Confusion often follows a car crash as you try to figure out which insurance company pays for your mounting medical bills and vehicle repairs. Understanding no-fault vs. at-fault insurance in Washington helps you move forward with the knowledge needed to protect your financial future.
Washington follows an at-fault system, which means the person who caused the collision carries the legal responsibility for the resulting harm. This differs from no-fault states where every driver turns to their own insurance company regardless of who made the mistake.
Our team has served Washington residents since 1893, and we possess the strength to hold negligent drivers and their insurance providers accountable. We manage the paperwork and the negotiations so you can focus on your family and your physical recovery.
We tell our clients we will take it from here because we believe your primary focus should remain on your healing. With the guidance of an experienced car accident lawyer, our 130 years of history provide the capable assistance you require as you manage the legal side of an accident. Call our office today to talk about your situation and learn how we help.
Essential Insurance Facts for Washington Drivers
- Washington statutes establish an at-fault system where the negligent driver pays for the damages they cause.
- Personal Injury Protection acts as an optional no-fault coverage within the Washington at-fault system to pay for immediate medical costs.
- State law requires insurance companies to offer Personal Injury Protection and Uninsured Motorist coverage to all policyholders.
- Pure comparative fault rules allow a person to seek a recovery even if they share some responsibility for the collision.
- The three year statute of limitations creates a strict deadline for initiating a legal claim in the state court system.
- Documentation of catastrophic injuries like brain trauma or severe burns serves as the foundation for establishing claim value.
The Workings of the At-Fault System
Washington laws place the burden of payment on the party that failed to act with reasonable care. Negligence happens when a driver speeds, ignores a stop sign, or looks at a phone instead of the road.
We investigate the facts of the crash to prove who carries the legal responsibility for your injuries. This process involves gathering police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene to show the insurance company exactly how the incident occurred.
The at-fault system requires a clear showing of liability before a settlement reaches a resolution. Liability is the legal term for being responsible for the harm caused to another person. Our team handles the investigation and the collection of evidence so you do not have to manage these details while you recover.
- Liability: We prove the other driver made a mistake that led to your injuries.
- Damages: This term refers to the money you seek for medical bills, lost wages, and property repairs.
- Accountability: We hold the responsible driver and their insurance provider responsible for the harm they caused.
We have managed these claims for families in Kent, Puyallup, and Olympia since 1893. Our firm possesses the resources of a large team while maintaining the personal touch of a family business.
We focus on the facts to ensure the insurance company treats you fairly. When you work with an experienced insurance claims attorney, you gain an advocate who knows how to prove liability and push back against unfair tactics. Call our office today to talk about your case and learn how we prove liability.
Personal Injury Protection as a No-Fault Option
Washington drivers often possess a form of no-fault coverage called Personal Injury Protection or PIP. RCW 48.22.085 requires insurance companies to offer this coverage to every person who buys an auto policy.
PIP pays for your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage provides immediate support while your at-fault claim moves through the legal system.
Choosing to use your PIP coverage does not prevent you from pursuing an at-fault claim against the other driver. PIP acts as a safety net that ensures your doctors receive payment while we work to hold the negligent party accountable. We help you review your policy to see if you possess this coverage and how it applies to your situation.
- Medical Expenses: PIP covers hospital visits, surgeries, and physical therapy sessions up to your policy limit.
- Lost Wages: This coverage provides a portion of your income if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Essential Services: PIP may pay for help around the house if you cannot perform daily tasks because of your harm.
Using these benefits allows you to stay focused on your physical therapy without worrying about unpaid medical bills. Our team manages the communication with your PIP adjuster to ensure the payments move smoothly.
We tell our clients we will take it from here so they can spend their time with their families. Call our office today to talk about your insurance policy and your rights.
The Three-Year Deadline for Legal Action
Washington law sets a strict time limit for filing a personal injury claim after a crash. RCW 4.16.080 generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to take legal action.
Missing this three year limit means the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to any recovery. We track this deadline carefully to ensure your rights remain protected.
Building a strong case requires us to act quickly while evidence remains fresh and available. Photos of the vehicles or witness memories of the collision can disappear within days or weeks. Starting the legal process early allows our team to preserve these details for your claim.
- Statutory Deadline: You must initiate your lawsuit within thirty six months of the event.
