Drunk drivers are responsible for thousands of crashes every year, contributing to about 12,429 traffic deaths in the United States in 2023 alone. Driving under the influence can lead to criminal charges, but injured victims can also pursue compensation through a civil claim. When a drunk driver causes a crash, the driver’s impairment often provides strong evidence of negligence and can significantly strengthen an injury claim.
However, even with clear evidence of intoxication, cases involving drunk drivers can be complex and contested. Injury lawyers who have experience handling personal injury claims against drunk drivers know how to gather evidence to build a favorable case. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision involving a drunk driver, hiring an experienced local car accident attorney can greatly improve your odds of receiving a full and fair settlement.
What to Do After a Crash Involving a Drunk Driver to Help Your Car Accident Claim
The first thing you need to do after a crash involving a suspected drunk driver is to call 9-1-1 so law enforcement officers can create an accident report and run tests to determine whether the driver was intoxicated. At the same time, emergency responders can assess injuries, provide immediate medical care, and transport anyone who needs further treatment to a hospital.
While waiting for law enforcement and emergency responders to arrive, if you are well enough, take pictures of the scene, exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers, and contact information for witnesses. This information will be helpful in pursuing your injury claim.
Once you have received a diagnosis and been treated for your injuries, you will want to follow all medical advice and refrain from any social media posts about the accident or of you participating in activities as they could be used against you by the at-fault insurance company.
Here are some additional points to keep in mind:
- Notify your own insurance company that you were involved in a car accident and provide details of the accident.
- Do not give any statements to the at-fault insurance company (they will contact you).
- You can request a copy of the police report showing that the driver had been drinking.
- Never accept the initial offer given to you by the at fault insurance company adjuster – they typically make a lowball offer in hopes that you will accept it while you are still stressed about the accident and don’t yet know the extent of your injuries and medical bills.
- In Washington State, those injured in a car accident have three years from the date of the accident to file a civil claim, but it is a good idea to seek advice from an accident attorney as soon as possible after the collision occurs.
How a Lawyer Helps Injured People Recover Damages Against a Drunk Driver
When you hire a lawyer to help you with your claim, they will follow a series of steps to help protect your legal rights and negotiate the compensation you deserve:
- Evaluate the details of the crash and determine whether you have a valid injury claim.
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and intoxication test results.
- Identify all potentially liable parties, including the drunk driver and, in some cases, establishments that may have overserved alcohol.
- Collect and review medical records, bills, and other documentation to show the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies.
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Understanding your rights and having experienced legal guidance can play a critical role in recovering the compensation you deserve after a crash caused by a drunk driver.
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! Since 1979, our personal injury law firm, Tario & Associates, P.S., has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of people injured throughout Washington State, with local offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon to serve residents of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
