Drunk Driver Accident

Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer

Representing Injury Victims & Families Who Have Lost a Loved One at the Hands of a Drunk Driver

Alcohol related accidents and fatalities affect the lives of thousands of innocent people each day in the United States. According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), one in three individuals in the US will be involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, while on average one person will die every 50 minutes due to an alcohol related accident.

Drunk drivers account for millions of dollars in liability each year. More importantly, the devastation that they cause from killing innocent people can never be repaired. It doesn’t have to be this way.

DUI Car Accident Lawyers

When an individual chooses to get behind the wheel after having too many drinks, they are not only putting their own life at risk, but also the lives of all of us and our loved ones.

At Dore Law Group, PLLC, we take drunk driving seriously, as the person responsible makes a conscious choice to put the lives of others at risk. We believe that drunk drivers and others responsible for alcohol-related injuries and death should be held accountable to the full extent of the law for their actions, including criminal proceedings, if warranted.

While we cannot bring back those who have been killed or initiate criminal proceedings, we can and will go after drunk drivers who injure our clients or cause the deaths of their loved ones, and seek from them the full amount of compensation that may be owed by them for the injuries they caused.

Dial (253) 236-3888 today to speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Kent, WA.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is one of the most irresponsible things a person can do. Drinking alcohol impairs a person's mental and physical faculties; both of which are critical for safely operating a motor vehicle. As a person becomes intoxicated, their reaction times are slowed, memory and reasoning functions become impaired, their mood may begin to swing, and their coordination is altered.

A person who has had too much to drink may:

  • Drive far slower than appropriate given traffic conditions
  • Drift between lanes into other vehicles
  • Drive faster than is safe
  • Hit something or someone without even realizing it
  • Tailgate other drivers
  • Fail to obey traffic signals such as red lights

Drunk driving is not only dangerous - it is a criminal act punishable by harsh fines and possible jail time. While a drunk driver may be held responsible by the state in criminal court, criminal drunk driving cases do not provide compensation to the victims of drunk driving accidents. If you were injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you will need to pursue a separate civil action against the driver to recover damages.

Innocent Lives Are Affected

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an accident caused by a drunk driver can have on the victim and their family. Drunk driving accidents often result in serious personal injuries such as neck and back injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, burn injuries, and even death. For those injured, these accidents often result in lost time from work, pain and suffering, large medical bills, and many other damages and hardships.

Our skilled car accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

  • Present and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and other income
  • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability benefits
  • Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed)

Dram Shop Laws in Washington State

A drunk driver is obviously responsible for any accident they cause. What many people do not know, however, is that negligent bar owners and social hosts may also be held partially responsible for drunk driving accidents.

Washington's dram shop statute states that businesses who sell alcoholic drinks or hosts who serve alcohol to a person who is clearly intoxicated can be held strictly liable for any injuries or deaths that a drunken patron or guest causes. This law is meant not only to protect already inebriated individuals from overindulging in alcohol and potentially being injured or killed, but also to protect the public at large.

For example, say John goes to Bob's bar after work and has several drinks. Despite being clearly intoxicated, Bob continues to serve John drinks throughout the night. John eventually leaves, tries to drive himself home, and hits a pedestrian with his car. In this scenario, the injured pedestrian would have grounds to file a claim against both John (the driver) and Bob (the bar owner) for negligently over-serving John.

While every case is different, liability under Washington's dram shop law can involve any of the following:

  • Serving liquor without a license
  • Failing to properly train employees who serve alcohol
  • Serving alcohol to an underage driver
  • Serving alcohol to an already drunk person
  • Social hosts negligently providing alcohol to a minor

Since turnover at restaurants and bars can be high and witnesses can become difficult to track down, it is crucial that dram shop DUI cases be investigated by a skilled Kent car accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. An attorney can review key evidence such as credit card statements, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to determine how much alcohol was served to a driver and how long prior to your crash.

Our Kent DUI Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you or a family member has been injured or if a loved one has been killed as the result of a drunk driving accident, please call us. Our founder, Jim Dore, Jr., has had more than 30 years of experience as a personal injury and trial lawyer.

We will take the time to thoroughly investigate the accident, review accident and medical reports, depose eyewitnesses and those who may be responsible, and, if necessary, hire accident reconstructionists and other experts. We will do our utmost to hold those responsible for the accident accountable for the full measure of damages that they have caused, and to obtain for you and your family all compensation that may be due.

To find out more, please call us so that we can set up a free no-obligation consultation at your convenience so that we may learn about the facts and circumstances of your accident and the injuries suffered. You can also learn more about how we can serve you, and we can explain the options that might be available for your case, and how the litigation process works.

Contact a Kent drunk driving accident lawyer today to take the first step towards securing the compensation you need.

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do if I am involved in a drunk driving accident?

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, first prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Provide the necessary information to the police and cooperate with their investigation. It is also important to gather evidence such as photos of the accident scene, contact information of witnesses, and any other relevant information. Finally, contact a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents to guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Can I sue the drunk driver for compensation?

Yes, you can sue the drunk driver for compensation if you have been injured in a drunk driving accident. The drunk driver can be held liable for their negligent actions and may be required to compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. It is important to consult with a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents to assess the strength of your case and help you navigate the legal process.

What is the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while driving?

The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while driving in Washington State is 0.08%. If a driver's BAC exceeds this limit, they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). However, even if a driver's BAC is below the legal limit, they can still be charged with DUI if their ability to drive safely is impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Can I file a lawsuit against a bar or social host that served alcohol to the drunk driver?

Yes, you may be able to file a lawsuit against a bar or social host that served alcohol to a drunk driver. Washington State has dram shop laws that hold businesses and social hosts liable for injuries or deaths caused by a drunken patron or guest. If it can be proven that the bar or social host negligently served alcohol to an already intoxicated person who went on to cause a drunk driving accident, you may be able to seek compensation from them as well.

What damages can I seek in a drunk driving accident lawsuit?

In a drunk driving accident lawsuit, you can seek various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other economic and non-economic losses. The specific damages you can seek will depend on the circumstances of your case. Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents can help you understand and pursue the appropriate damages in your lawsuit.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit for a drunk driving accident?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for a drunk driving accident in Washington State is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines and have enough time to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Don't Take Our Word For It

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
  • “Mr. Dore and his staff truly care about their clients and work tirelessly on their clients' behalf.”

    - Bonnie S.
  • “Jim was the best and his staff was helpful and was able to answer all of my questions.”

    - Jim
  • “Their customer service, attention to detail, and responsiveness are phenomenal.”

    - Danielle
  • “The amount of time and effort Jim Dore has spent helping my family and I was phenomenal.”

    - Former Client
  • “Dore Law Group is always my first choice!”

    - Harry H.
  • Unsafe Hospital Conditions $2.5 Million
  • Failure to Diagnose Cause of Paralysis $2 Million
  • Railroad Bulkhead Collapse $1.8 Million
  • Motorcycle v. Commercial Truck $1.2 Million
  • Unsecured Load Injury $1.2 Million
  • Failure to Diagnose Breast Cancer $1 Million

What Sets Us Apart?

  • We Are THE Kent Law Firm

    We have deep roots within our community and have been proudly serving Kent, WA since 1994.

  • Proven Record of Success

    We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients over the course of 30 years in practice.

  • No Recovery, No Fee

    If we don't recover compensation or damages for you, we won't charge you any legal fees.

  • We Take Every Case Personally

    We take the time to get to know you and create a strategy tailored to fit your needs.

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