- Preserving Evidence: Early action secures photos and statements while they exist.
- Case Management: We use this time to gather medical records and document the impact on your life.
Our firm manages the timelines so you do not have to worry about legal calendars. We have served Washington residents since 1893, and we know how to keep a case moving forward. Call our office today so we can begin the work on your behalf and protect your future.
Simple Actions to Take From Home
Small steps you take at home help our team as we build your claim during your recovery. You can keep a folder for all the paperwork you receive after the crash, such as medical bills and letters from insurance companies.
We recommend avoiding discussions with insurance adjusters from the other party until you have spoken with us. Adjusters often seek statements that they can use to lower the value of your claim or place blame on you.
- Keep all bills and discharge papers related to the medical care you receive for your injuries.
- Save a record of any property damage estimates for your vehicle.
- Call our office if you receive any phone calls or mail from an insurance company asking for a statement.
We offer mobile appointments where our team comes to your home if traveling to our offices in Kent or Puyallup feels difficult. We provide the support you need in a way that respects your situation and your recovery.
Our firm makes this process easier for you by taking over the legal details. We are ready to help whenever you feel prepared to talk about your situation.
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Schedule A Free ConsultationA Legacy of Service Since 1893
Jacobs & Jacobs has remained a steady presence in the Puget Sound area since 1893. We serve families in King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties with compassion and strength.
Our history of serving Washington since 1893 shows our dedication to treating our neighbors with respect and seeking accountability for their harm. We are members of the local community who care about the people here and their safety.
- Primary offices in Puyallup and Kent provide a local base for our neighbors to reach us easily.
- A team of over 50 members makes sure we have the resources to manage your claim successfully.
- Tom Jacobs uses his 40 years of experience to lead our firm and protect your rights.
We provide honest and hopeful guidance throughout the legal process. Our team is ready to listen to your story and help you find a path forward after a life-changing event.
We possess the experience needed to hold major companies and insurance providers accountable for their mistakes.
Call our office today to talk about your situation and learn how we provide the advocacy you need.
FAQs
Can the insurance company raise my rates if I use my PIP coverage?
Washington laws generally prevent insurance companies from raising your premiums if you use PIP for an accident that was not your fault. PIP exists to protect you and ensure you receive medical care immediately. We help you understand your policy rights so you can use the benefits you have paid for without fear.
What if the other driver’s insurance company says they are not responsible?
Insurance providers often deny liability even when their driver clearly made a mistake. We gather evidence like traffic camera footage and witness statements to prove the other driver was negligent. Our firm possesses the strength to challenge these denials and fight for the recovery you deserve.
Does the at-fault system apply if I was hit while walking or riding a bike?
Pedestrians and cyclists possess the same rights as drivers in the Washington at-fault system. If a negligent driver strikes you, their insurance policy must pay for your injuries and damages. Your own PIP or UM/UIM coverage may also apply even if you were not in a vehicle at the time. Call our office today to learn about your rights as a pedestrian or cyclist.
What happens if multiple drivers share the fault for the crash?
Complex accidents often involve more than one negligent party. Washington law allows you to seek a recovery from every driver who contributed to the collision. We investigate the actions of everyone involved to ensure every responsible party remains accountable for their share of the harm.
Will the insurance company pay for my chiropractic care or massage therapy?
Medical documentation from your primary doctor helps prove that alternative treatments like chiropractic care are necessary for your recovery. Most insurance policies cover these treatments if they relate directly to the injuries caused by the crash.
We help you document the need for these services so the insurance company includes them in your settlement. Call our office today to talk about your medical treatment.
How does the law treat an accident caused by a mechanical failure?
If a faulty brake system or a blown tire caused the crash, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the parts may carry the liability. This falls under product liability law, which follows the at-fault rules in our state.
We look at the maintenance records and the history of the vehicle to find the source of the failure. Call our office today to talk about a mechanical failure crash.
Call Jacobs & Jacobs Today
Your recovery requires a legal team that provides strength and capable assistance throughout the process. We manage the legal details and the investigations so you can focus on your health and your family.
Our firm tells every client we will take it from here because we believe your primary focus should remain on your physical healing. When you work with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you gain a team committed to protecting your rights. Call our office today to talk about your case and learn how we provide the advocacy you need.
We have the history and the resources to help you seek accountability for the harm you suffered. We will take it from here.