Car Accident Lawyer Washington
Car accidents are a major source of injury in Washington State, with motor vehicle collisions reported as the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 44. Many of these accidents are preventable. Abiding by legal speed limits, avoiding impaired driving, and maintaining attention on the road may help to prevent potentially devastating accidents.
Unfortunately, even with the utmost precautions, there is no guarantee of safety on the road. If you have been injured in a car accident in Washington, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our Washington car accident lawyers today for a free initial consultation, and learn what may be possible in your case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Washington
A car is a powerful vehicle, capable of dealing tremendous damage. Good judgment is essential to maintaining safety for everyone on the road. Unfortunately, the most common causes of car accidents involve some form of human negligence. These may include:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol;
- Distracted driving (eg. texting);
- Speeding;
- Disobeying traffic signals (eg. traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs, etc.);
- Disregarding right of way;
- Driver fatigue;
- Tailgating;
- And more.
Weather conditions are another factor often seen in car accidents. While not all inclement conditions are foreseeable, it can help to take additional precautions when getting behind the wheel in the rain or snow.
Common Injuries Stemming from Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause devastating injuries, which may be fatal. Common injuries stemming from car accidents include:
- Broken bones;
- Cuts or lacerations;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Burns;
- Back injuries;
- Internal bleeding;
- Loss of limb;
- Whiplash;
- Ankle sprains;
- Knee injuries;
- Shoulder injuries;
- And more.
Depending on the severity of the injuries, recovery can take months or even years. The injuries may lead to long-term disability. An injured accident survivor may need to take time away from work, or their injuries may render them unable to work altogether. This, combined with the costs of medical bills and other needs arising from the injury, may add up to substantial financial strain.
Steps to Take Following a Collision
The moments immediately following a car accident may be frightening and confusing. You may be in a state of shock. The first and most important thing to keep in mind is to take care of your safety. Get yourself out of harm’s way, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If the accident appears to have caused significant damage, you should call the police. If the police are not required, but the accident has caused over $1000 in damage, you will need to submit a collision report with Washington State Patrol.
If your injuries allow, try to gather as much information as possible while you are at the scene of the accident. Take pictures from a variety of angles, and gather the contact information of any other people involved.
Write down the contact information of the other driver, as well as the names and addresses of any passengers or witnesses present. Collect the other driver’s insurance company information, and record their driver’s license number, and their vehicle’s details (license plate, make, model, etc.)
How Does a Car Accident Claim Work?
Washington is a “fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the driver who was at fault for the accident is financially responsible for losses caused by the accident. This may include the costs of medical bills associated with injuries, damage to the vehicle, lost income, and more.
Most drivers in Washington have some form of insurance coverage. It is mandatory by state law to carry liability insurance, a certificate of deposit, or a liability bond for a minimum of $60,000. This coverage contributes to paying for another person’s losses in a car accident you cause.
Following a car accident in Washington, an injured accident survivor usually has several options available:
- Filing a claim with their own insurance carrier;
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company;
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Under Washington’s pure comparative negligence laws, you may still collect damages in a lawsuit associated with a car accident in which you shared blame. However, the amount you recover may be reduced in accordance with your share of that blame.
Contact a Washington car accident attorney to discuss the nuances of your particular case.
Things to Keep in Mind Following a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car collision, make sure you have the medical attention you need. Even if you aren’t certain of your injuries, or think you may be able to “walk it off,” it may be wise to see a doctor. Some injuries may not have immediate symptoms, and you may accidentally make them worse by neglecting to take action. Additionally, having a medical record regarding your injuries may help you recover the compensation you deserve should you pursue a car accident claim.
Remember that there is a statute of limitations for car accidents in Washington. Generally you have three years after the accident to commence action on your claim.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Every case is unique, and there may be many factors involved in your receiving the compensation to which you are entitled. A car accident lawyer may help you navigate your claim from start to finish. We may negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, including helping you appeal a denied claim. We may also help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, and, if needed, take the case to court.
Areas we serve include:
- Seattle
- Tacoma
- Bellevue
- Spokane
- Bellingham
- Everett
- And more
Wherever you are in Washington State, we would be happy to consult with you and see what may be possible in your case.
Contact Border Solutions Law Group for a Free Initial Consultation
Whatever the circumstances of your accident, contact us today to see how our car accident lawyers at Border Solutions Law Group might be able to help. Call us at 877-341-0315 or fill out our online form to book your free initial consultation today.