With over 1,000+ cases successfully resolved, Rico Tessandore is the Lynnwood DUI attorney for you.
Unfortunately, DUI accidents are a common occurrence. However, you can take legal action if you were injured or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence
Defendants facing DUI charges hire attorneys too. Their job is to present a convincing argument that alcohol and drugs were not a significant factor in the crash. If you can’t offer enough evidence to prove the defendant’s negligence, you may not receive compensation.
Thankfully, you can avoid this by having a Lynnwood DUI accident lawyer on your side. As an expert in the court system, the discovery process, and finding a DUI defendant culpable of negligent harm, your attorney will back up your story with facts and records.
Based on the severity of the case, personal injury claims involving DUI crashes may be settled directly with insurance companies, heard in Lynnwood Municipal Court, or brought to Snohomish County’s Superior Court.
In a Washington study conducted from 2005-2016, 50% of roadway fatalities involved a DUI. Drivers impaired by multiple substances (alcohol and drugs or a mix of drugs) were more than three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. In 2014, a study found that one in six drivers involved in fatal crashes in Washington State had THC in their system.
According to the Washington Department of Licensing, a driver is subject to a DUI charge if a breathalyzer or blood test shows:
Rico Tessandore has vast experience in a range of personal injury cases. The firm has represented thousands of clients who suffer accidents caused by negligence. Having the right attorney on your side after an accident can significantly impact your quality of life. Your Lynnwood DUI accident attorney is ready to investigate your case and help defend your rights.
Your Lynnwood DUI accident attorney can also negotiate your claim with your insurance provider. Insurance companies may send a lowball offer after an accident, which won’t fool an experienced attorney. Your lawyer is knowledgeable about how much coverage you are entitled to and will defend your right to treatment.
Hiring an attorney can even help with your medical recovery. DUI accident attorneys build professional relationships with medical providers who treat their clients. They may be able to recommend a specialist for your unique treatment plan. If your case does not settle outside of court, your Lynnwood DUI accident lawyer is prepared to defend you before a judge.
Washington law defines many DUI cases as negligent driving in the first degree. This charge applies to any driver that endangers another person or property while under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Because personal injury law is a form of tort law, damage or harm caused by human negligence is subject to a personal injury claim.
Unlike some states, Washington does not perform sobriety checkpoints where law enforcement officers randomly check drivers for signs of driving under the influence. Marijuana is also legal throughout the state for both recreational and medicinal use. Drivers are permitted to operate a vehicle under the legal limit. They may have up to 5 nanograms of THC concentration per millimeter of blood in their system.
The Washington State personal injury statute of limitations is three years after the date of the accident. A person harmed by a drug or alcohol-impaired driver must open a personal injury claim within three years. After that, they cannot collect financial compensation.
Washington law examines cases for contributory fault, meaning both parties can be found responsible for an accident. A plaintiff may be found partially at fault if an investigation finds that their negligent behavior, such as speeding, contributed to the accident. In this case, a judge may award the plaintiff a reduced amount of compensation.
If a driver has harmed you while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the first steps after the accident are critical to a successful personal injury case. With Rico Tessendore, you’ll find a Lynnwood DUI accident attorney who will hear your side of the story and be your expert legal advocate.
Whether you’ve suffered property damage, bodily injury, or emotional suffering, you deserve compensation. While you focus on treatment and recovery, your DUI accident attorney will deal with insurance providers, medical professionals, and the Washington court system.
Now that you’ve learned what to do after you suffer a DUI accident in Lynnwood, contact Rico Tessendore and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with hiring an expert attorney.