In Washington, auto accidents could lead to fatalities according to the circumstances. Common causes of auto accidents include but aren’t limited to road conditions, faulty repairs, and the condition of the driver. Exhausted driving can also lead to fatalities in auto accidents. A local auto accident injury lawyer in Bellingham, WA helps victims and their families.
When the Driver Is Drunk
Any driver who is drunk during an accident will get convicted of a DUI. The officers who arrive on the scene will conduct a breathalyzer test for any driver suspected of a DUI. If the driver is taken to the hospital, the doctor will conduct a toxicology screening to assess the driver’s blood alcohol content.
Additional Criminal Charges
Drunk drivers who cause accidents could face additional criminal charges if the victim doesn’t survive the accident. In fact, the outcome of the accident could lead to vehicular homicide or manslaughter charges. The age of the victim and the driver’s blood alcohol content reading define which charge is applied.
How Compensation Is Provided to the Victim or Their Family
A civil lawsuit is filed to collect compensation for auto accident victims. The claim is filed when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or adequate coverage to pay the victim’s expenses. On the other hand, if the driver is guilty of a crime such as a DUI, the outcome of the criminal case could include restitution, which is paid to victims or their families.
Wrongful Death Lawsuits
After a victim dies, their family could file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. The claims could provide the family of the victim with compensation that includes the victim’s lifetime earnings. The valuation is calculated according to the individual’s life expectancy due to age and existing medical conditions.
In Washington, auto accidents could lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and major property damage. The drivers involved in the accident are held accountable according to the role they played. The at-fault driver must provide compensation to the victim or their families. Victims who need to file legal claims can contact an auto accident injury lawyer in Bellingham, WA by visiting Sitename right now. You can also follow them on Twitter.
