It is critical for all individuals who have sustained injuries in Seattle auto accidents to enlist the help of a legal personal injury professional as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the common courtesy that we extend to our neighbors does not always apply on the roads. Sometimes drivers act with only their own interests at heart, and just because a crash has occurred does not necessarily mean that they will act in good faith. It’s possible that the at-fault party will leave the scene entirely, or refuse to cooperate with proper post-crash procedures.
Either way, hesitating to file a personal injury claim may be detrimental to your car accident case with regards to gathering and preserving evidence and talking to witnesses. In order to maximize your reimbursement and ensure your rights are upheld, it’s important to place your case in the hands of experienced attorneys—call us to speak to our team of Seattle motor vehicle accident lawyers right away and receive a free consultation.
Seattle Car Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, car accidents are one of the most common reasons that Seattle citizens file a personal injury claim. While it’s everyone’s duty to share the road and drive as safely as possible, accidents still happen often. The Washington State Traffic Safety Commission releases a yearly report on car accident statistics in the Seattle area, and we’ve pulled out the key takeaways from the 2023 report:
- There were 810 fatalities from car accidents in 2023, a 50% increase from 2018.
- 49% of those fatal car accidents involved an impaired driver.
- The drivers in these accidents account for 328 of the fatalities, while passengers and pedestrians make up 165 and 157, respectively.
- Teenage drivers are three times more likely to be involved in car accidents than adults, according to this report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
While it can be fear-inducing to read statistics such as these, it’s important to remember that many people drive every day without injury or issue. And when car accidents do happen, there is always a qualified personal injury attorney in Seattle ready to step in and help.
For a free legal consultation with a motor vehicle accidents lawyer serving Seattle, call (360) 200-0000
Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Seattle
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Washington State include:
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Ignoring red lights, right-of-way, and other rules of traffic
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Driving while intoxicated or under the influence
Normally, two or more vehicles are involved in a car wreck or other motor vehicle accident. While less common, it is possible to be in a single-vehicle crash that’s still caused by someone else’s negligence. If this is the case with your accident, our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers will work to investigate your car accident claim and determine whether you have a solid legal foundation. Examples of single-vehicle crashes where another party may be liable include:
- Crashes caused by dangerous road conditions with poor pavement, lack of lighting, faulty road designs, or broken traffic signals.
- Crashes caused by careless or aggressive motorists forcing others off the road by sideswiping, swerving, or otherwise driving erratically.
- Crashes caused by defective auto parts like faulty tires, defective brakes, or damaged fuel lines.
Seattle Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near Me (360) 200-0000
What You Should Do After a Car Accident in Seattle, WA
If you’ve recently been in a Washington car accident, it’s normal to experience high amounts of stress and overwhelming feelings in the immediate aftermath. Follow these steps to ensure that you take care of your physical and mental health while also gathering the information you need to file a lawsuit:
- Seek medical attention immediately or as soon as possible.
- Gather evidence, like photos and witness statements, if possible.
- Get the other driver’s insurance information before leaving the accident scene.
- Report the accident to your local authorities and file a police report.
- Avoid speaking to an insurance adjuster without legal counsel.
- Call a car accident lawyer at Van Law to schedule a free consultation.
- Attend any and all medical appointments suggested by your doctors.
- Avoid sharing details about your case on social media.
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Why Hire a Van Law Firm Auto Accident Attorney?
When you work with us, we don’t miss any details, no matter how minute. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys have decades of experience negotiating cases and we see all types of accidents in all types of practice areas. So, you can rest assured that your case is being handled while you work on rehabbing your injuries and putting your life back together. We’ll take on the insurance companies, find police reports and medical files, gather and preserve the most pertinent evidence, and anything else that is needed to argue on your behalf. We also take charge of getting you the proper medical care. Quality client service is the foundation of our Seattle office, and the clients we serve are always our main priority.
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How Can a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Near Me Help?
