Experienced Vancouver Drunk Driving Injury Attorneys
Vancouver Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best auto accident lawyers in Vancouver
Drunk Driving Injury
Alcohol-impaired driving is a serious concern on U.S. roads. In 2021, there were 13,384 fatalities in alcohol-impaired crashes, representing a 14.2% increase compared to the 11,718 deaths recorded in 2020. This marks the highest number of deaths since 2006. [1]
Drunk driving injury refers to injuries that result from motor vehicle accidents involving drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. [2] When individuals operate vehicles while intoxicated, their ability to drive safely is impaired, leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries.
Have you been the victim of a drunk driver?
Contact our drunk driving injury lawyers in Vancouver, Washington today to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and seek the justice you deserve.
Types of Drunk Driving Injuries
Drunk driving injuries can manifest in various types, ranging from minor to severe. The specific injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident depend on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the type of collision, and the use of safety features like seat belts.
Here are some common types of injuries associated with drunk driving accidents:
- Abdominal Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Extremity Injuries
- Facial Injuries
- Fatal Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Neck and Spinal Injuries
- Psychological Injuries
- Emotional Injuries
If you have lost a loved one in a drunk driving incident, contact our wrongful death lawyers for support in obtaining compensation for funeral costs and other damages available to you.Â
There were 401,520 people were killed or injured in a drunk driving crash in 2021. [3]
Causes of Drunk Driving
Several factors contribute to drunk driving incidents. Understanding these causes can help in developing effective strategies to prevent and address the issue. Some common causes of drunk driving include:
- Alcohol Dependence
- Availability of Alcohol
- Ignorance of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
- Impaired Judgment
- Inadequate Enforcement
- Lack of Awareness
- Overconfidence
- Peer Pressure
- Poor Planning
- Social and Cultural Factors
- Alcohol Marketing
One in four car accidents that involve teens also involve an intoxicated teenage driver. [3]
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Compensatory Damages Associated with Drunk Driving Injury Cases
Compensatory damages in drunk driving injury cases are intended to compensate you as the victim for the losses and harm you have suffered as a result of the accident. These damages aim to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the incident occurred.
Compensatory damages in drunk driving injury cases may include:
- Emotional Distress
- Funeral and Burial Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Medical Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
- Rehabilitation Costs
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Consortium
Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Injury Cases in Vancouver, WA
The specific Statute of Limitations for drunk driving injury cases in Vancouver, WA is two years. This means that you as an individual injured in a drunk driving accident have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. However, there are exceptions that may apply, such as the discovery rule which allows the Statute of Limitations to be extended if the injury was not immediately apparent.
To preserve your rights and take action, consult with our personal injury attorney in Vancouver as soon as possible.Â
Importance of Working with a Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer for Your Case
Are you a victim of a drunk driving accident? Your life has probably been shattered by someone’s irresponsible choice, leaving you injured, traumatized, and facing an uncertain future. Navigating the aftermath of this injustice can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
Here’s why having our lawyers on your side is vital:
- Maximum Compensation: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We know how to build a strong case to secure the maximum compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- Complexities of Drunk Driving Cases: These cases involve unique legal and investigative challenges. Our attorneys have the experience and expertise to navigate the complexities, gather evidence, and prove the driver’s negligence.
- Protection from Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies have skilled negotiators. We’ll be your shield, protecting you from unfair tactics and ensuring your rights are respected throughout the process.
- Emotional Support and Guidance: This is a traumatic time. We offer compassionate understanding and guidance, connecting you with resources and helping you navigate the emotional toll of the accident.
- Holding the Driver Accountable: A drunk driver made a reckless decision that changed your life. Our drunk driving attorneys fight to hold them responsible, bringing them to justice and preventing similar tragedies.
You should not have to bear the burden of this accident alone.
Contact us today, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Drunk Driving Injury
Yes, Washington state requires all drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance as part of their auto insurance coverage. PIP insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from a drunk driving injury, regardless of who was at fault.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and to serve as a deterrent to others.
You may still be able to seek compensation through other avenues, such as your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing a claim against other liable parties.
Sources:
[1] Alcohol-impaired Driving (DUI) – Injury Facts. (2023, May 4). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/alcohol-impaired-driving/
[2] Drunk Driving | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
[3] Drunk Driving Archives – MADD. (n.d.). MADD. https://madd.org/statistic_type/drunk-driving/
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered injuries due to a drunk driving accident in Vancouver, Washington. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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