Were you injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver in Tacoma, Washington? A DUI accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. The person who chose to drive under the influence can and should be held accountable for all of your injuries and damages.
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we have 30+ years of experience in the field. Our team has recovered more than $1 billion for personal injury accident victims, including individuals and families affected by serious DUI collisions. We know what it takes to build a winning case and demand full justice.
Contact our experienced Tacoma DUI accident attorneys today for a free consultation, or call us at (253) 264-0225.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a DUI Crash in Tacoma, WA
Drunk driving crashes are often more severe than other accidents. These cases also involve complex legal questions, especially if the impaired driver is charged or convicted. Insurance companies may try to limit what they owe you, even if the other driver was clearly at fault.
That’s where our law firm can step in. When you hire Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we take immediate steps to protect your case and your rights.
Our Tacoma car accident lawyers can:
- Launch a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash
- Request police reports and BAC test results
- Gather evidence from witnesses, surveillance footage, and crash data
- Work with medical experts to assess your injuries
- Calculate the full value of your economic and non-economic damages
- Handle communication and negotiation with insurers
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court if needed
You shouldn’t have to take on a legal battle while you’re still healing. Let us fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Can I File a Civil Lawsuit Against a Drunk Driver in Washington?
Yes. If you were injured because another driver chose to drink and drive, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Even if the other driver is also facing criminal charges, the civil process is separate. Your case is about holding them financially responsible for what they’ve done.
Under Washington law, anyone injured by a negligent or reckless driver can pursue damages through the courts. That includes drunk drivers, even if they’re already facing jail time, license suspension, or DUI penalties. In fact, a criminal conviction may even help your case (but it isn’t necessary that they were convicted, either).
You may also have a claim against other parties, such as a bar or restaurant that overserved the driver under Washington’s dram shop laws. These cases require a high level of evidence and must meet specific legal requirements. Our team can investigate whether third-party liability applies.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover After a DUI Accident in Tacoma, WA?
Drunk driving crashes often lead to serious, life-altering injuries. In a civil case, you have the right to pursue a range of damages, depending on how the crash has affected you.
This could include both economic and non-economic damages for things like:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the case involves extreme recklessness or egregious behavior, punitive damages may also be available. These are meant to punish the driver and deter others from acting the same way. Our attorneys can explain whether punitive damages apply to your case during your free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Injury Claim in Washington?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
Although three years might sound like a long time, acting quickly is always in your best interest. Important evidence, such as surveillance footage or BAC results, can be lost if you wait too long. Witnesses also become harder to track down as time passes.
If you miss the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced Tacoma DUI accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Tacoma DUI Accident Attorney
Drunk driving crashes are preventable tragedies. If you’ve been injured in one, you deserve answers and accountability. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is ready to fight for you from start to finish.
We’ve secured over $1 billion for our deserving clients to date and are confident that we can help you secure winning results as well. Contact our Tacoma DUI accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.