Authorities say alcohol was a factor in a Washington car accident involving four vehicles, which sent one person to a Seattle hospital. According to a news report in the Columbia Basin Herald, a 23-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault and DUI. The driver was apparently driving at a high rate of speed and lost control of his car, causing a chain reaction crash involving three other cars, which were legally parked on the street and thankfully, not occupied. The suspected drunk driver sustained head injuries. His passenger suffered facial injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The suspected drunk driver reportedly did not have car insurance.
Drunk driving is a serious crime in the state of Washington. It is against Washington law (Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502) to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. When a drunk driver injures or kills individuals other than himself, he could not only face criminal charges, but may also be held civilly liable for his wrongdoing.
If the driver who is found responsible for the injury accident is not insured or carries insufficient insurance in Washington State, then, victims may be able to claim compensation through the uninsured or underinsured motorist clause of their car insurance policy. However, insurance companies will do all they can to stall or outright avoid paying such claims. That’s because insurance companies are not on your (the victim’s) side. They’re in this business to maximize profits. Insurance companies will find every possible excuse to avoid compensating victims.
If you have been injured in a car accident involving a drunk or negligent driver, please contact the skilled Seattle personal injury lawyers with The Bernard Law Group, who will fight for your legal rights and make sure that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. We always offer a free consultation to injured victims and their families. Contact Kirk Bernard and his dedicated legal team today for more information.
Source: http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/11/26/news/doc4b05bcd3ce776444479240.txt