Drunk driving is a constant danger on Washington roads. When it causes serious injury or death, victims deserve justice. If an impaired driver caused your crash in Seattle, WA, you need skilled legal help to get full compensation. Darrell Cochran, a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer based in Seattle, is prepared to help.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer has 31 years of experience. We’ve won tens of millions of dollars for our clients, and now we are here to get to work for you. Contact our Seattle DUI accident lawyers today at (253) 948-0250 to set up a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights and options.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a DUI Accident in Seattle, WA
A DUI accident claim involves more than just proving fault. These cases need a thorough investigation. They also require coordination with criminal proceedings, so strong advocacy is essential to seek all possible damages.
Our Seattle car accident lawyers can assist by:
- Investigating the crash: Analyzing police reports, breathalyzer results, and field sobriety test findings.
- Gathering evidence: Securing video footage, medical records, toxicology reports, and eyewitness testimony.
- Coordinating with prosecutors: Monitoring the DUI criminal case to support the civil injury claim.
- Establishing liability: Demonstrating the driver’s impairment and building a case for negligence or gross negligence.
- Pursuing full compensation: Including punitive damages where warranted by reckless or egregious conduct.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer has decades of courtroom experience. He is well-known across the state for getting winning results. Contact our law offices in Seattle, Washington, today for a free consultation.
What To Know About DUI Accidents in Seattle, WA
Washington’s DUI laws make it illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02%.
Impaired driving crashes are especially dangerous because they often involve:
- High-speed collisions
- Head-on crashes
- Rollovers or T-bone impacts
- Severe injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, impaired driving contributes to nearly half of all traffic fatalities in the state. Civil claims arising from these accidents can be pursued alongside criminal prosecution. In fact, you can win your civil claim regardless of how the criminal proceedings play out because the burden of proof is lower.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a DUI Accident in Seattle?
If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on your injuries and the details of the crash, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and future care.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: Compensation for time missed from work and long-term disability.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.
- Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement and loss of personal belongings.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving willful or egregious misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the defendant.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can team up with experts to make your case as strong as possible. Contact us today to get started with a free case review.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault in Washington?
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the crash. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $500,000 but you are found 10% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $450,000. Even if you are more than 50% at fault, you may still recover a partial award.
Insurance companies often shift blame to lower payouts. So, it’s important to have a skilled attorney. They can defend your rights and reduce your assigned fault.
How Long Do You Have To File a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Washington?
In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If the crash resulted in a fatality, the same three-year deadline applies for wrongful death claims.
Failing to file on time can permanently bar your claim. Taking legal action early helps your attorney gather and protect important evidence. This includes chemical test results and dashcam footage, which can easily be lost or disappear over time.
Contact a Seattle DUI Accident Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation
When a drunk driver causes harm, the law allows you to hold them accountable through the criminal system and through civil courts as well. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer has been recognized both locally and nationally for his work on behalf of injury victims. We’re confident that we can help you maximize the value of your claim.
Contact our Seattle DUI accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.