In Washington State, drunk driving remains a persistent and deadly problem. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, alcohol-impaired driving is a contributing factor in a significant share of the state’s fatal crashes each year, with Tacoma consistently ranking among the cities with the highest rates of drunk driving incidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt by an impaired driver, understanding your full range of legal options is the first step toward recovery.
The Driver Isn’t Always the Only Liable Party
Most people assume that in a drunk driving accident, the driver alone is responsible. In many cases that’s true, but not always. Washington law also allows victims to pursue claims against bars, restaurants, clubs, and other establishments that served alcohol to a patron who was visibly intoxicated before they got behind the wheel. These are commonly called dram shop cases.
Under Washington law, establishments that sell alcohol are prohibited from serving someone who is apparently under the influence. When a business ignores that obligation and a patron later causes a crash, the establishment may share liability for the resulting injuries. Proving a dram shop case is challenging. It requires gathering surveillance footage, obtaining receipts, and securing witness statements — but it can significantly increase the compensation available to victims.
Washington Is an At-Fault State
Washington operates under an at-fault system for car accidents, which means the party responsible for the crash is financially liable for the damages it causes. When a driver is intoxicated, establishing fault is typically straightforward. However, insurance companies, even in clear-cut drunk driving cases, will still look for ways to minimize what they pay you. Having an experienced attorney in your corner from the start helps ensure they don’t succeed.
It’s also worth knowing that your civil personal injury claim is entirely separate from any criminal DUI case against the driver. You do not need to wait for criminal proceedings to conclude before pursuing compensation, and a criminal conviction, while helpful, is not required for your civil claim to succeed.
Have questions about filing a claim after a drunk driving accident? Learn more about how Washington auto accident law works.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Washington may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and ongoing treatment costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, and in the most tragic cases, wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one. While Washington does not allow punitive damages in civil cases, the full scope of economic and non-economic losses can still result in substantial compensation when your case is handled by a skilled attorney.
Additional Resources you may find helpful:
Washington Traffic Safety Commission — impaired driving data.
Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner — understanding your auto insurance rights.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Michael Clark?
Attorney Michael Clark has decades of experience representing injury victims throughout Tacoma, Pierce County, and Western Washington. His background as a criminal defense attorney gives him a distinct advantage in drunk driving cases because he understands both sides of the courtroom and knows how to build the strongest possible case for his clients.
We handle drunk driving accident cases on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win. Our team will investigate every angle of your case, including potential dram shop liability, to make sure no avenue for compensation is overlooked. Contact us today and don’t face those insurance companies alone. Schedule your free consultation and et our compassionate legal team help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.