Puyallup DUI Accident Lawyer

A drunk driving accident can change a person’s life in an instant. For victims and their families, the aftermath often brings painful injuries, emotional distress, and mounting financial losses. In Puyallup, where local roads connect neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, the danger of sharing the road with an impaired driver is a reality many residents face.

When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the consequences can be devastating. Accident victims may find themselves struggling with medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and the uncertainty of what comes next. Families may face the unthinkable loss of a loved one due to vehicular homicide caused by another’s negligent actions.

At Brumley Law Firm, our Puyallup personal injury lawyers understand these challenges. We are dedicated to protecting clients’ rights, holding impaired drivers accountable through the legal process, and pursuing the compensation our clients may be entitled to under the law. If you or someone you love has been injured in a DUI crash, our team is here to guide you through the entire process with compassion and knowledge.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your DUI Accident Case in Puyallup?

Hiring the right legal representation can make all the difference in your recovery and your case’s outcome. Brumley Law Firm has represented clients in DUI accident cases throughout Pierce County, advocating for their interests based on the specific circumstances involved.

Here’s why Puyallup residents turn to us:

• Former Insurance Attorney Advantage: Founding attorney Joshua Brumley previously worked as an insurance defense attorney. This unique perspective gives our team valuable insight into how insurance companies and their defense attorneys try to minimize claims, and allows us to stay one step ahead when negotiating on behalf of our clients.
• Focused on Personal Injury: Our law firm concentrates exclusively on personal injury law. This focus ensures that every case we handle, including car accidents, benefits from deep experience and targeted strategies.
• Proven Results: We’ve represented clients seeking compensation for accident-related losses, including medical expenses and lost income, depending on the unique facts of each case.
• Client-Centered Approach: We work hard to understand the unique circumstances of each client’s life, injuries, and goals. Our commitment to compassion and clarity means clients can trust us to handle their legal concerns while they focus on healing.

Client Testimonials

Our reputation is built on the voices of the people we serve. Here’s what some of our clients have shared:

“The Brumley Law Firm treated me like family. They explained every step clearly and fought tirelessly to secure a settlement that covered my medical bills and more.”

“Joshua and his team worked hard on my behalf. Their knowledge of the law and understanding of what I was going through made all the difference.”

“I felt supported from the first free initial consultation through the end of my case. They genuinely care about their clients and their lives.”

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

When you hire a Puyallup DUI accident lawyer at Brumley Law Firm, you gain a team that provides comprehensive services:

• Case Evaluation: We investigate the crash, review police reports, field sobriety tests, and blood tests, and determine all sources of liability.
• Evidence Collection: Our attorneys gather crucial evidence, from witness statements to accident reconstruction reports, to strengthen your claim.
• Negotiations: We engage directly with insurance adjusters and defense attorneys, pushing back against attempts to undervalue your case.
• Trial Representation: If necessary, our legal team is ready to represent your interests in court.
• Expert Consultations: We work with medical professionals, economic experts, and accident reconstructionists to determine the full scope of your damages.

From start to finish, our services are designed to protect your interests and to pursue full and fair compensation based on your individual circumstances.

Common Types of DUI Accident Cases

In Puyallup and across Pierce County, DUI accident cases often involve serious or fatal consequences. Some of the most common types we handle include:

• Head-on collisions caused by impaired drivers drifting across lanes.
• Rear-end crashes at intersections near downtown Puyallup.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, particularly near schools, parks, and the Riverwalk Trail.
• Fatal accidents and vehicular homicide resulting from reckless impaired driving.
• Multi-vehicle crashes on highways such as State Route 512 or Meridian Avenue.

Each case presents unique circumstances, but our attorneys investigate every detail to build the strongest possible claim.

DUI Accident Statistics You Should Know

Understanding the scale of drunk driving accidents helps underscore why aggressive legal representation matters.

• In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes nationwide, on average, one person every 42 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Alcohol-impaired driving is responsible for about 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Between 2018 and 2022, during the month of December alone, there were more than 4,750 deaths in drunk driving traffic crashes, as reported in the NHTSA Drive Sober Campaign.
• In Washington State, fatal crashes involving alcohol or drug-positive drivers increased, with 243 impairment-involved fatal crashes in 2022, compared to 205 the year prior, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC).
• Among fatal crashes nationwide, 33% of all single-vehicle fatal crashes involve a driver impaired by alcohol, compared to about 14% in multi-vehicle fatal crashes, according to the NHTSA.

These statistics highlight that DUI accidents are not rare anomalies, they represent a systemic danger on roads, especially in Washington State. For victims and families in Puyallup, these trends underscore how crucial it is to have knowledgeable legal counsel navigating the complex claims and liability issues that arise after a drunk driving crash.

Compensation You Can Obtain in a DUI Accident Case

Victims of DUI accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation. Our Puyallup personal injury attorneys work to ensure no avenue for recovery is overlooked. Available damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery, as well as diminished future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
• Economic Damages: Reimbursement for financial losses directly tied to the accident.
• Punitive Damages: While Washington law generally does not allow punitive damages in personal injury cases, other types of compensation may be available in cases involving egregious conduct.

What is the Process for Filing a DUI Accident Claim?

Filing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident involves several important steps. Our lawyers guide you through the entire process, which typically includes:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and create a medical record of your injuries.
2. Consult Legal Counsel: Schedule a free case review with Brumley Law Firm to discuss your options.
3. Investigation and Evidence Collection: We investigate the accident, review field sobriety tests, and consult experts.
4. File a Claim: We file a personal injury claim on your behalf, identifying all liable parties.
5. Negotiations with Insurance Companies: Our attorneys negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement.
6. Court Representation: If necessary, we present your case in court and work toward a favorable outcome.
7. Collect Compensation: Once resolved, you receive compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Statute of Limitations in a Puyallup DUI Accident Claim

Under Washington State law, victims generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Failing to act within this timeframe may result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Certain unique circumstances, such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries, may extend or alter this timeline. That is why timely consultation with legal counsel is critical. Our attorneys work hard to ensure deadlines are met and your claims are preserved.

Elements of Negligence in a DUI Accident Claim

To succeed in a DUI-related personal injury claim, the following elements must be proven:

1. Duty of Care: The driver had a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely.
2. Breach of Duty: Operating a vehicle under the influence is a clear breach of that duty.
3. Causation: The impaired driving directly caused the accident and resulting injuries.
4. Damages: Victims sustained measurable losses such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to demonstrate these elements and establish liability.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Washington follows a pure comparative fault system, which means even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but were found 20% at fault, you would still recover $80,000. This underscores the importance of having knowledgeable personal injury attorneys to minimize unfair fault assignments by insurance companies or prosecutors.

Contact a Puyallup DUI Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Puyallup or anywhere in Pierce County, you do not need to face the consequences alone. Brumley Law Firm’s team of DUI accident attorneys is ready to investigate your case, protect your interests, and work hard to secure the compensation you deserve.

Our lawyers provide free consultations and free initial case reviews to help victims understand their rights. You can reach out to our firm at (833) 740-2275 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your legal options.