Washington State Car Accident Lawyer

Being a victim of a car accident is a stressful and traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with potential injuries suffered from the crash, but you also have to navigate the complexities of insurance claims, vehicle repairs, and potential legal actions. You don’t have to do it alone. Allow us at Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law to help you through the process. 

Our team can handle all the legal aspects of the case, including gathering evidence and negotiating with the insurance company, while you can focus on your recovery from the accident. Get in touch with us to get legal guidance and representation. You can call 253-342-4965 today for your free case evaluation by an experienced and skilled attorney. Visit our contact page for more information about our offices.

Key Takeaways

• You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain & suffering.
• Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim – don’t settle without legal advice.
• Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law has successfully handled thousands of car accident cases.
• There are no fees unless we win – we work on a contingency basis.

How to Know If You Have a Car Accident Case

Key Questions to Determine a Valid Case

1. Were you injured? – If you suffered injuries requiring medical treatment or lost wages, you may have a claim.
2. Was someone else at fault? – Establishing negligence is key to pursuing compensation.
3. Does the at-fault party have insurance? – A car accident attorney can help navigate insurance claims and settlements.

Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law: Experienced Washington State Car Accident Attorneys

Meet Your Washington State Car Accident Law Firm

Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law

• Years of experience in personal injury law
• Dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve
• Aggressive advocacy against insurance companies
• Personalized legal representation – direct attorney-client communication

Why Clients Trust Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law

Clients trust Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law for our extensive experience in handling car accident cases in Washington State. With decades of expertise, we have a proven track record of securing high settlements and favorable verdicts for our clients. 

Our aggressive representation ensures that insurance companies are held accountable. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no upfront fees and only pay if they win their case.

How a Washington State Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence
• Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize compensation
• File a lawsuit if necessary
• Handle court proceedings and legal filings
• Work on a contingency basis – no fees unless we win

What to Do After a Car Accident in Washington State

If you have suffered a car accident in Washington State, you must take a few essential steps to ensure your safety and your legal rights. Some of the steps need to be taken in the immediate aftermath of the accident. However, if you are seriously injured and need to get emergency medical treatment, prioritize your health and seek medical attention right away. You can request someone else to help gather evidence at the scene in your absence.

Ensure Safety

The priority in the immediate aftermath of the accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident. Call 911 as soon as possible. Move to a safe location, away from traffic, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you are badly injured or unable to move your vehicle, wait for emergency services to arrive at the accident site. If you are in stable condition, but others are more hurt, you can offer to assist them, but be careful, as trying to move an injured person can make the injury worse. 

Seek Medical Attention

Check yourself for injuries. Remember that the adrenaline in your body may mask symptoms of serious injuries. Also, some injuries take time to show symptoms. This means that it’s always a good idea to get a medical check after a car accident. The medical checkup you would get is not only vital to your health and safety but can also serve as a key component of your personal injury claim or lawsuit. The medical record could be used as evidence to prove the severity of your injuries. Keep a record of all your medical expenses and treatment that you get as a result of the accident. 

Gather Evidence

If you are able to do so, start gathering evidence from the crash site. Anything that can support your claim could be valuable evidence. This includes surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, photos or videos from the accident site, and dashcam footage. 

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and gather contact information from any witnesses. If the police are called to the scene, request a copy of the police report. This documentation will help establish the facts of the accident and support your claim.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

You must also engage an automobile accident lawyer Washington as early as possible so they can guide you on each step of the process and also ensure you don’t make any mistakes that can undermine your case. Car accident victims often make the mistake of waiting too long to consult with an attorney. By seeking legal advice promptly, you can safeguard your rights and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Washington State

Car accidents can happen for various reasons, including some that drivers cannot control. However, the most common causes are often related to human error or negligence. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Washington State. 

Distracted Driving 

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, distracted driving has caused nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in the state in recent years. Distracted driving includes everything from texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, fiddling with the stereo, talking to passengers, or even daydreaming. Even a few seconds of distraction are enough to cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to potentially devastating consequences. 

