Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Redmond

The first law prohibiting drunk driving in the United States was passed in New Jersey in 1906. The efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving in the 1970s led to nationwide enhancements of criminal penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. Unfortunately, despite these and numerous other efforts to convey how dangerous this behavior is, drunk driving is still one of the most common causes of auto accidents throughout the country.

If you have been injured in a car crash resulting from another individual’s negligence, contact Narwal Injury Law as soon as possible. You may have grounds to demand comprehensive compensation from those at fault for your accident and resulting injuries. Our team of experienced car wreck lawyers understands how to navigate the legal aftermath of drunk driving car accidents in Redmond and could help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

How Do DUI Laws Affect Drunk Driving Crash Lawsuits?

Individuals operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more are considered to be driving under the influence. Importantly, you do not need to wait for criminal proceedings against a drunk driver to conclude before bringing a civil suit against them.

In addition, you can successfully file suit over an auto wreck in Redmond even if the drunk driver was acquitted of criminal wrongdoing in court, had their charges dismissed, or was never charged in the first place. As your attorney from Narwal Injury Law could further explain during an initial consultation, the standard of proof for civil cases is based on a preponderance of evidence, which is less strict than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard that applies to criminal cases.

Dram Shop Liability for DUI Wrecks

Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to hold a Redmond business liable for serving alcohol to the driver who caused your DUI crash. Under the state’s dram shop laws, you can sue a business, such as a bar or a liquor store, if it sold alcohol to someone who was visibly under the influence and went on to cause a car wreck as a result.

You can also sue a business if it sold or served alcohol to an underage drinker who then caused an accident. Similarly, social host liability may apply to someone who provided alcohol to an underage drinker on their private property if that drinker is later involved in an auto wreck while impaired.

Seeking Fair Recovery Within Filing Time Limits

A comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand over a drunk driving collision in Redmond could account for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical bills, such as surgery costs, medication needs, and hospital stay expenses
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
• Out-of-pocket expenses, such as car repairs or replacement
• Disability management services
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Revised Code of Washington § 4.16.080 gives you only three years from the date of your crash to file suit against those responsible. In addition to helping you meet required case deadlines, consulting a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible after your accident could preserve necessary evidence that may increase your chances of obtaining a favorable case outcome.

Contact a Redmond Attorney for Help With a Drunk Driving Car Wreck Lawsuit

Drunk drivers put themselves and everyone around them at risk of life-altering harm every time they operate a vehicle while impaired. If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s irresponsible and illegal actions, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for the consequences of your injuries.

However, holding people accountable for drunk driving car accidents in Redmond through insurance settlements, civil court litigation, or a combination of both can be challenging. Fortunately, you do not have to deal with this situation on your own. Contact our legal team at Narwal Injury Law today to learn how we could help you take legal action against a drunk driver who injured you.