Car Accident Laws in Washington State

Posted on January 30, 2024 By legalchiefs
Car Accident Laws in washington

 

Understanding Car Accident Laws in Washington State: Essential Points for Filing a Claim

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Washington State, it’s crucial to understand the relevant car accident laws to protect your rights and pursue compensation effectively. This guide provides essential insights into these laws to help you navigate the claims process.

 

Washington State’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents:

The statute of limitations defines the timeframe within which you must file a lawsuit after a car accident. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to initiate legal action for damages related to your injuries or property loss.

While three years may seem sufficient, it’s wise not to delay. Evidence can deteriorate, and witnesses may become harder to locate over time. Consulting with an experienced attorney early in the process can ensure your case is handled properly and that you meet all necessary filing deadlines.

 

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Washington State:

Washington State follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. Under this rule, if both drivers share responsibility, the amount of compensation you receive will be adjusted based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by that percentage.

Since comparative negligence can significantly impact your final settlement, consulting with an auto accident attorney is crucial. An attorney can help build a strong case to minimize your fault percentage, maximizing your potential compensation.

 

Why You Should Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident in Washington State:

Hiring an attorney who specializes in Washington State car accident laws is essential for several reasons:

  • Expert Guidance: An attorney can help you navigate complex legal issues, including comparative negligence.
  • Deadline Management: A skilled lawyer will ensure you meet all necessary deadlines for filing claims.
  • Negotiation Skills: An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, striving for the best possible settlement for your injuries and damages.

If you’re looking for more information or need assistance connecting with an experienced car accident lawyer, visit Legal Chiefs today. Our network of skilled attorneys is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

 

Find An Auto Accident Attorney In Your Area Now Without Leaving The Comfort Of Your Home

 

 

Auto Accident FAQ

Your first and foremost action following an accident is to stay calm, check if you or anyone else involved has been injured, and call the police. Get the name and contact information of all parties involved in the accident as well as any witnesses of the event. To document the damage, take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles, and your injuries. It’s important not to admit liability until you hire an attorney because they will conduct a thorough investigation to establish the driver at fault.
Right after a car accident, you may feel fine, but injuries can surface days, weeks, and even months later. That’s why it’s good to see a doctor even if you don’t believe you were injured in the accident. Your doctor can recognize issues or injuries that won’t immediately become apparent to you and alert you to warning signs of injuries that may arise due to the accident. If you fail to treat your injuries within a certain period of time, you may forfeit your right to get reimbursement for future medical costs. The general rule is not to settle auto accident claims without having been examined by a medical professional.
In most cases, you won’t have to go to court. The majority of auto accident claims are resolved outside of court after negotiating the terms with the insurer. Most insurance companies generally try to settle claims as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible, so it’s wise to have an attorney negotiate on your behalf.
In addition to taking pictures of the accident scene and taking the contact information of the involved parties and witnesses, your detailed explanation of how the accident happened is also necessary to file a claim. Law enforcement reports of the accident will also serve as crucial evidence in your claim.
Many factors determine the driver at fault in an auto accident case. Do not accept any part of the blame until the investigation has concluded. Even if the investigation finds that you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled to receive compensation. There are cases when the victim also shares part of the blame for an accident. If, for example, you were driving five to ten mph over the speed limit when the accident happened, this would have limited your reaction time, and you could likely be considered a negligent driver even if you weren’t the one to cause the crash. Different states have different ways of settling auto accident claims where more than one driver is at fault. So it’s best to check the specific laws in your state (or the state where the accident took place) or discuss the matter with your auto accident injury lawyer.
It happens surprisingly often that people get into an auto accident where the driver at fault doesn’t have insurance. In these situations, it’s wise to have an auto insurance policy that comes with Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. That way, if you get into an accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you will still be able to file your claim under the UM coverage you have with your own insurance company. Your insurer will then process the claim following the same process as it would for an opposing insurer. The only difference is that the claim will be against your UM coverage and not against another driver. Likewise, if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident where the responsible driver fled the scene before you could take their information, you can again seek compensation from your UM coverage.
Suppose you suffered injuries after an auto accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence. In that case, there are two main types of damages that you may seek compensation for: compensatory (a.k.a. monetary) and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are the most common type of damages in a personal injury claim, and they often include: ● Current and future medical bills ● Property damage ● Emotional duress ● Lost wages ● Loss of enjoyment of life ● Loss of future earnings potential On the other hand, punitive damages are much rarer, but they can occur in situations where the vehicle manufacturer is to blame.