Vehicle Accidents /

Drunk Driving Accidents

Tacoma Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys: Seeking Justice for Victims of Drunk Driving

Hit by a Drunk Driver in Washington State? Our Accident Lawyers Can Help

Have you or a loved one been involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in Tacoma, Washington? If so, you’re not alone. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death nationwide, and Washington State is no exception. If you were a victim of a drunk driver, suffered serious injuries, or lost a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families. Our dedicated team of experienced attorneys is here to provide compassionate support and strategic legal representation to help you seek justice and fair compensation.

 

Drunk Driving and Liability in Washington State

Drunk driving accidents are declining across the nation, but Washington continues to score above the national average when it comes to the percentage of driving fatalities in which alcohol impairment played a role.

It is theoretically possible for a person to drive drunk, get into a traffic accident and not be responsible for the damage. A sober driver may have run a red light or performed some other unsafe maneuver. However, given society’s attitude toward drinking and driving, the sober driver is going to get the benefit of the doubt, unless there is clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

Despite Washington’s laws on comparative negligence, finding that a driver was legally impaired is often tantamount to finding liability. In many car accident lawsuits, liability for the crash is disputed so the more evidence you have that establishes that the other driver’s negligence or reckless driving caused the accident, the more valuable your case becomes.

Proving the other driver was intoxicated significantly boosts your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve. After all, driving under the influence is a clear breach of the duty of care every driver owes to others on the road. The right attorney will know how to leverage the evidence you’ve gathered and strengthen your claim even further.

 

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.

 

Here’s How RHHK Can Help After a Tacoma Car Accident

Car Accident Injuries
We handle a wide range of car accident injuries, including whiplash, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and wrongful death.

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

As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses, including current and anticipated costs
  • Lost wages, including missed overtime and bonus opportunities
  • Out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident
  • Pain and suffering
  • Funeral expenses (in cases of wrongful death)

 

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.

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$400,000
Client was involved in a high speed t-bone collision with a drunk driver who was overserved by a local bar/tavern. Client sustained contusion and pneumothorax of his right lung and laceration to his kidney requiring three weeks of intensive care and hospital admission. We pursued a Dram Shop claim against the local bar/tavern.
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We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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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  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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