Of those involved and injuries sustained, 77% were fatal.
- Drivers between the ages of 21-35 accounted for the largest group of drunk drivers.
- 40% of drivers were found to be speeding and another 14% were labeled as distracted while driving.
- Between the years of 2018-2023 impaired driving fatalities rose every year.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help You
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, the aftermath can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. An experienced drunk driving accident attorney can guide you through your legal options right from the start. They understand Washington state’s complex drunk driving laws and time limits for filing a claim, and they’ll use that knowledge to build a strong case on your behalf. From filing your lawsuit correctly to fighting for the compensation you’re owed, your attorney is there to protect your rights every step of the way.
Recoverable Damages From a Drunk Driving Crash
Drunk driving accidents are some of the most disastrous. Drivers often strike the other person at full speed without any indication of slowing down. When that happens, the risk of serious injuries and losses is quite high. Under the law, you have the right to recover any physical, mental health, or financial losses you can demonstrate are due to the accident. Some examples of this include:
- Medical bills for emergency care
- Ongoing medical losses, such as those related to recovery and rehabilitation
- Property damage to your vehicle and other belongings
- Pain and suffering losses
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder-related losses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
Each situation is vastly different based on the severity of your injuries and losses, but also due to your ability to recover. If you have long-lasting injuries, often referred to as catastrophic injuries, your right to recover compensation that protects you for years to come is quite important. Our Seattle drunk driving accident attorney will pursue maximum compensation in every case.
Washington State Drunk Driving Laws
Under Washington State laws, a person operating a vehicle while they are affected by alcohol, drugs, or both could be charged with a DUI. This includes legal and illegal drugs, including medications and over-the-counter products. Here are some of the most important laws that could relate to your situation:
- If you are arrested for DUI, you will have your license suspended unless you request a hearing formally within 7 days and the hearing examiner decides in your favor.
- If you do not request a hearing, your license is automatically suspended for 90 days or up to 2 years, depending on prior offenses and the severity of the current situation.
- A driver who has repeatedly engaged in drunk driving could lose their license for good
Note that these are criminal actions taken against the drunk driver. They do not do anything to help you, as the victim of that person, to recover damages. For that, work with our Seattle drunk driving accident attorneys.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
The obvious answer to this question is that the drunk driver is held accountable for their actions. However, there are some situations in which other parties may also be held accountable if found to have contributed to the accident.
The law holds retail establishments, restaurants, and bars accountable in some situations. If these locations sell or serve alcohol to a person who is noticeably intoxicated, they can be held accountable for the injuries and losses that the drunk driver causes to others.
A business that violates this law could be held civilly liable for the damages to the victim. This can be critically important in your case. For example, if a person is at a bar late into the evening, having had numerous drinks and with signs of being drunk, and a server serves them alcohol again, that server and the bar could be responsible for your injuries. That opens the door for you to file a claim against those parties to recover more of your losses.
If you suspect this occurred in your case, seek out the help of our drunk driving accident lawyer in Seattle to investigate. Let us build a strong case in your favor.
Claim Your Free Consultation With Our Seattle Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
Those going about their daily lives can only take so many precautions to avoid a serious accident. Unfortunately, many people still choose to partake in drunk driving despite the warnings, cautions, and large number of campaigns designed to prevent such an occurrence.
The most important thing someone can do following a drunk driving accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer. A Seattle drunk driving accident attorney can provide you with the counseling you need to confidently enter legal proceedings. Elk & Elk provides educated and experienced lawyers whose sole purpose is to evaluate and properly handle your case with haste and diligence.
If you or a loved one is looking for an attorney following a drunk driving accident in the greater Seattle area, please call 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or click here to contact us over the web.