A drunk driving crash can leave you facing serious injuries and enormous medical expenses. When a drunk driver hurts you or a loved one, you have the right to seek compensation. A drunk driving accident lawyer in Everett can help you explore your legal options and pursue justice from the people responsible.
At Murphy Trial Law, we work with an experienced legal team that understands the challenges of DUI-related crashes. Our car accident lawyer in Everett can protect your rights throughout the claims process. Our personal injury firm has recovered nearly $100 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
What are the Potential Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
It is important to distinguish an injury claim from a criminal case. In drunk driving accidents, criminal charges are likely to be filed. However, your claim for damages is separate. You have the right to pursue financial compensation in the form of damages, even while a criminal case is pending.
How Compensation is Calculated
The damages available in your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact they have on your life, and the specific circumstances of your case. A drunk driving victim lawyer in Everett can evaluate your losses and pursue the damages that reflect both your current and future needs.
Damages in DUI-Related Civil Claims
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including anticipated future costs
- Lost wages if you are unable to work
- Loss of future income
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property, including vehicle repairs or replacement costs
- Potential punitive damages
Your drunk driving accident claim may need to account for future medical treatment and the long-term effects of your injuries. An experienced Everett personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to understand the full medical picture.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Everett, call (425) 835-2614
Steps to Take Immediately After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
The immediate steps you take after a drunk driving accident can affect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation. While every crash is different, knowing what to do if injured in a drunk driving accident in Everett can help protect important evidence and the integrity of your claim.
After a DUI accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible: Some injuries don’t cause immediate symptoms immediately after a crash. Adrenaline can mask pain, creating delayed injuries like delayed neck pain after a car accident. Prompt medical treatment creates a record and helps establish a connection between the crash and your injuries.
- Report the accident to law enforcement: Call 911 and make sure your accident is investigated by police. A law enforcement report contains important information about the driver’s behavior, statements, field sobriety testing, breath or blood testing, and whether the driver was arrested or cited for DUI.
- Document the accident scene, if able: Take photographs or videos of things like the vehicles involved, the road, traffic conditions, injuries, and any property damage. It’s also important to gather any witness information. Their statements will be important evidence if the other driver or an insurance company disputes what happened.
- Stick to the facts: Do not speculate about how the accident happened or apologize to the other driver, even if you are confused about what caused the collision. Statements made at the scene or later to an insurance company could potentially be used against you.
- Keep records of your injuries and financial losses: Save medical bills, prescription receipts, if you missed work and what pay you may have missed, and any other expenses related to the accident. You should also keep track of how your injuries affect your daily activities, work, family responsibilities, and overall quality of life.
- Keep track of critical evidence in your possession: Keep track of your photographs, medical records, and anything from insurance companies. If you have access to dashcam footage or other recordings, keep the original files rather than relying only on screenshots or edited copies.
- Be careful when communicating with insurance companies: Just like at the scene, make sure you do not unintentionally harm your claim. The insurance adjuster may contact you soon after the accident and ask for a statement or settlement. You are not required to accept a quick settlement, especially if it doesn’t cover your true losses. It may be in your best interests to speak with an Everett drunk driving accident attorney before making statements or agreeing to anything.
A DUI accident can be complicated. A lawyer can answer your questions about liability, insurance coverage, and potentially third-party responsibility. At Murphy Trial Law, we can investigate the circumstances of your crash, protect evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and help you pursue fair compensation.
Everett Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (425) 835-2614
Why Choose Murphy Trial Law
Murphy Trial Law provides injured clients with experienced representation and a commitment to holding negligent parties accountable. Our clients benefit from the following:
- Experience handling complex injury claims: The firm understands how insurance companies evaluate DUI accident claims and how to build strong cases based on evidence, damages, and liability.
- A history of meaningful results: Murphy Trial Law has nearly $100 million recovered for clients.
- Personalized legal guidance: Your case receives tailored representation based on your unique injuries, financial losses, and recovery needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Trial-ready representation: The firm prepares each case with the understanding that fighting for your rights in court may be necessary when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
When you are comparing drunk driving accident lawyers in Everett, experience, resources, and reputation matter. The right legal team can help you understand your options, protect your best interests, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Third-Party Liability in Drunk Driving Cases in Everett
In some drunk driving cases, the drunk driver may not be the only party responsible for your injuries. For example, under RCW 66.44.200, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment may potentially face liability if it unlawfully served alcohol to a person who was visibly intoxicated or otherwise violated applicable alcohol service laws.
Determining whether a third party can be held responsible requires examining the circumstances surrounding the driver’s alcohol consumption. Your attorney may investigate:
- Whether the establishment served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated
- Whether the employee violated Washington alcohol service laws
- How much alcohol the driver consumed before the crash
- Whether the evidence connects the establishment to the driver’s intoxication
Not every drunk driving accident creates a claim against a bar or restaurant. However, if another party contributed to the circumstances that caused your injuries, a drunk driving accident lawyer in Everett can investigate whether you have additional sources of compensation.
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Contact an Everett Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Murphy Trial Law can help you hold negligent drivers accountable. Our experienced team of attorneys will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. By working with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney in Everett, you can focus on healing while we handle the insurance companies, evidence, and claims process.
Call or text (425) 835-2614 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form