Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States and can often have tragic consequences. Every day, people are injured or killed as a result of drunk driving accidents. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drunk driver, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next.
Fortunately, there is help available. A DUI accident victim attorney in the Pacific Northwest can provide you with the guidance and support you need to get through this difficult time. Here is everything you need to know about hiring a DUI accident victim attorney in the Pacific Northwest.
DRUNK DRIVING – A RISING PROBLEM ACROSS THE US
Drunk driving is a nationwide problem, and it is only getting worse. In 2020, there were 11,654 deaths caused by drunk driving accidents in the United States. This is a 14% increase from 2019, and it is one of the highest numbers of drunk driving fatalities ever recorded.
Additionally, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that over 1 million drivers were arrested for drunk driving in 2016, whereas every year, there are 111 million self-reported episodes of drunk driving. In other words, less than 1% of drunk drivers are arrested each year.
These statistics are staggering, and they show that drunk driving is a major problem in the United States. If you have been the victim of a drunk driver, you are not alone.
TYPES OF DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY DRIVERS WITH A BAC OF .08% OR HIGHER
There are many different types of accidents that can be caused by drunk motor vehicle drivers. Here are some of the most common:
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are particularly dangerous, and they often occur when a drunk driver is going the wrong way down a road or highway. A head-on drunk driving accident can often result in serious injuries or even death.
Rear-End Collisions
Drunk drivers may have difficulty stopping their vehicles, which can lead to rear-end collisions. These accidents are often less serious than head-on collisions, but they can still cause injuries.
Wrong-Way Accidents
Many highways and freeways have signs that warn drivers not to enter the roadway going the wrong way. Unfortunately, drunk drivers may ignore these warnings and cause a drunk driving accident.
Pedestrian or Bicyclist
Pedestrians and bicyclists may not be clearly visible to drunk drivers, and they may be hit as a result. These accidents can often be serious or even fatal.
If you have been the victim of any of these types of accidents, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver.
Drunk driving victims often suffer from severe injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, and more. If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury in a drunk driving accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY A DRUNK DRIVER
If you are in an accident caused by a drunk driver, there are a few important steps you should take:
1. Seek Medical Attention
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
2. Call the Police
It is also important to call the police after an accident. The police will create a report, which can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim. Not calling the police may make it more difficult to prove that the other driver was at fault.
3. Contact a DUI Accident Victim Attorney
After taking these steps, you should contact a DUI accident victim attorney from a reputable law firm as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
WHAT DOES A DUI ACCIDENT VICTIM ATTORNEY DO?
A DUI accident victim attorney is a lawyer who specializes in helping people who have been injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers. These attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver, and they can also help you get the compensation you deserve.
A Pacific Northwest attorney will typically review your case and determine whether or not you have a valid claim. If you do have a claim, the attorney will then work with you to build a case and negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance company. If the insurance company refuses to cooperate, the attorney may be able to take the case to court.
In addition to helping you file a personal injury claim, an attorney can also help you with other issues that may arise as a result of the accident. For example, a Pacific Northwest attorney may be able to help you get medical bills paid, receive compensation for lost wages, and receive damages for pain and suffering.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to contact an experienced DUI accident victim attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you get the money you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
THE RISKS OF NOT HIRING A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
There are a few risks associated with not hiring an injury attorney after a car accident. Here are a few of those risks:
1. You May Not Get the Compensation You Deserve
Personal injury victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Without an attorney, you may have a difficult time proving that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This could result in you receiving less money than you deserve or no money at all.
2. The Insurance Company May Take Advantage of You
The insurance company will likely have an adjuster who is experienced in handling personal injury claims. This adjuster may try to take advantage of you by offering you a low settlement or no settlement at all.
3. You May Miss Important Deadlines
There are strict deadlines that must be met in order to file a personal injury claim. If you miss these deadlines, you may be unable to file a claim at all.
4. You May Not Be Prepared for Court
If your case does go to court, you will be up against an experienced insurance company lawyer. Without your own attorney, you may not be prepared for what to expect in court.
5. You May Settle for Less Than You Deserve
Without an attorney, you may not know how much your personal injury case is worth. This could result in you settling for less money than you deserve.
Hiring a personal injury attorney after an accident caused by a drunk driver is the best way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. An attorney can help you prove that the other driver was at fault, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, and prepare your case for court if necessary.
PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS – CONTACT A DUI ACCIDENT VICTIM ATTORNEY TODAY
DUI car accidents are all too common, and they often result in serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, it is important to know that you have rights. A Pacific Northwest DUI accident victim attorney can help you protect those rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the help you need — contact a DUI accident victim attorney today for a free consultation.