Kent Driving While Intoxicated Accident Lawyer
Driving while intoxicated is one of the most dangerous and deadly acts a driver can undertake. Alcohol severely limits a person’s ability to operate a vehicle because of its effect on the motor skills and decision-making that are vital to driving in a safe manner.
Despite the statistics that prove just how dangerous and deadly driving while intoxicated is, people regularly take this unnecessary risk, endangering their own lives and the lives of those around them. If you or a loved one has suffered because of an intoxicated driver’s actions in Kent, then legal options are available to you.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about 32 people die every day in the United States due to drunk driving. This crime should be treated with zero tolerance, and the reckless driver should cover any damages you or your family suffered. When you are ready to seek legal advice, the Kent driving while intoxicated accident lawyers of Herschensohn Law are ready to fight for you.
Drunk driving almost always ends poorly. If a driver does not get caught or cause an accident the first time they drive while intoxicated, they may feel empowered to do it again in the future.
In order to keep the streets of Kent safe, it is vital that if you see something, you report it. Some of the main signs that someone is driving while intoxicated are:
- Swerving
- Nearly striking objects
- Quick accelerations and decelerations
- Driving very slowly
- Erratic braking
- Failing to use headlights at night
While these signs do not automatically mean that a driver is drunk, it is useful to know the signs in case you find yourself near a potentially drunk and dangerous driver. If you believe someone is drunk, then you should report it to local authorities to protect the lives of yourself and those around you.
To report the driver:
- Pull over in a safe area or have a passenger dial 9-1-1.
- Stay as far away from them as possible to protect yourself from injury. Do not follow the driver to get more information.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to avoid an accident caused by a driver under the influence.
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, accidents involving impaired drivers make up approximately 50% of all car crash fatalities in the state.
Accidents involving driving while intoxicated are generally straightforward in Washington state. There are laws in effect that protect victims of such accidents while instilling penalties on those who commit this dangerous and sometimes deadly act.
Despite how straightforward these cases can often be, you should not try to handle them on your own. Even if your injuries are relatively minor and far from life-threatening, our Washington personal injury lawyers with experience handling driving while intoxicated accidents, can offer advice and help you identify all damages to ensure you receive optimal compensation.
Recoverable Damages
Damages that can be recovered following an accident with a drunk driver include both economic and non-economic damages. This means any medical bills or damages to your personal property can be covered as economic damages. These items have an easily identifiable monetary value associated with them. If your accident forces you to miss work or change jobs, then you could recover compensation for that as well.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering and other items that do not have a clear monetary value. For instance, if you or someone in the car with you suffers extreme life-altering injuries, then there will be a value associated with the loss of enjoyment of life or any pain suffered as a result of the accident.
If you are unsure if something qualifies, your lawyer will be able to help you determine if it does and how it relates to your compensation.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
“This was such a great experience.”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
At Herschensohn Law, we let our previous settlements speak for themselves. We have reached settlements of more than $1 million in numerous cases. While your case is unique and will produce different results than others, our lawyers have the settlement experience to prove our worth to you. Some of our previous settlements include:
- $450,000 for our client who suffered a fractured jaw and torn colon after being hit by a drunk driver
- $100,000 for our client who suffered orthopedic injuries in an accident with a drunk driver
At Herschensohn Law, our attorneys do not get paid unless you win. You do not pay us a retainer or anything out of pocket. Our payment comes out of the settlement or award you receive.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
If you have been involved in an accident with an intoxicated driver in Kent, you likely have the legal right to recover damages. These accidents can be incredibly damaging not just to your physical health but also to your mental health. It is important that you do not let the stress of the situation cloud your thinking, since you can rest assured knowing that you have options.
After your accident, seek the legal assistance of an attorney who has helped clients reach successful drunk driving accident settlements in the past. At Herschensohn Law, we are committed to our clients. When they have been injured in an accident involving the carelessness of another, we make it our goal to get them the compensation they deserve.
When you are ready to take the next step following your accident with an intoxicated driver in Kent, call (206) 588-4344 to see how our car accident attorneys in Kent, Washington can help you. We offer free consultations, so you do not have to worry about financial hardship as you seek to recover everything that is rightfully owed to you.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.