Bellevue DUI Accident Lawyer

Driving under the influence (DUI) remains one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of motor vehicle accidents in Bellevue and throughout Washington State. Every year, impaired drivers take to the roads, placing innocent lives at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of people die each year in alcohol-related crashes, many of them passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

For survivors, the aftermath can be devastating. DUI crashes often result in severe injuries, including brain injuries, spinal trauma, broken bones, and in tragic cases, wrongful death. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, victims face financial burdens from lost wages, rising medical bills, and property damage.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, the experienced Bellevue personal injury lawyers at Brumley Law Firm, PLLC are ready to help. We provide trusted legal representation across King County and surrounding areas, including Seattle, Everett, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, and Tacoma. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice and fair compensation.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your DUI Accident Case?

At Brumley Law Firm, we understand that DUI accidents are not just “car accidents”, they are the result of reckless, illegal behavior. These cases require a careful and strategic legal approach to hold drunk drivers accountable and recover the maximum compensation possible.

Our law firm has handled hundreds of personal injury claims, including complex DUI accident cases. With nearly a decade of legal experience, we’ve resolved over 300 cases in the past year alone, demonstrating our commitment to securing justice for our clients across Bellevue and Washington State.

Here’s what sets our firm apart:

• Years of experience handling DUI cases, personal injury law, and civil claims.
• Deep familiarity with Washington’s DUI laws, including civil and criminal liability.
• A results-driven team of personal injury attorneys and criminal defense lawyers who understand how to build a strong case.
• Empathetic, personalized legal assistance throughout the process.

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, don’t let the insurance company undervalue your claim. Contact our law office today to speak with a DUI lawyer who can provide clear legal advice and take immediate action on your behalf.

How a Bellevue DUI Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case

Pursuing a DUI-related personal injury claim is not always straightforward. In addition to your medical recovery, you’ll be facing legal and procedural hurdles, especially if the at-fault driver is facing criminal charges. This is where a knowledgeable DUI accident lawyer can make a critical difference.

At Brumley Law Group, we will:

• Investigate the crash thoroughly to gather essential evidence like police reports, blood alcohol content (BAC) results, dash cam footage, and medical records.
• Identify all liable parties, including not only the driver but potentially bars, restaurants, or social hosts under Washington’s Dram Shop laws.
• Work with expert witnesses, law enforcement, and accident reconstructionists to prove driving under the influence was a contributing factor.
• Handle all communication with the insurance company, preventing them from using tactics to minimize or deny your compensation.
• Seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.

Time is critical after a DUI crash. The sooner you begin working with a qualified Bellevue DUI lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case and receiving fair compensation.

Civil DUI Cases vs. Criminal DUI Cases

While DUI accidents often involve criminal investigations, it’s important to understand the difference between criminal defense proceedings and civil personal injury claims.

• A criminal DUI case is initiated by the State of Washington and focuses on punishing the offender through jail time, license suspension, fines, or mandatory treatment.
• A civil DUI case, on the other hand, is initiated by the victim and focuses on securing financial compensation for injuries and losses.

Even if the drunk driver is not convicted of a crime, civil liability can still be established. Civil courts have a lower burden of proof, meaning that you can win your case even if the driver avoids conviction. This is crucial for victims who need restitution for the financial toll of auto accidents, especially when dealing with serious injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Potential Liability in DUI Accident Cases

In Washington State, liability in DUI accidents is most commonly assigned to the intoxicated driver. However, other parties may also share responsibility under the right circumstances.

Drunk Driver Liability

A person operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs is inherently negligent. If their blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit, or if their driving behavior demonstrates impairment, they are liable for resulting damages.

Dram Shop Liability in Washington

Under Washington’s Dram Shop laws, businesses or establishments that serve alcohol may be held civilly liable if they provide alcohol to:

• A visibly intoxicated person, or
• A minor under the age of 21

For example, if a bar continues serving someone who is clearly impaired and that person causes a crash, the establishment may be named in the personal injury lawsuit. This can increase the total compensation available to the victim, especially when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage.

Brumley Law Firm will evaluate whether these third-party liabilities apply in your case and pursue all available sources of compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a DUI Accident Case?

If you’ve been injured in a DUI-related crash in Bellevue or surrounding areas like Kirkland, Redmond, Everett, or Issaquah, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Our team will aggressively seek recovery for:

• Medical bills, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage to your vehicle or personal belongings
• Pain and suffering, physical and emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship, if you lost a loved one

We fight to ensure victims receive fair compensation, even when insurance companies attempt to shift blame or delay payments.

Why Time Matters After a DUI Crash in Bellevue

In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long can hurt your case. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and witnesses may become unavailable.

Additionally, insurance companies may pressure you into quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries or legal rights. Don’t accept any offers without speaking to a seasoned personal injury attorney first.

When you work with Brumley Law Firm, you’re protected. Our attorney-client relationship ensures confidentiality and loyalty from start to finish. You focus on healing, we handle the legal strategy.

Contact Brumley Law Firm To Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a DUI accident in Bellevue, King County, or nearby cities in Snohomish County, you have the right to seek answers, support, and accountability.

Let our experienced team of personal injury lawyers and DUI attorneys help you hold drunk drivers accountable while pursuing the compensation you need to recover. At Brumley Law Firm, PLLC, we are committed to protecting victims’ legal rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in every case.

Call us now at (833) 832-2727 or fill out our secure online form to schedule your free consultation.

Don’t navigate the complex legal system alone. Get experienced legal guidance from a local law firm with a history of handling DUI cases in Bellevue and the Seattle area.