Tacoma Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Pierce County Drunk Driving Injury Representation Since 1984
When an impaired driver causes serious harm, the path to compensation is rarely straightforward. Becker Franklin Rovang has represented injured clients in Tacoma and throughout Pierce County for more than 40 years, recovering over $50 million for the wrongfully injured in this area. Those results reflect decades of litigation work in the same courts and communities where your case can be decided. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, but they do reflect a firm that works to take every case to its strongest resolution.
Owner Steve C. Franklin spent 20 years in the Navy JAG Corps as both prosecutor and defense attorney. That background shapes how we approach every claim: disciplined case analysis, strategic preparation, and a willingness to try a case in Pierce County Superior Court when settlement doesn’t serve the client. Our firm is recognized by the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of U.S. attorneys, as well as by Avvo and Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers.
Contact our Tacoma drunk driving accident attorneys by calling (360) 800-3009 for a free consultation today.
How We Handle a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Tacoma
A drunk driving crash can produce a civil claim that’s far more complex than a standard car accident. The at-fault driver’s intoxication creates clear negligence, but the full picture of liability and the full scope of your recoverable damages requires thorough investigation. Our attorneys handle every stage of that process, from the initial consultation through documentation, insurer negotiations, and, when necessary, trial.
Washington’s statute of limitations under RCW 4.16.080 gives most injury claimants three years from the date of the crash to file. That window may feel long, but evidence deteriorates quickly, and insurers start building their defense early. Washington’s comparative fault rules also mean an insurer may attempt to shift partial blame to you. We counter those tactics with documentation and, when needed, litigation. Civil claims also proceed independently of any criminal DUI charges against the driver. You don’t need to wait for the criminal case to resolve before pursuing compensation.
Recoverable damages in a drunk driving claim can include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Washington doesn’t allow punitive damages in personal injury cases, including drunk driving claims, so the focus is on pursuing the full measure of your economic and non-economic losses. We also investigate third-party liability under Washington’s dram shop statutes, which can extend the sources of recovery available to you. Our representation is on a contingency fee basis: no upfront costs, and we collect fees only upon a successful recovery.
- Free initial consultation: We review the facts of your crash and explain your legal options without cost or obligation.
- Full claims management: Our attorneys handle documentation, deadlines, and insurer communications so you can focus on healing.
- Dram shop investigation: We identify whether a bar, restaurant, or other alcohol vendor contributed to the crash and pursue those claims alongside your primary claim.
- Trial-ready representation: We prepare every case as though it will go before a jury in Pierce County Superior Court. We follow through when settlement isn’t in your interest.
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“Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time.”
- KCI never left a review after the incredible services this law firm provided me. I was in a car accident. Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time. I was new to living in the area and felt so comfortable and supported by him. Five years later…. They still send me birthday cards. I know, I know…. It may seem silly, but this is such a sweet gesture! 10/10 Recommend.
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“The team I got to work with was fantastic!”
- Stephanie W.The team I got to work with was fantastic! They are very responsive, kind, and understanding. I was lucky enough to get their help for a complicated situation and am very glad I found them and chose to work with them on my case. Highly recommend!
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“Set realistic expectations and delivered.”
The whole team helped resolve my suit as expeditiously as possible with an ultimately acceptable outcome. Good communication and wonderful people to work with, set realistic expectations and delivered. 10/10 would not advise getting in a car wreck, but if you do these are the people to call!- Colin S. -
“They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing!”
I worked with Steve for over a year and him and his team are absolutely amazing! They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing! When he explained things to me he always broke it down so I understood exactly what was happening and of- Lauren R.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Becker Franklin Rovang, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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- Former Client
Extremely professional and thorough. The effort, time and patience they have given me is second to none. So well prepared that the opposing party conceded right away and the rest went very smoothly. Thanks to Ian, Destiny, and the rest of the staff. I highly recommend them for your legal needs.
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- KC
I never left a review after the incredible services this law firm provided me. I was in a car accident. Steve Franklin was caring and extremely helpful during the traumatic time. I was new to living in the area and felt so comfortable and supported by him. Five years later…. They still send me birthday cards. I know, I know…. It may seem silly, but this is such a sweet gesture! 10/10 Recommend.
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- Stephanie W.
The team I got to work with was fantastic! They are very responsive, kind, and understanding. I was lucky enough to get their help for a complicated situation and am very glad I found them and chose to work with them on my case. Highly recommend!
