Were you injured in a car accident in Spokane, Washington? If someone else caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group can help you file a claim and pursue maximum money damages on your behalf under state law from there.
Our Spokane car accident lawyers have decades of experience and, in just the last five years alone, have won more than $100 million for our deserving clients. We’re just as confident that we can fight for justice in your case as well, so call us at (509) 316-2456 or reach out online today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Trust Jacobs and Jacobs With My Spokane Car Accident Case?
Car accident cases almost always involve an insurance company in one form or another. Without a trusted Spokane personal injury lawyer on your side to help you level the playing field, it’s easy to resolve your claim for a lot less than what it’s really worth.
Jacobs and Jacobs is one of the most experienced personal injury law firms in the country, let alone Washington State. Here are a few reasons to consider choosing us for your case:
- We’ve been representing clients in Puget Sound personal injury cases since 1893
- We have secured numerous victories in the six and seven figures for accident victims
- Tom Jacobs, our lead attorney, has been practicing law for 40 years and is one of the most well-respected lawyers in the region
- Our legal team has won awards from The National Trial Lawyers, the Washington State Association for Justice, and other prestigious organizations
We’re ready to fight for you and your family every step of the way. Contact our car accident attorneys in Spokane, WA, today for a free consultation to get started with your case.
Car Driving Safety Laws in Spokane, WA
Washington State law governs how drivers must behave on the road, but Spokane enforces these laws through local police agencies. Here are some key laws that affect car accident liability and personal injury cases:
Speed Limits and Traffic Flow
Washington law under RCW 46.61.400 mandates that drivers operate vehicles at a speed that’s reasonable under existing conditions. In Spokane, WA, typical speed limits include:
- 25 mph in residential neighborhoods
- 30 to 35 mph on urban arterials
- 60 mph or higher on highways like I-90
Exceeding posted speed limits or failing to reduce speed in rain, snow, or ice can be used as evidence of negligence.
Distracted Driving Prohibited
The Distracted Driving Law (RCW 46.61.672) prohibits holding a phone or device while driving. In Spokane, enforcement is strict, and officers can issue citations for even first-time offenses. Texting, talking, or even checking GPS apps without hands-free technology can be the basis of a personal injury claim if the distracted driver causes a crash.
Drunk and Drugged Driving
Washington follows a .08% BAC limit for drivers over 21, and zero tolerance for minors under 21. Under RCW 46.61.502, a driver is guilty of DUI if they’re under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs. Spokane-area law enforcement, especially during holidays and major events, runs DUI patrols and sobriety checkpoints. DUI-related crashes may also carry punitive liability, which can increase damages.
Right-of-Way Laws
Spokane drivers must yield the right-of-way as outlined in RCW 46.61.180, particularly at intersections, pedestrian crosswalks, and when making turns. Failure to yield is one of the most common causes of urban collisions. If another driver ignored a yield sign or cut off your vehicle while merging, they could be held fully liable for any resulting injuries.
Mandatory Liability Insurance
Every driver in Spokane must carry minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for injuries or death to one person
- $50,000 for injuries or death to two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage
Uninsured or underinsured drivers can still be held accountable through your UIM (Underinsured Motorist) policy, and we help clients pursue such complex claims.
Comparative Negligence in Washington
Spokane car accident cases fall under Washington’s pure comparative negligence rule (RCW 4.22.005). This means even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were 20% at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
Our attorneys will move fast to collect extensive evidence, from dashcam and surveillance footage and crash site photos to police reports and witness statements, to minimize your share of fault and maximize your financial recovery.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters After a Car Accident in Spokane, Washington
The steps you take in the first days and weeks after a car accident can have a major impact on the ultimate outcome of your case. An insurance adjuster might reach out quickly with a lowball settlement offer, for instance, hoping you will accept before you know your claim’s true value. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back and ask for more down the line.