Drunk Or Drug-Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Washington State. When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it can result in impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and diminished coordination for the drivers. The impact becomes more pronounced with a higher percentage of alcohol in the blood. 

In Washington State, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08%. This means that if a driver has a BAC of 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). The limit is lower for commercial drivers, while teenage drivers are subject to the state’s zero-tolerance policy. 

Speeding And Reckless Driving

Going over the speed limit dramatically increases the risk of suffering an accident and also increases the risk of suffering severe injuries. When a vehicle is traveling fast, it significantly reduces the ability of the driver to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. While law enforcement officials in Washington State monitor and enforce speed limits, it remains a leading cause of car accidents. 

Failure To Yield Or Obey Traffic Signals

Traffic signals are designed to maintain law and order on the roadways. However, when road users don’t obey traffic signals or fail to yield, they increase the risk of collisions. Drivers who run red lights, fail to stop at stop signs, or do not yield to other road users create hazardous situations that often result in collisions. These types of accidents are particularly prevalent at intersections and can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. 

Poor Road Conditions And Vehicle Defects

Bad weather conditions can also cause car accidents in Washington State. The state experiences considerable harsh weather, especially during winter. Heavy rain, snow, or fog can make driving more challenging, and if drivers are not cautious, such conditions can lead to accidents.  

Additionally, vehicle defects, such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning lights, can cause drivers to lose control and crash. To ensure that vehicle-related issues do not cause a collision, car owners should maintain their vehicles according to manufacturer recommendations. If they notice a problem, they should address it as soon as possible. 

Compensation Available in a Car Accident Case

Washington state laws allow you to recover various types of compensation for car accidents. Of course, you will need to establish liability and prove that your suffering was a direct result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. If you can prove it, you can recover economic expenses, non-economic expenses, and punitive damages. 

Economic Expenses

Economic expenses cover the financial costs directly associated with the car accident. This includes all monetary tangible expenditures, such as the cost of treating the injuries suffered in the accident, including hospital stays, medication, surgeries, physical therapy, and emergency care. However, only those medical expenses deemed necessary and reasonable by healthcare providers will be covered.

Other economic expenses include lost wages due to the inability to work. If the car accident resulted in more permanent disability, then you could also claim loss of earning potential or capacity in your claim. This covers both past and future lost income if the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability. 

Economic expenses include property damage costs, such as vehicle repairs or replacement, and any other personal property damaged in the accident. Out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident, such as rental car costs, can also be claimed as economic expenses. 

Non-Economic Expenses

Non-economic expenses compensate for the intangible impacts of the accident on your life. These expenses include emotional distress, mental trauma, and overall disruption to your quality of life caused by the accident. Mental health conditions caused by the accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, can also be claimed as non-economic expenses. 

While economic expenses are relatively more straightforward to calculate, non-economic expenses require more effort. Some non-economic expenses, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, are more subjective and do not have clear monetary values. They require careful consideration. 

However, a skilled and experienced attorney can help you assess your non-economic expenses. There are two standard methods used to estimate these damages – The Multiplier Method and the Per Diem method. You can consult with our attorney to learn more about the methods used to calculate non-economic expenses in car accident claims in Washington state. 

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are given when the person who caused the accident acted very recklessly or maliciously. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are rare and usually require strong evidence of the wrongdoer’s conduct.

The Legal Process for a Car Accident Case in Washington State

Free Consultation

The legal process for a car accident claim starts with a free consultation with an attorney. During this initial meeting, the Washington car crash attorney will review the details of the accident, discuss your injuries and damages, and evaluate the viability of your case. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions and understand your legal options. 

Investigation & Evidence Gathering

If you choose to proceed with the attorney, the next step is to initiate an investigation to gather evidence. Depending on the nature of your case, the attorney would seek to gather evidence from various sources, including the hospital where you got treated, the police station where the incident report was filed, and any witnesses who may have seen the accident.

Filing the Claim

The formal claims process starts when the attorney files a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The claim will outline the facts of the case, your injuries, and the compensation you are seeking. 