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The whole team helped resolve my suit as expeditiously as possible with an ultimately acceptable outcome. Good communication and wonderful people to work with, set realistic expectations and delivered. 10/10 would not advise getting in a car wreck, but if you do these are the people to call!- Colin S.
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I worked with Steve for over a year and him and his team are absolutely amazing! They handled my case so meticulously and didn’t miss a thing! When he explained things to me he always broke it down so I understood exactly what was happening and of- Lauren R.
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Steve and his team did an exceptional job on my case. Their persistence and dedication to ensuring I received proper recompense was unmatched, and I am thankful for their efforts. I highly recommend Becker, Franklin, and Roving for any legal needs you migh- Former Client
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- DR
I am very Lucky to have found Ian De Verna for my attorney. I was injured in a car accident and while Ian was working on my case I was hit by someone again. This time the person had no insurance I was injured again and my brand new car was totaled. Being injured again I was pretty scared but thankfully Ian took on this case for uninsured motorist against my insurance company as well. It was a challenge I am sure but Ian and his staff were very professional and caring the whole time. With all Ian's hard work he was able to get policy limits for both cases. Ian is not only good at his profession but truly cares about his clients and works very hard with his great group of people at Becker Franklin Rovang Injury office
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- Michelle S.
John Kauffman and his team were excellent in helping my husband and I settle our personal injury case. John was knowledgeable, professional, answered any questions we had and kept us informed throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for an attorney who will go to bat for you, John is your guy. Thank you again John!
Why Tacoma Drunk Driving Victims Choose Becker Franklin Rovang
Becker Franklin Rovang is a Tacoma firm with a Tacoma office, and our record in Pierce County reflects four decades of work in this community. Here’s what sets our representation apart for drunk driving accident claims:
- Over $50 million recovered in Pierce County: Our track record for injured clients in this area reflects a sustained commitment to pursuing full compensation, not fast settlements. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.
- Serving Tacoma since 1984: More than 40 years of personal injury litigation in Pierce County means familiarity with local courts, insurers, and how these cases actually resolve.
- Navy JAG-trained leadership: Steve C. Franklin’s 20 years as a military prosecutor and defense attorney in the JAG Corps brings disciplined, strategic case handling to every drunk driving claim we take on.
- Litigation-ready, not settlement-dependent: Our attorneys have extensive jury trial experience. We don’t settle cases that should go to trial.
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum recognition: Our firm holds this distinction, awarded to fewer than 1% of U.S. attorneys, reflecting our record in high-value personal injury cases.
- Built on referrals: The majority of our clients come to us through referrals from former clients and fellow attorneys. It’s a reputation earned case by case over decades.
- Contingency fee representation: You pay nothing upfront. We collect fees only when we recover compensation for you.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Tacoma & Start Your Recovery
If you’ve suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, you deserve compassionate support and clear answers. Contact Becker Franklin Rovang for a free, confidential consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Tacoma. Meet with us at our office or wherever you feel most comfortable. We go the extra mile to answer your questions clearly and provide the service you need to make informed choices about your future.
Call (360) 800-3009 today to speak with a drunk driving accident attorney in Tacoma. Our team can help you move forward and regain control of your recovery.
our case results Our Clients Always Come First
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$4,700,000 Recovery - Negligence
Recovery for disabled man neglected in Kitsap County Jail who suffered brain damage and quadriplegia.
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$3,500,000 Pedestrians / Premises Liability
Our clients, a father and toddler son, were hit by a Park’s Department vehicle in Seattle while walking to the restroom. Father sustained an arm fracture and fractured vertebrae, toddler sustained a head injury. Settlement obtained after litigation.
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$2,025,000 Pedestrian Collision
Client was catastrophically injured whenstruck by a delivery driver in Port Orchard while attempting to cross the street. Insurance company for the driver blamed our client for stepping out into the roadway in the dark and did not take any responsibility. After litigation the matter was settled before trial.
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$1,500,000 Motor Vehicle Collision
Our client was a passenger on a shuttle bus in Kitsap County. The shuttle was struck by a drunk driver. Client sustained significant spinal injuries.
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$1,300,000 Pedestrian Collision
Our client, in her 60’s, was hit by vehicle while crossing a street in Kitsap County. Extensive injuries, liability was disputed.
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$1,050,000 Motor Vehicle Collision
Clients, husband and wife, were rear- ended by an RV while waiting in line for the ferry in Edmonds. Wife had prior lumbar spine issues that were severely aggravated requiring surgery. Defense argued that the incident did not aggravate the injuries. Policy limits obtained before trial.
Award-Winning Advocacy
