No matter how careful you are behind the wheel in Spokane Valley, you’re always at risk for being in a potential accident. In some situations though, you’re more at risk–particularly if another driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A man was arrested in Spokane Valley on Sunday, December 17, 2023 after he crashed head-on into a woman driving in the opposite lane of State Route 27 in Spokane Valley, according to a story from Fox 28. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) responded to a call of an accident around 12:15 p.m., where they found that a 46-year-old man had severely injured a 65-year-old woman in the head-on collision.
The woman was transported to a local hospital, while WSP arrested the man on charges of vehicular assault. WSP investigators say that drugs and alcohol contributed to the accident. Both lanes of State Route 27 were closed for several hours, but have since been reopened.
Do You Have to Prove Negligence in a Spokane Valley DUI Accident?
Being injured in a car accident with a driver that’s under the influence is certainly unfortunate, but it doesn’t guarantee automatic damages in an injury claim. As a victim, you must build a case demonstrating:
- The negligent actions of the impaired driver that directly caused the injuries.
Proving negligence involves showing that the intoxicated driver acted carelessly, disregarding your safety—such as running a red light or turning in front of a car with the right-of-way.
Obviously, in situations where the person stays on the scene and is found to be impaired, this won’t be difficult. Still, you’ll need to make sure to:
- Check your injuries
- Get in touch with the police immediately
- Gather and retain duplicates of medical records and accident reports
Revisiting the crash and going over the details of the case is tough, but there’s also a restricted timeframe for you to pursue compensation. In Washington, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is three years from the accident date. Failure to file a claim within that period will mean losing the opportunity to seek financial support, something you’ll probably require for your recovery.
In DUI cases, common damages sought include:
- Medical bills
- Lost time from work
- Travel expenses to and from treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of future income
- Vocational retraining
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Help From Experienced Spokane Valley DUI Accident Lawyers
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a DUI accident, the responsibility of recovering damages and managing a claim can be overwhelming. Juggling medical treatment, bills, car repairs, and the quest for normalcy in your life, all while coping with potential psychological damage, adds to the challenge.
At CCD Law, our seasoned Spokane Valley DUI accident lawyers can ease this burden by taking on the day-to-day tasks of your claim. We handle crucial aspects of a claim, like:
- Determining liability
- Gathering essential evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and experts
- Representing you against the at-fault driver’s insurance company and lawyers
Our expertise allows us to build a compelling case for damages tailored to the unique challenges of a DUI accident.
For a free case evaluation and to benefit from our experienced legal representation, contact us today.
