Tacoma Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys: Seeking Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving
Hit by a Drunk Driver in Tacoma or Washington? We Can Help
A crash caused by an impaired driver can result in serious injuries, significant financial losses, and complicated insurance and liability issues. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident in Tacoma, Pierce County, or elsewhere in Washington, you may have a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, our attorneys represent people injured in motor vehicle crashes and help investigate the evidence needed to establish fault and pursue compensation for their losses.
Drunk Driving and Liability in Washington State
A driver who operates a vehicle while impaired may be held responsible for injuries and other losses caused by the driver’s negligence. However, intoxication alone does not automatically establish every element of a personal injury claim. The evidence must still be evaluated to determine how the crash occurred, who was at fault, and whether the driver’s conduct caused the claimed injuries and losses.
Evidence that may be relevant can include police reports, statements from witnesses, information about the driver’s behavior before the collision, toxicology or breath test results, photographs, surveillance footage, and other evidence concerning the circumstances of the crash. Washington law specifically provides for the consideration of evidence concerning whether a person was under the influence in civil proceedings arising from alleged impaired driving.
Washington also follows a comparative fault system. When a claimant’s own fault contributed to an injury, the amount of compensatory damages may be reduced proportionately under Washington law.
What to do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver in Tacoma
In the normal course of a non-injury accident, the drivers would move their cars to a safe location and exchange identifying information, including insurance documentation.
But when one of the drivers appears intoxicated, it’s best for the sober driver not to engage. Instead, stay in your car, call the police on your cell phone, record the license plate number of the other vehicle, wait for the police to arrive and inform them of your suspicions. Then follow these steps:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety are paramount. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident. Some injuries, such as soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent and could worsen over time if left untreated. Follow through with any recommended medical treatments or procedures to ensure your injuries are properly addressed.
Get a Police Report
Report the accident to law enforcement and provide them with as much information as possible about the other driver’s behavior before, during, and after the crash. Did you witness the driver showing signs of intoxication, such as swerving, speeding, or making unsafe lane changes? Be sure to relay this information to the police.
You can also gather contact information from any witnesses who may have observed the accident.
Document the Scene
Take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Note any nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident. This evidence can be valuable in building your case against the drunk driver.
Hire an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
As soon as possible, consult with a qualified Tacoma car accident lawyer who has experience handling cases involving drunk driving accidents. An attorney can advocate on your behalf, gather additional evidence, and navigate the legal process to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone in your vehicle sustains an injury, not engaging the intoxicated driver becomes even more crucial. Your justifiable anger may distract you from your most important task at hand: getting medical assistance for the injured party. Follow the steps cited above — requesting an ambulance when you call the police — and provide first aid to your injured party as you wait for help.
By following these steps, you can protect your legal rights and increase the likelihood of securing fair compensation in your car accident case. Don’t hesitate to seek professional legal assistance to guide you through this challenging time.
Evidence That May Help After a Drunk Driving Accident
Establishing what happened after a drunk driving crash may require more than the police report. Depending on the circumstances, potentially relevant evidence can include:
- Police reports and records
- Breath or blood test results
- Statements from witnesses
- Photographs of the crash scene and vehicle damage
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Dashcam or cellphone video
- Medical records documenting injuries
- Insurance records and communications
- Evidence concerning the driver’s conduct before the collision
Video can be particularly useful when it captures the moments leading up to a collision or shows the other driver’s actions before the crash. Learn more about how traffic camera footage can be obtained after a car accident.
Can a Bar or Tavern Be Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
In some circumstances, a drunk driving accident may involve potential claims beyond the impaired driver. Washington law prohibits the sale of liquor to a person who is apparently under the influence of liquor.
Whether an establishment may have legal responsibility in a particular case depends on the facts and applicable law. If you believe a bar, tavern, restaurant, or other establishment may have contributed to the circumstances leading to a drunk driving crash, an attorney can evaluate the available evidence and determine whether an additional claim may be appropriate.
RHHK also handles cases involving bar and tavern liability when the facts support a potential claim.
Here’s How RHHK Can Help After a Tacoma Car Accident
Car Accident Injuries
Drunk driving crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, including whiplash, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Some symptoms may not be immediately apparent after a collision. Our attorneys can help injured clients understand their legal options while they focus on obtaining appropriate medical care.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are especially devastating. We hold drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve under Washington’s dram shop laws.
Property Damage
We can help you recover compensation for damage to your vehicle and other property.
Medical Bills and Lost Wages
Car crashes can leave you with significant medical bills and lost wages. We handle insurance companies and medical providers to ensure your bills are paid and that you are compensated for lost income.
Free Consultation
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. There is no obligation to hire us.
Since 1959, the vehicle accident attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have fought for victims of drunk drivers. Our experienced legal team focuses all our resources in an effort to obtain the maximum compensation possible.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents
Depending on the circumstances of the case, an injured person may seek compensation for losses associated with the accident, which can include:
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- Future medical care related to accident injuries
- Lost wages and other employment related losses
- Reduced earning capacity when supported by the evidence
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Other damages available under Washington law
The damages available in an individual case depend on the nature of the injuries, the losses involved, the evidence available, and the legal claims that apply.
Serious crashes can also have lasting emotional effects. Anxiety, fear, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress may affect a person’s daily life after a collision. If you are experiencing ongoing psychological symptoms after a crash, talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment options. You can also learn more about dealing with PTSD after a car accident.
Contact our Tacoma Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Don’t let insurance companies minimize the effects of drunk driving to keep money in their pockets. You deserve what is legally and rightfully owed to you.
With over 60 years of experience helping injured accident victims, RHHK law firm understands the complexities of drunk driving cases. Our personal injury lawyers know that these cases often involve both criminal and civil proceedings, and we are prepared to fight for your rights in both.
Let us shoulder the legal burdens for you. Our firm offers free initial consultations for all injured accident victims and their families. We are committed to providing compassionate support and expert legal guidance as you seek justice and fair compensation.
Get Started
Do you have a case?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?
It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?
A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.
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