Having a personal injury attorney on your side early on changes the dynamic completely. We can advise you on what to say and what not to say, make sure your injuries are properly documented, and begin preserving evidence while it is still available, just to name a couple of examples of what we can do in service of your claim. The sooner we begin working on your claim, the better your position will be when it comes time to negotiate a settlement.
FAQs on Spokane Auto Accident Claims
Q: What if I can’t afford medical treatment after the accident?
A: If you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford treatment for your auto accident injuries up front, we might be able to help you access care through medical liens or letters of protection, allowing you to receive care now and pay from your settlement later. This ensures your health doesn’t suffer while your case is pending.
Q: What if the other driver lied in the police report?
A: This is more common than people realize. Police often base reports on what the parties say at the scene, and if you’re too injured to give your version, the report may be one-sided. We may present dashcam footage, EDR data, eyewitness statements, and expert accident reconstructions to challenge inaccurate reports and prove fault.
Q: How do I get compensated if the at-fault driver is uninsured?
A: Spokane drivers aren’t required to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but many do. If you have UM or UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage, we can file a claim against your own policy without causing a premium increase. If you don’t have this coverage, we may be able to pursue the driver’s personal assets, depending on the facts of the case.
Q: Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can recover compensation even if you were 99% at fault. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to present strong evidence that minimizes your share of blame and maximizes your financial recovery.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies take your claim more seriously when they know your attorneys are experienced litigators. At Jacobs and Jacobs, we’re known for our trial readiness, and that pressure may lead to quicker and larger settlements.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Spokane Car Accident Claims?
Per RCW 4.16.080, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington. This statute of limitations applies to most car accident claims in Spokane, though there are situations where the deadline could be shorter, such as cases involving a government vehicle.
Getting in touch with an auto accident lawyer on our team sooner rather than later helps make sure your claim stays on track and that nothing falls through the cracks.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Spokane
Spokane’s geography, which includes a mix of urban sprawl, steep hills, snowy winters, and major interstates, makes it a hotspot for a wide range of car accident injuries and wrongful death claims. Here are the most common types of accidents our Spokane personal injury attorneys may handle:
Rear-End Collisions
Sometimes occurring at intersections like those along Division Street or at congested points on I-90, rear-end accidents can cause whiplash, neck injuries, and head trauma. These cases often involve distracted drivers or those following too closely, violating RCW 46.61.145 (following too closely).
T-Bone or Side-Impact Collisions
These occur when one driver crashes into the side of another vehicle, usually at intersections with unclear signals or disobeyed traffic lights. In Spokane, intersections like those at Sprague Ave and Sullivan Rd are particularly prone to these accidents.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions happen when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make side-to-side contact, typically during unsafe lane changes or merging. These accidents are common on Spokane’s congested arterials like North Division Street, especially during peak hours.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes can be violent and catastrophic, particularly when SUVs, vans, or trucks are involved. Slippery roads, overcorrections, and high-speed impacts can cause a vehicle to flip multiple times. Areas with sharp curves or steep grades, such as the Sunset Hill or rural parts of Highway 2, are common sites for rollovers in Spokane.
Intersection Accidents
Spokane’s urban sprawl includes high-traffic intersections that are hotspots for crashes, particularly those at Francis Ave & Division, Mission & Hamilton, and Sprague Ave intersections. Whether caused by red-light violations, failure to yield, or obstructed views, intersection accidents can involve complex fault determinations.
Head-On Collisions
Though rarer, head-on crashes are among the deadliest. We have represented car accident victims in such crashes, which may occur on two-lane highways like SR 195, due to fatigue, DUI, or improper passing.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Snow, fog, and ice on roads like the Sunset Highway or in Spokane Valley increase the risk of multi-car chain reactions. In this type of car accident claim, determining liability can be complex, as multiple drivers may share fault.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Spokane Car Accident Attorneys
Were you involved in a car accident in Spokane, WA? Significant compensation may be available to you through filing a personal injury claim. Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group is here to help you make the most of your ability to take action, regardless of what that might entail.
Take the first step toward justice. Contact our Spokane car accident attorneys at (509) 316-2456 to schedule your free consultation today.