Negotiations & Settlement Talks

The next step involves negotiations and settlement talks. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that covers all your expenses. The goal is to get full and fair compensation for your losses, and in most cases, car accident claims are settled out of court. However, if the settlement does not yield a fair settlement, you can take the case to court. 

Trial (if needed)

If needed, your attorney will present your case before a judge and jury, providing evidence and witness testimony to support your claims. The judge or jury will ultimately decide the outcome of the case. 

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

There is no standard rate or formula for calculating the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer. Several factors need to be considered, including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s reputation and experience, geographic location, and the law firm’s specific fee structure. Some attorneys charge an hourly rate, which can quickly add up to a substantial amount.  

At Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law, we believe that financial concerns should never stand in the way of getting the legal representation you deserve. We offer no upfront costs. This means you can start the process without having to worry about lawyer fees. To minimize your financial burden, we follow a contingency fee structure. Our payment only comes from a percentage of your settlement or court award. So you never have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses while your case is in progress.

Additionally, we offer free case evaluations at Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law. In this free consultation session, our Injury lawyer for car accidents in Washington State will assess your case to guide you on your best legal options. We encourage you to schedule your free case evaluation, even if you are not sure whether you want to file a claim or pursue any legal action. The case evaluation will inform you about your options, including all types of compensation that you may be able to recover from a claim or lawsuit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to See a Doctor Even if I Feel Fine?

Even if you feel fine, you should consider seeing a doctor after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. This means that just feeling fine isn’t enough to be sure that you haven’t sustained any injuries. A medical evaluation ensures that any potential injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly, preventing complications later on. 

Another reason why you should get a medical check-up is to ensure you have a strong foundation for any personal injury claim or lawsuit that you may need to file later. Without this documentation, insurance companies might argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or were not as severe as your claim. This can make it harder to obtain compensation.

What If the Accident Was Partially My Fault?

If the accident was partially your fault, you might still be able to recover some compensation. Washington State follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that you can recover damages even if you are partially at fault, and your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. For instance, if you are found to be 50% at fault for the accident, you can still recover 50% of the total damages. 

However, a pure comparative negligence system can be challenging, as determining fault percentages is not always straightforward. The burden of proof lies on you to show that the other party was also at fault. You will have to rely on evidence to establish liability. 

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?

Generally, you should be cautious of accepting any early offers from the insurance company. The first offer is often unreasonably low and can be used as a ploy to entice claimants into accepting an early but low offer. If you have received any offer from the insurance company, you should discuss it with your attorney, who can use their experience to guide you on whether the offer meets the demands of your case. 

You may need some time to fully understand the extent of your injuries, damages, and future costs. Once you’ve accepted an offer, you may no longer be able to get any more compensation for the car accident. This makes it vital for you to consult with a car accident attorney. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to file your claim as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and witnesses are available. 

If you have a valid reason for not filing the claim within the statute of limitations, consult an attorney to check if it qualifies as an exemption or exception to the law. Some circumstances, such as discovering injuries later or if the injured party is a minor, may extend the filing deadline. 

What If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

So, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you still have a few options to recover compensation. Washington State requires insurance policies to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, so you should have that coverage to provide some protection unless this requirement is waived for you. Additionally, you may pursue a personal lawsuit against the at-fault driver. As a starting point, check your insurance policy for other coverage options, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage, to help cover the expenses. 

Call a Washington State Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

1. Have you or your loved one suffered a car accident in Washington State? Are you looking for a top car accident lawyer in Washington? You have come to the right place. At Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law, we specialize in personal injury cases, including car accidents. With our extensive experience handling such cases, we have gathered an in-depth understanding of the laws that apply to such cases, and we can use this experience to help you get justice for your suffering. You can visit our homepage to learn more about us. For more information on our lawyer, about us page. 

 Call 253-342-4965 today for a free case evaluation.

• No upfront fees
• We handle everything – you focus on recovery
• Fighting for maximum compensation in Washington State