Spokane Drunk Driving Accident Guide
- Key Takeaways for Spokane Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Why Choose Fannin Litigation Group After a Drunk Driving Crash?
- Spokane Drunk Driving Accidents: The Local Picture
- What Damages Can Be Recovered After a DUI Crash?
- What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Spokane
- Can Bars or Restaurants Be Held Liable in Spokane DUI Accidents?
- Criminal Charges vs. Civil Claims: What’s the Difference?
- Serious Injuries Often Seen in Drunk Driving Crashes
- FAQs for Spokane Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Contact a Spokane Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Key Takeaways for Spokane Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Drunk driving crashes remain a significant public safety concern in Spokane, with over 200 alcohol-involved collisions reported in one recent year.
- Victims of DUI crashes often suffer long-term injuries, financial losses, and emotional trauma that go far beyond the initial impact.
- Washington law allows injured victims to pursue compensation from impaired drivers and, in some cases, the establishments that overserved them.
- Building a strong claim requires thorough investigation, medical documentation, and a clear understanding of fault and liability laws.
- Fannin Litigation Group offers personal attention and proven results, with a 99% trial win rate and a history of securing millions for injured clients.
- Consultations are free, and our attorney and team are available 24/7 by appointment to discuss your case and next steps.
Why Choose Fannin Litigation Group After a Drunk Driving Crash?
Fannin Litigation Group believes every client and case requires personal attention and exceptional care. There are several reasons why so many clients throughout Spokane and the surrounding areas choose our firm for help after a serious DUI crash, including:
Direct access to a trial-tested attorney
You’ll work with experienced attorneys who know how to prepare cases for trial, not just settlement.
A reputation built on results
Our team has a 99% success rate of securing life-changing settlements and verdicts, including in complex and high-stakes cases, including a recent $1 million wrongful death drunk driving case.
Rooted in Spokane
We live and work in the Spokane community and understand the courts, roads, and local systems that affect your case.
Empathetic, client-first approach
We take time to listen, understand your goals, and support you through every step of the process.
Contingency-based representation
You pay nothing out of pocket. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.
Spokane Drunk Driving Accidents: The Local Picture
Alcohol-impaired crashes are still a top contributor to fatal accidents across Washington, accounting for about one-quarter of all traffic accidents. In 2023, Spokane recorded at least 204 alcohol-related crashes and two fatalities, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Drunk driving crashes often occur late at night, especially on weekends. Areas near downtown Spokane, Division Street, and North Monroe see a high number of these accidents.
Victims of drunk drivers are often treated at MultiCare Deaconess Hospital, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, and Providence Sacred Heart, which are equipped to handle serious trauma resulting from car crashes.
What Damages Can Be Recovered After a DUI Crash?
If someone else’s drinking caused your injuries, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for more than just your hospital bill. Washington law allows injured victims to pursue economic and non-economic damages.
Common damages in DUI crash claims include:
- Emergency and long-term medical expenses
- Lost income from time off work
- Reduced earning capacity for permanent injuries
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Costs for physical therapy, mobility aids, or home modifications
- Loss of enjoyment of life or strained relationships
Insurance companies often undervalue claims or rush to settle early. Having an experienced Spokane drunk driving accident lawyer helps ensure you’re not pressured into accepting less than what your recovery is worth.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Spokane
If you’ve already received medical care, you’ve taken the most important first step. But protecting your legal claim involves more than just treatment.
Here are key steps to take now:
- Hire a lawyer – Your attorney can deal with the insurance companies and handle legal strategy so you can focus on healing.
- Keep all medical appointments – Gaps in treatment can be used to discredit your injuries.
- Document your recovery – Use a journal or short videos to record your daily pain, emotional struggles, and how the injury affects your routines.
- Save physical evidence – Keep clothing, photos of the vehicle, or anything related to the crash.
- Avoid direct contact with the driver or their insurer – Let your attorney handle all communications to avoid statements being used against you.
These steps not only strengthen your case but also give you more control over the process and your future.
Can Bars or Restaurants Be Held Liable in Spokane DUI Accidents?
In some DUI crash cases, the drunk driver isn’t the only party who may be held responsible. Under Washington’s dram shop law (RCW 66.44.200), a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-serving establishment may be held liable if it served alcohol to someone who was clearly intoxicated and that person later caused an accident.
This law exists to prevent businesses from over-serving patrons and putting the public at risk. If the impaired driver in your case was visibly drunk at a licensed venue before getting behind the wheel, that business may share financial responsibility for your injuries.
Pursuing a dram shop claim adds complexity to your case, but it can also open up additional insurance coverage and recovery options. The attorneys at Fannin Litigation Group are experienced in building strong personal injury cases against negligent third parties when applicable.
Criminal Charges vs. Civil Claims: What’s the Difference?
