Washington Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident is an unpredictable and sudden event that involves one or more vehicles. It can range from a minor fender-bender to a devastating crash and these impacts can be caused by numerous factors, like driver error or defective vehicle parts. While the outcome of a car accident will vary on a case-by-case basis, it may leave victims with physical and/or emotional distress. Financial hardships are also expected to occur, especially if medical services are needed.

But, if you are planning on suing the responsible party, you may be able to recover compensation that can help cover costs of any injuries or damages you sustained due to someone else’s negligence. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Washington car accident lawyers can guide you through each stage of the legal process to ensure you construct a strong claim and get a favorable outcome. We have recovered over $1.6 billion in financial compensation for our clients and as a result of our dedication, we are confident that we can get you the compensation you deserve.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a free consultation with an expert Washington car accident attorney, you can get in touch with us by calling 206-222-8860 or completing our convenient online contact form.

Common Types of Car Accidents

Below, we have provided an overview of the most common types of car accidents and what factors can contribute to each of them.

Rear-End Accident

Rear-end accidents occur when the front of one vehicle crashes into the back of another. This can be caused by abrupt stops, brake checking accidents, or even tailgating.

Side-Impact Accident

A side-impact accident, also known as a T-bone accident, happens when one vehicle strikes the side of another, thus appearing as a “T” shape. It usually takes place at intersections, and can be very dangerous since it is targeting a part of the vehicle that does not have substantial protection to reduce incoming contact.

Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions involve the front of one vehicle crashing into the front of another vehicle. This particular type of accident often results in severe or fatal injuries because of its significant force.

Sideswipe Accident

A sideswipe accident happens when two vehicles make contact side-to-side. It mostly happens during lane changes.

Single-Vehicle Accident

A single-vehicle accident is when only one vehicle gets into a collision. This can be caused by road hazards, driver negligence, or poor weather conditions.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Multi-vehicle collisions occur when three or more vehicles strike one another. These accidents can lead to catastrophic outcomes since it can trigger chain reactions.

Rollover Accident

A rollover accident is when a vehicle is flipped onto its side or roof. It is common for large vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, to get into this type of accident due to its center of gravity. Other factors, like making sharp turns or speeding, can also contribute to a rollover crash.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accident injuries will vary depending on the intensity of the impact and what part of the body was directly affected. Below, we have provided a list of potential outcomes that may occur after a collision:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal injury

What Are Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After an Auto Accident?

After an auto accident, victims could possibly experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some signs that may be associated with this type of condition include the following:

• Lack of sleep
• Irritability
• Nightmares
• Emotional detachment
• Isolation
• Intrusive thoughts about the crash

If these signs remain persistent, it is encouraged for you to seek help from a mental health professional. They will assess your well-being and determine what treatment would be beneficial to help ease and cure your symptoms.

What Can Cause a Motor Vehicle Accident?

A motor vehicle accident can be triggered by several circumstances, such as driver error, road issues, and defective parts. Below, we will go over these causes and share what particular instances fall under each one.

Driver Negligence

Driver’s are required to provide a duty of care when on the road. If they fail to maintain a safe environment, they will put others at risk of getting into a car accident. Some prohibited actions a negligent driver has been known to commit include the following:

• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding

Road Hazards

If a driver is in close contact with a road hazard, like debris, potholes, or uneven pavement, it can provoke them to lose control over the vehicle and crash into a nearby object. Damages will differ depending on the severity of the collision. In such a case, the property owner or government entity can face legal repercussions if they fail to resolve the problem in a reasonable time frame.

