I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver in Spokane. What Should I Do?

“I was hit by a drunk driver in Spokane.” These are words you never expect to say, but now they’ve become your reality. In the aftermath of this traumatic experience, you may feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. This blog will guide you through the complex process of dealing with the consequences of a drunk driving accident, helping you protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries so you can move forward.

Prioritize Your Health and Safety

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, your top priority should be your health and safety. If you or anyone else involved in the crash requires medical attention, call 911 and request an ambulance. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get a thorough medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments.

Report the Accident and Gather Evidence

If you are able, call the police to report the accident. When the officers arrive, provide them with a detailed account of what happened, and be sure to mention that you suspect the other driver was under the influence of alcohol. The police will create an official report, which will be crucial for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings that may follow.

If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the crash occur.

Contact Your Insurance Company

After seeking medical attention and reporting the accident to the police, notify your insurance company about the incident. Provide them with the details of the crash, including the police report number and any evidence you collected. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and help you understand your coverage.

Consult with an Experienced Drunk Driving Accidents Attorney

Navigating the legal complexities of a drunk driving accident can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the crash. Consulting with an experienced drunk driving accidents attorney in Spokane can help you protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Your attorney will help you understand your legal options, communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for your interests in court if necessary. They can also help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.

Determining Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident

Determining who is responsible for the damages in a drunk driving accident is an important part of the legal process. Washington follows a fault-based auto insurance system, which means the person who caused the accident (the drunk driver) is financially responsible for the damages and losses suffered by the victims.

Since drunk driving is illegal in Washington, proving negligence is usually straightforward. However, in some situations, other parties, like a bar that continued to serve alcohol to an already intoxicated person, may also be held partly responsible.

Your lawyer will help you collect evidence, like police reports and witness statements, to build a strong case against the drunk driver and any other responsible parties. They will also guide you through the legal process and work with insurance companies to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Understanding Dram Shop Laws in Washington State

In Washington state, dram shop laws hold establishments that serve alcohol liable for damages caused by their overserved patrons. If the drunk driver who hit you was over-served at a bar, restaurant, or another establishment, you might have a claim against that business.

To succeed in a dram shop claim, you must prove that the establishment continued to serve alcohol to the visibly intoxicated person and that the intoxication was the proximate cause of your injuries. Your attorney can help you investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and determine whether a dram shop claim is appropriate in your case.

What to Do If Someone Died in the Drunk Driving Accident

If someone lost their life in the drunk driving accident, the legal process becomes even more complex and emotionally challenging. In this situation, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the drunk driver and any other liable parties.

A wrongful death claim seeks compensation for the family’s losses, including funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, and the loss of companionship and guidance. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death claim.

Moving Forward After a Drunk Driving Accident

Being hit by a drunk driver is a life-altering experience that can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. By taking the steps outlined in this blog and working with experienced drunk driving accident attorneys, you can protect your rights and seek the compensation needed to move forward with your life.

Remember, you are not alone in this process. With the right support and guidance, you can overcome the challenges posed by a drunk driving accident and find the path to recovery and justice.

Take Action and Protect Your Rights with Albrecht Law

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Spokane, Washington, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At Albrecht Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a drunk driving accident can take on your life. That’s why our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

In the tragic event that a loved one has lost their life due to a drunk driver’s actions, our compassionate team can also guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death claim. We understand that no amount of compensation can replace your loved one, but we’re here to help you seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

You likely have many questions about your specific situation, and we’re here to provide the answers you need. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our dedicated Spokane drunk driving accident attorneys to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We’ll listen to your story, assess the details of your case, and provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique circumstances.

Our committed team is focused on protecting your rights and advocating for your best interests throughout the legal process. We’ll handle the complex legal aspects of your case, so you can focus on your recovery and well-being. And most importantly, our experienced Spokane personal injury lawyers are willing to go to trial, if necessary.

We invite you to contact Albrecht Law today at (509) 495-1246 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Spokane and the surrounding areas, including Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and Cheney. Let us be your advocate during this challenging time and help you seek the justice you need to move forward with your life.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave, Suite 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/