Pendergast Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Free Consultations  |  Phones Answered 24/7

Pendergast Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Free Consultations  |  Phones Answered 24/7

Committed to helping you heal while we recover.

Fighting For Accident Victims In King County

Drivers have a responsibility to be focused, careful and fully aware, whether they are driving on a winding road to Mt. Rainier or through the heart of Renton Downtown. Using drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle is one of the most reckless things a driver can do. It should never be excused.

If you or someone you love was injured by a drunk driver, do not hesitate to contact Pendergast Law. For nearly 30 years, our dedicated Renton drunk driving accident attorneys have fought to get victims full compensation after a collision. We can use our expertise to investigate your accident and build a strong case for compensation. To get started on your case, call toll-free 888-539-9211 or contact us online and receive a free case evaluation.

There Is No Excuse For Driving While Intoxicated

Ingesting drugs or alcohol can lengthen a driver’s reaction time, making them more likely to crash or kill someone else on the road. Any driver who operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can be charged with a DUI in Washington, according to RCW 46.61.502. In addition, drivers under the age of 21 cannot operate a vehicle with any alcohol or drugs in their system. There are also restrictions for commercial drivers, such as rideshare and truck drivers, who have a legal limit of 0.04% BAC.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a crime that should be punished to the full extent of the law. However, even if a driver is charged with a DUI, it does not automatically mean that his victims will receive compensation for their injuries and trauma. King County prosecutors may pursue criminal charges against the at-fault driver, but this is not the same as the victim filing a car accident claim. To get your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages covered after a drunk driving accident, you will need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, which may not be as receptive as you hope. Instead of taking on a big insurance company on your own, work with our team at Pendergast Law. We can fight to prove that the other driver acted negligently.

Proving Intoxication In Civil Court

In your claim, you will need to prove that the other driver caused the collision with an act of negligence. This means showing that the driver was responsible for the collision by committing an action that another reasonable person would not have. Like drinking and driving.

Given that alcohol and drugs heavily impact a person’s brain, your attorney may be able to support your case by showing:

  • The driver registered a BAC above the legal limit on a breathalyzer test.
  • The police report shows the driver failed a field sobriety test.
  • Lab reports show the driver failed a chemical test.
  • Police or witness statements show the driver was swerving, braking erratically, or speeding before the collision.
  • Testimony from an accident reconstructionist shows that the driver acted recklessly before the collision.
  • Photos or videos of the collision show the driver violated the law, such as by running a red light.
  • DMV records show the driver has a history of DUIs.

Our legal team can investigate every piece of evidence in your case to support your claim. We frequently work with local experts and have the resources to pursue a case to its fullest extent. In addition to investigating your case, we can also calculate the full costs of your injuries so that you get the most out of your claim.

The Real-World Costs of Drunk Driving

Most drunk driving accidents go beyond simple property damage. In Washington state alone, 50% of all fatal accidents involve an intoxicated driver, and, on average, 149 people die every summer because of drunk driving. Those who survive may be left in the hospital for days to weeks as they recover, racking up thousands of dollars in medical bills. Unfortunately, many leave with lifelong injuries, such as paralysis, brain damage, and disfigurements.

But you should not have to pay for these costs alone. The intoxicated driver who injured you should provide medical compensation through their insurance policy. If you had to take time off work to recover or reduce your work hours, then you may recover compensation for lost wages. However, if you had to change careers, then you should also be compensated for your lost earning capacity.

Drunk driving accidents can also leave serious physical and mental scars on a victim. If you were left with chronic pain or physical discomfort, these damages should also be included your claim. As for mental trauma, victims often have to deal with PTSD, depression, and anxiety as a result of a crash. These costs, too, should be recovered in your claim.

Representing Families After Fatal Collisions

It is a tragic fact that most drunk driving accidents are fatal. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the state of Washington, and intoxication plays a major role in these collisions. If you have lost a loved one to a drunk driver, we know that there is no amount of money that can make up for your loss. However, you should not be strapped with your loved one’s medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income and other household costs due to one reckless person’s actions.

Instead, you should pursue a wrongful death claim to recover the costs of your loved one’s passing. The intoxicated driver’s insurance company should provide compensation for:

  • Leftover medical expenses
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning potential
  • Household duties
  • Loss of consortium, love and companionship

Speak To A Dedicated Renton Car Accident Attorney

At Pendergast Law, we believe that accident victims deserve full compensation after being injured by intoxicated drivers. There is no excuse for these types of accidents, and our Renton personal injury attorneys have the experience to hold an intoxicated driver accountable for your injuries.

For nearly 30 years, our firm has stood up for accident victims and their families after serious crashes. We have a consistent track record of success and are not afraid to stand up to big insurance companies. We offer every potential client a free consultation to talk about what happened, so there is no cost to contacting us. Call Pendergast Law today toll-free at 888-539-9211 and learn how we can fight for you.