Tacoma Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving accidents can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. These reckless actions often lead to severe injuries, emotional trauma, and even loss of life. For victims and their families in Tacoma, navigating the legal aftermath of such a tragedy can feel overwhelming. That’s where a skilled Tacoma drunk driving accident lawyer steps in, helping victims pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.
At Brumley Law Firm, our Tacoma accident attorneys are committed to helping drunk driving accident victims hold negligent drivers accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Tacoma, you don’t have to face this battle alone. Call us at (833) 832-2727 to get the justice you deserve.
Understanding the Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents nationwide. When someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they endanger not only themselves but also everyone else on the road. In Washington State, strict DUI laws aim to deter this dangerous behavior, but unfortunately, accidents still occur all too frequently.
Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs): Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis in some cases.
- Broken bones and fractures: Severe impacts can lead to painful and lengthy recoveries.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs can require emergency surgery and ongoing treatment.
- Emotional trauma: Survivors may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health challenges.
The financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation can quickly overwhelm victims and their families. Seeking legal recourse can help alleviate these burdens and ensure the responsible party is held accountable.
How a Tacoma Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to understand your legal options. A Tacoma drunk driving accident lawyer can provide invaluable support by:
- Investigating the Accident: A thorough investigation is critical to building a strong case. Your attorney will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and toxicology results to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence.
- Determining Liability: In some cases, additional parties may share liability for the accident. For example, if a bar or restaurant over-served the drunk driver, they could also be held accountable under Washington’s dram shop laws.
- Calculating Damages: Your lawyer will help determine the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims. Your attorney will handle all communications and negotiations, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Tacoma drunk driving accident lawyer will take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.
Proving Negligence in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
To succeed in a personal injury claim in Tacoma, you must establish that the drunk driver’s negligence caused the accident. This involves proving the following elements:
- Duty of care: The driver owed you a duty to operate their vehicle responsibly and follow traffic laws.
- Breach of duty: By driving under the influence, the driver violated their duty of care.
- Causation: The driver’s actions directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses as a result of the accident.
An experienced Tacoma drunk driving accident attorney will have the skills and resources needed to gather compelling evidence and present a strong case on your behalf.
The Role of Washington’s Comparative Fault Law
Washington follows a comparative fault rule, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be eligible to recover compensation. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
A knowledgeable drunk driving accident attorney can help minimize the impact of any allegations of comparative fault and ensure you receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
Contact Our Tacoma Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today
At Brumley Law Firm, we understand the profound impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life. Our compassionate and dedicated legal team, led by attorney Joshua Brumley, is here to guide you every step of the way, providing personalized attention and aggressive representation. We have extensive experience handling drunk driving accident cases and a proven track record of success.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Tacoma, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our Tacoma drunk driving accident attorneys by calling (833) 832-2727 or completing our online form to schedule your free consultation today. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.