If the drunk driver is facing DUI charges, that’s a separate criminal process handled by the State of Washington. Criminal penalties may include jail time, fines, or license suspension, but they won’t help you recover your medical bills, lost wages, or other damages.
That’s where a civil claim comes in. You don’t have to wait for the criminal case to finish before starting your own legal action. In fact, civil cases often move faster, and the evidence collected by law enforcement, such as field sobriety test results or BAC levels, can help strengthen your claim.
A Spokane drunk driving accident lawyer with Fannin Litigation Group will keep you informed about the status of both proceedings and make sure that your rights and financial recovery remain front and center.
Serious Injuries Often Seen in Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving crashes tend to be violent and high-impact. Victims may suffer from long-term injuries that affect every area of life—from mobility and independence to their ability to work or care for family.
We commonly see injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crushed limbs
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and disfigurement
- Burn injuries from vehicle fires
These injuries often require extended hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and lifelong adjustments. We help clients pursue compensation not only for the immediate effects but for the future impact as well.
FAQs for Spokane Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
How long do I have to file a DUI injury claim in Washington?
Washington’s statute of limitations (RCW 4.16.080) generally allows three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, building a strong case takes time. The sooner you reach out, the better positioned we are to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault, but your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. An experienced DUI crash attorney can help minimize unfair blame.
What does it cost to hire a Spokane drunk driving accident lawyer?
At Fannin Litigation Group, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we recover money for you.
Can I sue if the driver was arrested but not convicted?
Yes. A civil injury claim is independent of a criminal conviction. Even if the driver is not convicted or pleads to a lesser charge, you may still be able to prove they were at fault in a civil court.
Who pays for my damages if the drunk driver has no insurance?
If the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to turn to your own insurance policy for coverage, specifically under your UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured motorist) coverage. We help clients explore all possible sources of recovery.
Contact a Spokane Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Drunk driving accidents change lives in an instant—but what happens after doesn’t have to leave you powerless. If someone else’s reckless decision put you or your family in harm’s way, you deserve strong, compassionate legal representation that positions you for the best possible outcome.
At Fannin Litigation Group, our Spokane personal injury attorneys take the time to listen, investigate, and build a case that truly reflects the full impact this crash has had on your life. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review your legal options, and we’re available 24/7 by appointment.
Wondering if you have a valid claim? Attorney Pat Fannin makes finding claims a priority. Get your free case evaluation today. Call (509)328-8204 or contact us online.”
Fannin Litigation Group, P.S. – Spokane office Location
Address: 1312 N. Monroe Street, Spokane, Washington 99201
ATTORNEY PATRICK K. FANNIN
Patrick K. Fannin brings a unique combination of legal excellence, practical business experience, and genuine community connection to every case he handles. As the owner of Fannin Litigation Group, he has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy and superior results in complex personal injury matters throughout Washington State and beyond. [ATTORNEY BIO]
If you are hurt, call Patrick immediately. Not only is he an amazing human being, he is an incredible attorney. Patient, tenacious, dedicated, compassionate, knowledgeable and wise… I could go on and on. Pat has helped me win several cases. The most memorable has to be a personal injury case against a major computer retailer. Pat has a way of making you feel like everything is going to be okay, and it will be. He brings peace of mind instantly, and you can feel his honesty and care right away. He is genuine, through and through. And he’s also a fighter, with his biggest weapon being his knowledge of the law and his creative use of it. He will uncover all of the rocks and help you carry them. If you are still considering other attorneys, forget about it. Call Pat. / Brandon Hunter
Our private , small neighborhood was under attack by a malicious and unwarranted lawsuit. We hired Pat Fannin to represent all of us and to settle this case without loosing any of our rights. Mr. Fannin did an outstanding job prioritizing our needs and getting us exactly what we needed. He is extremely personal, prompt and knowledgeable. We can now rest easy in our fabulous neighborhood. Hopefully we will not need his services again, but if we do, we would be honored to hire him again. / Patricia Graham
Pat is the best! Knowledgeable, caring, honest and goes above and beyond to help his clients. At the time I came in, I was like a zombie who thought her life was over due to a car accident. I reached out to other attorneys until my friend recommended Pat. Other attorneys didn't even meet me, they had some assistant fill out a basic form. Pat sat down with me, had compassion for my injury, and walked me through every step. It was his knowledge and guidance that sent me down the path of recovery where I am once again a functional adult with no debt from my accident. Highly recommend!!! / Ted Smith
Recent Blog
Calculating pain and suffering in Washington involves evaluating how an injury affects your daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, these non-economic damages lack receipts or invoices, making them harder to quantify but no less real. Many people assume insurers use a simple formula to determine what pain and suffering is worth. In reality, Washington law provides no mandatory calc [read more]
