DUI Injury Lawyer in Vancouver, WA
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than one million drivers were arrested for DUI in 2016. Alcohol impairment was involved in 10,497 traffic fatalities, accounting for 28% of all traffic-related deaths. If you or your loved one has been injured by DUI, contact Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC in Vancouver, WA. We proudly serve Vancouver as tough advocates for injured people.
Why Choose Us?
- We maintain a small caseload to ensure our ability to give you and your case the personal attention you deserve.
- Our Vancouver, WA car accident attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience and a reputation for success.
- We are honest and transparent with our clients and will act at all times in your best interests.
Washington Drunk Driving Accident Facts
As stated by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), a driver may be charged with DUI if the results of a breath or blood test show blood alcohol content of:
- .08 or higher for adults (age 21 and older)
- .04 or higher for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders
- .02 or higher for minors (under the age of 21)
Regardless of blood alcohol content, a driver may be charged with DUI if found to be driving under the influence or affected by alcohol, any drug or any combination of drugs and alcohol. As of August 1, 2012, this includes any chemical ingested or inhaled for intoxicating or hallucinatory effects, such as marijuana.
Despite the legal prohibitions against driving under the influence, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that, statewide in 2015, the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were:
- 259 traffic fatalities involving drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs
- 367 DUI traffic crashes that caused serious injuries
Who Is Liable?
If we represent you in a Vancouver DUI injury matter, we will investigate your accident and all surrounding circumstances. We will determine if the drunk driver who caused the accident had previous DUI charges and whether the drunk driver was operating the vehicle in the course of his or her employment. We will also investigate whether a bar or restaurant continued to serve alcohol to the drunk driver when he or she was visibly intoxicated to determine whether dram shop laws apply.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Under state law, Washington is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that the amount awarded in compensatory damages for your injuries and losses diminishes in proportion to the degree of fault attributed to you. For example, if your damages amount to $100,000 and you are found to be 10% at fault for the accident, you are eligible to receive $90,000 in damages.
The insurance company will try to assign fault to the victim in the highest percentage possible to minimize costs. It is in your best interests to have experienced legal counsel and tough advocates by your side in negotiations or trial.
At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC in Vancouver, we are a team of aggressive negotiators and experienced trial lawyers who will not hesitate to take your case to trial to pursue the maximum compensation possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no attorney fee to you until we recover compensation on your behalf. From Vancouver truck accident lawsuits to car crashes, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today
DUI injuries can be serious with extensive medical treatment and long-term consequences for victims. Call Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC today to schedule a consultation if you have been injured by a DUI driver.