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Vancouver Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

EXPERIENCED DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING INJURED PERSONS IN THE GREATER VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON AREA

Schauermann Thayer attorneys If you or someone you love suffered an injury because of a drunk driver, you need a law firm on your side from the start. While the police investigate the accident and press charges, you may need someone fighting for your rights.

Criminal charges are different from civil liability. That’s why you may need a Vancouver personal injury lawyer who can build a solid case for you so that you can collect fair compensation after a drunk driving accident. You can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation.

Why Choose Our Vancouver Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

At Schauermann Thayer, our Vancouver drunk driving accident attorneys are committed to making sure all liable parties, including establishments that serve alcohol, drunk drivers, and their insurance companies are held accountable. We fight to hold these liable parties responsible for the emotional and physical damages, as well as the medical costs, including ongoing treatment and healthcare, damage to property, and other related damages.

We are determined to obtain fair settlements, arbitration awards, and trial verdicts for those injured in drunk driving accidents in Vancouver, Washington.

Our firm has the requisite resources and will invest the time needed to thoroughly understand the circumstances of the accident. We can also use our experience to make sure the full extent of damages is clearly established.

Types of Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

Every year, thousands of people in Oregon and Washington State suffer debilitating injuries in drunk driving accidents. Hundreds more are tragically killed by this reckless and illegal behavior.

In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving was a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2016.

These crashes can often lead to long-term physical and mental disabilities. If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced Vancouver personal injury lawyer at Schauermann Thayer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who is to Blame After a Drunk Driving Accident in Vancouver?

There are a number of parties who might be held liable after a drunk driving accident in Washington. At Schauermann Thayer, our Vancouver drunk driving accident attorneys work to identify all liable parties to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Often, multiple parties may share the blame for your accident and injuries, including:

The drunk driver. The driver who was intoxicated at the time of the accident will likely be held liable for any damages that resulted from the accident.
The bar or restaurant. The bar or restaurant where the driver was served alcohol may also be held liable if it can be proven that they served alcohol to a minor or to someone who was already intoxicated.
A government entity. If the accident occurred on public property, such as a street or highway, the government entity responsible for maintaining that property may also be held liable if it can be shown that the condition of the property contributed to the accident.

What Are Washington’s Dram Shop Liability Laws?

In Washington, dram shop liability laws hold bars and restaurants responsible for serving alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated persons. These laws aredesigned to help prevent alcohol-related accidents and injuries by deterring establishments from over-serving customers.

In Washington, dram shop liability laws are codified in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 66.44.200-400. These laws apply to bars, restaurants, and any other business that sells alcohol for on-premises consumption.

Under the dram shop laws, a person who is injured by a drunk driver may file a civil lawsuit against the establishment that served the driver alcohol. To succeed in such a lawsuit, you must prove that the establishment knew or should have known that the driver was intoxicated at the time it served them alcohol. You must also prove that the driver’s intoxication caused your injuries.

Filing a Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Accident in Vancouver

After a drunk driving accident in Vancouver, it is important to identify all liable parties to obtain full and fair compensation. The drunk driver may not carry enough insurance, making it difficult to collect the money you need to fully recover. If your attorney can prove that the bar or restaurant shared in liability, the finder of fact may award you significantly more damages.

If you are successful in a dram shop lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Oregon, you may also be able to recover punitive damages, which are designed to punish the establishment for its negligent behavior.

An experienced Vancouver personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options if you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver.

Contact Our Vancouver Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you are not alone. Contact a Vancouver drunk driving accident attorney from Schauermann Thayer to begin exploring all your legal options. Please contact us today and request a free initial consultation. If you can contact us today by filling out a contact form, or calling now (360) 695-4244 to schedule a free consultation. We are prepared to help.