Navigating Car Accident Claims in Washington: Essential Information and Resources
Mighty's goal is to empower Car Accident victims in Washington with knowledge and resources to aid in their recovery and decision-making process.
Car accidents often result in unfair settlement offers, high medical bills, and consistent back-and-forth negotiations. By hiring a Washington car accident lawyer from our attorney directory, which includes a selection of car accident attorneys in your area, you can address the stress and uncertainty, fostering confidence in the legal process.
Our attorney directory provides access to experienced Washington car accident lawyers who can offer legal help. They aim to keep clients informed throughout the entire process, from initial medical treatment to seeking a settlement that serves their interests.
Focus on your recovery with the support of a legal professional.
Most Common Car Accident Injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Scrapes and cuts
- Head injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Arm and leg injuries
- Broken bones
(source)
Josh Schwadron
Joshua is a lawyer and tech entrepreneur who speaks and writes frequently on the civil justice system. Previously, Joshua founded Betterfly, a VC-backed marketplace that reimagined how consumers find local services by connecting them to individuals rather than companies. Betterfly was acquired by Takelessons in 2014. Joshua holds a JD from Emory University, and a BA in Economics and MA in Accounting from the University of Michigan.
Resources
In order to pursue a personal injury settlement there must be another party responsible for the accident who is able to personally, or more commonly through insurance, provide compensation. You must also have suffered damages in the form of a physical injury or emotional trauma.
Maly Ohrenschall
June 23, 2022
Personal injury law firms generally only help recover money for bodily injury - and unfortunately that does not include the body of your car.
Josh Schwadron
June 23, 2022
Accidents are, well, accidents. They can happen to anyone and at any time. But, what you do after an accident is in your control and can make your post-accident journey easier and better for you and your family.
Maly Ohrenschall
June 23, 2022
FAQ
What should I do if I get in a car accident in Washington?
Your safety is the most important thing following a car accident. Check for injuries and request any necessary medical help. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road. It's also important to notify law enforcement. Stay at the scene of the crash until the police arrive to write an official accident report. They'll also facilitate an exchange of driver's license and insurance information. Collect any relevant photo evidence, witness statements, and road condition information before leaving.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Washington?
Unfortunately, it's difficult to provide an average settlement amount for Washington. Settlement information is kept private between insurance companies and firms. Offers also vary greatly depending on the specifics of each case, so averages are not representative of your unique claim.
Is hiring a car accident lawyer in Washington necessary?
Hiring a Washington car accident lawyer is a personal decision, but it's common to seek professional legal help following such incidents. A car accident attorney can build a strong case on your behalf, advise you on industry-standard amounts for settlement offers, and manage the required paperwork during the process. You'll be able to devote more resources and time to your recovery.
How much does a Washington car accident attorney cost?
When you work with a lawyer from our attorney directory, you'll typically only pay if you receive a payout. For cases that proceed directly to a settlement, lawyers may charge a pre-suit fee of 33% of the final settlement amount. Cases requiring a lawsuit typically have a slightly higher post-suit fee of 40%.
What does the process of working with a car accident lawyer look like?
The process usually begins with an initial consultation where a car accident attorney will listen to the details of your case and decide how to proceed. If they take on your case, you'll work closely with them to collect documents including accident reports, insurance information, and medical receipts.
Once all your medical bills are collected, your lawyer will assemble a claim and begin negotiations with the insurance company. Most cases settle, but if a satisfactory amount can't be reached, your attorney may help you file a lawsuit.
How long will it take to investigate a car accident claim in Washington?
The average personal injury claim in Washington reaches settlement in 1.5 years, but your specific case will depend on the response time of the insurance company, the amount of available evidence, and the necessity of a lawsuit. You should expect at least several months of paperwork and negotiation. Some cases settle within a year while others may last over five years, though the goal is always to have an expeditious process.
What happens once my Washington car accident case is settled?
Once you've reached a settlement in Washington, any outstanding fees—legal expenses, medical bills, loans, and more—will be deducted from the gross settlement. The rest is yours.
Gehrke, Baker, Doull and Kelly Law
(206) 878-4100
22030 7Th Avenue South, Suite 202, Seattle, WA 98108