Manufacturing Defects

A defective vehicle is expected to malfunction or fail to operate during a commute. This can put the driver in a dangerous position since the ability to control the vehicle will be restricted or limited on their end, making them vulnerable to a car accident. Given the circumstance, the driver can pursue legal action against the entities involved in the chain of distribution for any injuries or damages they endured as a result of the collision. Possible defendants may include:

• Vehicle manufacturers
• Sellers
• Rental car companies
• Distributors
• Repair shops

What to Do After a Car Accident in Washington

Although you may feel overwhelmed  and confused after a car accident, it is important to understand the following steps so you can protect your safety and legal rights.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

If any injuries or damages are present, you should contact your local law enforcement. First responders will arrive at the accident scene and conduct a police report. Paramedics will also show up to administer immediate medical attention to those who sustained bodily harm from the car crash.

Seek Medical Attention

Try to get medical attention soon after the car accident even if you think you sustained minor injuries. Symptoms can progressively develop over time and will worsen. So, be sure to get checked by a doctor. If you are diagnosed with a particular condition, you will be given a care plan to help with your recovery. This may include:

• Medicine
• Surgical procedures
• Rehabilitation therapy

Exchange Information

You should share contact, insurance, and vehicle information with all parties involved in the car accident to ensure that you can maintain communication with them if necessary. 

Gather Evidence

Try to gather the following evidence:

• Photos of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• CCTV footage
• Written documentation of the event
• Witness statements
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Hire a Washington Car Accident Lawyer

It can be stressful pursuing legal action against the responsible party, especially if you are trying to heal from any injuries you endured from the collision. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Washington car accident lawyers will step in to handle any challenging tasks so you can focus on improving your condition.

How Is Liability Determined in a Car Crash?

To determine liability in a car crash, you will need to gather substantial evidence and share it with your legal representative. They will take a look at documentation and help identify the accountable party. From there, you can start the filing process to recover compensation for any losses you incurred due to the accident. Potential defendants in such a case may include:

• Vehicle owners
• Car manufacturers
• Repair shops
• Government entities
• Other parties, like pedestrians or cyclists

How Do Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims?

To handle a car accident claim, an insurance company will need to initiate an investigation. This is done to acquire information needed to ensure that the situation is being handled fairly and accurately. A method of approach will be established once they are aware of what particular factors are involved. For instance, if the collision only resulted in property damage, it could take a few days to have it resolved after you have answered questions over the phone and provided estimated quotes from local repair shops.

But, if your case involves car accident injuries, insurance companies will need more details, like the severity of bodily harm you endured and what medical treatment you are using to recover. Basically, the more losses you claim, the more in depth the investigation will be. In certain cases, thorough analysis could also mean that there is a possible issue associated with your car accident claim.

Car Accidents and Wrongful Death

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), fatal car accidents are at a 33-year high. It was reported that the state experienced a total of 810 traffic deaths in 2023. This is a 10 percent increase since 2022, and is also the highest number of fatalities since 1990.

If a wrongful death occurs due to a car accident, the decedent’s estate or surviving family members are entitled to sue the liable party. In Washington, only one wrongful death claim can be filed, and it must be completed within three years from the date of the victim’s passing. This is done to prevent any delays with the legal process.

To pursue this type of case, the affected party will need to gather evidence that shows how the at fault driver or third-party contributed to their loved one’s death. This includes the following:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased victim
• The defendant breached their duty of care
• The victim was killed as a result of the driver’s negligence
• The plaintiff sustained damages after the victim passed away

Wrongful death settlements typically include the following damages:

• Medical bills
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional distress

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Washington?

In Washington, you will be given two years to file a car accident claim. Although you are given a substantial amount of time to take legal action against the responsible party, you should act quickly to make sure you have significant evidence and the right personal injury lawyer representing you. If you do not file a claim prior to the deadline, you will no longer be eligible to sue and recover compensation.

What Damages Are Available in Washington Car Accident Cases?

Available damages in a Washington car accident case will be based on various factors, like:

• The extent of your injury
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity
• The amount of negligence contributed by all parties involved

Generally, economic damages and non-economic damages are awarded. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be included.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intangible costs you incurred after the collision, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are non-monetary, subjective losses, including:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are added on top of compensatory damages. This is done to punish the wrongdoer for displaying egregious behavior and to prevent similar conduct from happening again in the future. To prove punitive damages, you will need to collect evidence that shows how the defendant committed malice, fraud, or intentional harm.

