A car crash is bad enough. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents can be especially devastating. When someone else chooses to drink and drive, it could be you who suffers the dangerous effects.

You deserve more than justice for this—you deserve compensation for the suffering, financial or otherwise, you’ve experienced. That’s why you need to call a Seattle drunk driving accident lawyer.

If you’re not sure where to begin after a drunk driver hits you, contact Craig Swapp & Associates. We’ll fight for you until you receive the compensation you deserve.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases for Drunk Driving

The drunk driver in question may already be in court or be scheduled to appear in court because of the accident he or she caused. Keep in mind that the results of this criminal trial will not translate to compensation for the injuries and damages you’ve suffered.

While most car accident cases are typically claims settled between people, driving under the influence is a dangerous criminal offense, so the person in question may go to court twice—once for the criminal case and another time for your civil lawsuit seeking compensation.

However, a criminal case can help you. If the other driver is convicted of drunk driving, that makes proving your case that much easier. While you’ll still need to fight for your case, a drunk driving accident lawyer in Seattle will know how to use the results of the criminal trial to your advantage.

Compensation After a Drunk Driver Hurts You

When you’re ready and able to file for your compensation, you’ll need to consider exactly what your claim is worth. While some parts may be obvious, this process can get complicated when dealing with the intangible costs of a drunk driving accident in Seattle.

For example, calculating your medical expenses is mainly a matter of collecting the bills you’ve received, but pain and suffering damages will mostly depend on the severity of your injuries and how much your life has been or will be affected.

An experienced lawyer can help you decide what your claim is worth. You’ll just need to calculate what you’ve suffered and how much. Below are a few examples of damages you may list in your claim:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental trauma
  • Property damage

Reach Out to a Seattle Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk drivers put your health and safety at risk when they get behind the wheel. When they harm innocent drivers, something must be done. Fortunately, you have the chance to act.

A qualified and experienced lawyer will be vital in ensuring that you get the compensation you need. If you’re struggling with your case, the lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates can help—from a free consultation to review your case to the final decision in the courtroom or at the negotiation table.

To get started with your case, contact a Seattle drunk driving accident lawyer. We can be reached at 1-800-404-9000, or you can fill out the online contact form below.

Seattle Drunk Driving Accident FAQ