Drunk Driving Victim Accident Lawyer in Tacoma

A crash caused by an impaired driver is a violation of Washington law that can leave you dealing with serious injuries. If you were injured in an accident like this, our Tacoma drunk driving victim accident lawyers can help.

At Puget Law Group, our attorneys bring more than 150 years of combined legal experience to cases across Washington. Known for handling challenging DUI and criminal matters, we apply that same level of investigation and preparation when representing individuals injured by impaired drivers.

If you have questions and need help with a claim, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tacoma car accident lawyers.

Why Clients Choose Our Tacoma Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Every case begins with a thorough, no-charge review of your situation. When we move forward, we assume responsibility for obtaining all relevant records, retaining necessary experts, including crash reconstructionists, toxicologists, and life care planners where the evidence calls for them, and developing a complete evidentiary file in support of your claim.

Our Tacoma personal injury lawyers manage all communications with insurers and opposing counsel. You are not expected to handle those interactions on your own, and doing so before your injuries are fully diagnosed and the facts of the crash are fully developed carries real risk to your claim.

Our representation is contingency-based. There is no upfront cost and no hourly billing. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain, and we advance litigation costs throughout the case. All fees and costs are documented in writing before representation begins.

How Washington Law Applies to DUI Injury Claims

If you were injured by a drunk driver, your claim is governed by specific Washington laws that determine how liability is established and how fault is evaluated. Understanding how these rules apply is important when building a legally supportable case.

Negligence and DUI Violations

Under Washington law, driving under the influence is a statutory violation that can support a claim based on negligence per se. This means the driver’s violation of a safety law may be used to establish that they breached a duty of care owed to others on the road.

However, liability is not automatic. You must still show that the driver’s impairment was a proximate cause of the collision and your injuries. In other words, the evidence must connect the DUI conduct directly to what happened and the harm you suffered.

Comparative Fault in Washington

Washington applies a pure comparative fault system under the Revised Code of Washington. Fault can be divided among the parties based on the evidence presented.

If the defense argues that you contributed to the collision, a percentage of fault may be assigned to you. You are still allowed to recover, but any compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility.

Civil Claims vs. Criminal Proceedings

A DUI-related injury claim is separate from any criminal case filed against the driver. Your right to pursue a civil claim does not depend on whether the driver is charged or convicted.

Because these cases follow different legal standards and timelines, your claim must be developed independently, with a focus on proving liability, causation, and the extent of your injuries.

Third-Party Liability Under Washington Dram Shop Law

Under RCW 66.44.200, a licensed establishment that serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person or to a minor can be held civilly liable for injuries that result from the patron’s subsequent conduct. Social hosts who furnish alcohol to minors face exposure under the same statutory framework.

Dram shop claims require immediate attention to avoid losing access to important evidence, such as surveillance footage, receipts and point-of-sale records, and witness accounts. Our legal team can act quickly to issue evidence preservation letters.

When multiple parties contributed to the crash, including a driver, a licensed establishment, or an employer whose employee was drinking during work hours, our drunk driving victim lawyers in Tacoma identify and pursue every available source of recovery on your behalf.

Damages Available After a DUI Collision

If you were injured by an impaired driver, you have the right to seek compensation for the impact the crash has had on your life.

At Puget Law Group, we focus on building a claim that reflects the full extent of your injuries and how they affect your ability to work and function. That requires detailed medical documentation, consistent treatment history, and, when appropriate, expert evaluation.

Depending on your case, compensation may include:

• Medical care and ongoing treatment needs.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Rehabilitation and injury-related expenses.
• Physical pain and limitations on daily activity.
• Emotional and psychological effects.

Deadlines and Filing Requirements in Pierce County

Washington’s statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is three years from the date of injury. Failure to file within that period permanently bars your right to recovery, regardless of the merits of your claim.

Claims involving governmental entities or public transit carriers are governed by a separate 60-day notice requirement, which operates independently of the general limitations period and applies even to claims that would otherwise have three years to be filed.

From the first consultation, our Tacoma drunk driving accident attorneys identify every applicable deadline, determine the correct venue in Pierce County, and ensure that no procedural requirement is missed.

Wrongful Death Claims Following a DUI Collision

When a fatal collision involves an impaired driver, Washington law allows a wrongful death claim to be brought through the personal representative of the estate on behalf of qualifying family members.

These cases require both proof of liability and compliance with specific legal procedures. We investigate the circumstances of the crash, obtain evidence of impairment, and evaluate whether any third party may share responsibility.

Our role is to manage the legal process, coordinate required filings, and develop a claim that reflects both the financial and personal impact of the loss.

Schedule a FREE Consultation With a Tacoma Drunk Driving Victim Accident Attorney

At Puget Law Group, our background in DUI and trial work informs how we approach injury cases involving impaired drivers. We prepare each case with the expectation that it may need to be litigated, not simply negotiated.

If you were injured in a crash, contact us for a free case review.