Our Washington Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

If a negligent driver caused your car accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Washington car accident lawyers are readily available to offer legal assistance. We will protect your rights, argue aggressively against the opposing side, represent you in court if your case heads to trial, and get you a favorable settlement.

To schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to us by calling 206-222-8860 or filling out our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents 

What Should I Avoid Doing After a Car Accident?

Car crashes often leave people feeling shaken up. This, in turn, can make it difficult for them to know what they should do soon after one occurs. In the midst of such confusion, it is important to consider the following tips to prevent yourself from making any mistakes that can affect the outcome of your settlement.

• Remain at the Car Accident Scene- Do not leave until emergency personnel arrive at the accident scene. If you do, you may face legal repercussions, like hit-and-run charges.
• Do Not Admit Fault- Although emotions can run high, you should not allow it to influence you into sharing such a confession without learning any information on what the other driver did prior to the incident. Doing this prematurely can ultimately cause you to lose your chances of acquiring a fair settlement.
• Avoid Receiving Medical Care- You should always prioritize your health. Even if you think you sustained a minor injury, it is still important to get yourself examined by a medical professional. Failing to seek treatment soon after a vehicle collision will allow the opposing side to argue against you by claiming that you did not endure serious injuries or it could have been caused by another factor.
• Share Car Accident Information on Social Media- Anything you post on social media during a car accident case can be used against you. Even if it seems like an innocent post, it may be taken out of context with the intent to challenge your credibility.
• Do Not Accept the First Offer- Be cautious when accepting the first offer by the other driver’s insurance company. It could be lower than what you may be entitled to. You should have your Washington car accident lawyer step in to help you get a reasonable settlement.

What Happens if I Reject an Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?

If you are not satisfied with a settlement offer provided by the insurance company, you can present a counteroffer. This is where you will need to propose a new amount that you think would be more fair. The insurance company may either respond back with an adjusted offer or will notify you that the last one discussed was the final option.

Your car accident lawyer will guide you through this process to make sure a reasonable settlement has been met. If direct negotiation is unsuccessful, an alternative dispute resolution may be considered, like mediation or arbitration. But, if all efforts fail, you can file a lawsuit against the insurance company or the at fault party.

What Should I Do if I Witness a Car Accident?

If you witness a car accident, try to remain calm and offer assistance to the affected parties. You should contact local law enforcement if you notice any injuries or damages at the scene. Paramedics will arrive to treat those who need medical attention. After you have checked on the victims, be sure to provide important details to the police and to provide your contact information if you are needed as a witness in a car accident lawsuit.

What Should I Do if I’m Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

Under Washington law, it is required for all drivers to have liability insurance and auto insurance. However, there are some drivers who may not have enough coverage to pay for the costs of injuries or damages they caused, and others who illegally operate a vehicle without auto insurance. If you get into an accident with either type of driver, you can pursue legal action against them to recover damages. But, if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it can be used to compensate for expenses you incurred as a result of the vehicle collision.

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage- Uninsured motorist coverage offers financial protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have auto insurance. It can help cover costs for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by the car crash.
• Underinsured Motorist Coverage- Underinsured motorist coverage will become effective once you get into an accident with someone who has insurance, but not enough to cover your damages. This will prevent you from being left with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Can I Sue Even if I’m Partially At Fault?

Washington is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning that you can still recover damages in a car accident case even if you are partially at fault. But, compensation will be deducted based on the degree of negligence you committed.

Will My Premium Increase After a Car Accident?

Yes, your premium is likely to increase after a car accident, especially if you are found liable for it. An insurance company will typically do this because they will see you as a high risk driver. To learn whether your premium will be affected after a crash, you should reach out to your insurance company to understand how they handle car accidents.