Updated on: 4/3/2020
A man is in jail and a woman and 3 children were hospitalized Sunday after a rollover vehicle crash near Alki Beach in Seattle.
The collision occurred just after noon on Sunday near the 1500 block of Alki Avenue when the drunk driver behind the wheel of his Honda Civic crashed into a parked car and flipped his vehicle, injuring himself and his four passengers.
The driver showed signs of impairment after being transported to the hospital and eventually a warrant for a blood test was issued.
The driver was booked into King County Jail after release from the hospital.
Rights For Passengers In A Drunk Driving Crash
Every drunk driving accident is preventable, and drivers are lucky when a drunk driving collision does not involve another vehicle full of people. Unfortunately as we see in accidents like this, drunk drivers do not always driver alone, and can put children directly at risk by driving with passengers.
Thankfully reports have not indicated that the children or woman injured in this crash were seriously hurt, but whether injuries appear serious at this time or not the impacts of a collision especially in children can take time to become apparent.
Fortunately for accident victims like the woman and children injured in this crash, their rights as passengers and accident victims are no different from a victim in another vehicle.
What If The At Fault Driver Is A Family Member?
With two adults and 3 children in the vehicle at the time of the collision, it would appear, though it has not been stated or confirmed, that the injured parties in this crash are related to the at fault driver.
Crashes that involve a claim against a family member can add an extra layer of complications to what is already a confusing and complex process for accident victims.
If you are injured as a passenger in the car with a family member who is under the same policy and at fault, the policy then would be representing both sides of your claim, as any uninsured or underinsured motorist protection (UIM), personal injury protection (PIP), or other coverage you might have personally would work along side the liability coverage that would be available to injured parties aside from the driver.
Unfortunately with all parties having to draw from a single policy, there is a high likelihood that coverage, including any existing UIM could be exhausted if any injured parties sustained more serious injuries or required prolonged care.
Additional Options For Drunk Driving Accident Victims
When all avenues of insurance have been explored for the victims in a drunk driving accident, experienced drunk driving attorneys like the team at Davis Law Group know that in some cases, Dram Shop Law may apply and be a resource for additional recovery options.
When an attorney pursues a dram shop claim it involves complex investigation into the at fault driver, and a bar or restaurant where they may have drank prior to the accident.
In Washington State it is illegal for an establishment licensed to serve alcohol to people who appear to be intoxicated, and by over serving someone who then causes an accident, the establishment itself could be held accountable like they were in this case.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, it is crucial that you understand your rights as an accident victim. That's why Davis Law Group offers accident victims free case evaluations with no obligation to sign.
If you have questions about your case, call 206-727-4000 or use the chat or contact options on this page to request a free case evaluation today.