Unfortunately, expenses start adding up immediately after a crash, whether you were at fault or not. We start tracking your medical records and expenses as soon as possible, and we work hard to accurately estimate the costs you’re likely to have later. By doing this, we prepare ourselves to negotiate as effectively as possible with the opposing insurance companies. All of your damages will be noted, but that’s just the beginning.
Once we’ve established what we believe to be a comfortable estimate, that’s when the negotiations begin. If there are multiple defendants involved in the liability, a highly-qualified and dedicated car accident attorney will make sure to seek the proper amount of compensation from every at-fault party.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After A Seattle Car Crash
One of the most important things that Seattle car accident lawyers can do for you after a crash is deal with insurance companies on your behalf. Soon after your collision, you’ll likely hear from the other party’s insurance company. Their primary goal is to make money, so the insurance company will often present you with a lowball offer that’s nowhere close to a fair settlement.
Instead of responding to any insurance company that reaches out to you, contact an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer at Van Law—we can negotiate on your behalf to protect your rights and work to get you the best deal possible. We’ll start with your free consultation before working together to recover compensation in your case.
Representing All Types of Car Crashes
The state of Washington’s signature rainy climate as well as increasing traffic from rideshares, trucks, and commuters lead to innumerable vehicle accidents in the Seattle area each year. At the Van Law personal injury law firm, we represent claimants of all different types of vehicle crashes in many different practice areas of personal injury law. Some of these include:
- Bicycle accidents
- Boat accidents
- Bus accidents
- Taxi cab accidents
- Rideshare accidents (Uber / Lyft)
- Car accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Crosswalk accidents
- Wrongful death caused by a car accident—if you’ve lost a loved one in a Seattle car accident, please reach out to our team as soon as possible so we can help your during this unimaginably difficult time.
No obligation consultations are always free. We’ll work together to find out what your case is worth, and you won’t owe any fees unless we win your case.
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Common Serious Injuries in Car Accident Cases
Car accidents can cause any type of mild or serious injury, any of which may compel you to file a Seattle auto accident claim with the help of a resourceful attorney. Some of the most common car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries:
- Spinal cord injuries:
- Burns:
- Bone fractures:
- Soft tissue damage:
A traumatic brain injury (such as a concussion, skull fracture, or penetrating head wound) can damage the brain and lead to serious or fatal complications.
A spinal cord injury occurs when any part of the spine is damaged, which typically results in permanent damage that often affects bodily function and motor control.
Burn injuries can range from mild to severe, but they usually only happen when a car accident causes a fire.
Damaged and broken bones are one of the most common injuries sustained in Seattle car accidents. While these injuries are some of the less serious that can result from a crash, severe fractures may require multiple rounds of surgery.
Soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments are highly likely to be damaged in the force of a car crash. Some of these injuries may resolve themselves with very little treatment over time, while others may require long-term medical intervention.
What Damages Are Available in Car Accident Claims
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, the at-fault driver is liable to pay any damages that you or a loved one sustained as a result of a crash. Potential damages can be both economic and non-economic, and often include the following:
- Medical Bills and Expenses: Includes immediate treatment costs, hospital bills, and any future cost or expense related to your accident.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged as a result of the crash, you can seek compensation to repair it.
- Lost Income: If you need to take time off work due to your injuries or have experienced catastrophic injuries that will prevent you from making a return to work in the future, you can file for lost wages and/or future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: Includes a quantifiable amount of emotional damages based on factors considered by an expert in the field, including how much the accident has impacted your life and if you’ve developed any conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Punitive Damages:
Typically awarded only if the at-fault party’s behavior was extremely negligent or showed a complete disregard for the well-being of others.
Understanding Washington Comparative Fault Law
In Washington, you can still receive compensation for an accident even if you are deemed to be partially at fault. The state determines fault based off of a percentage scale, so as long as you are given less than half (50 percent) of the blame, you may still recover damages if you were one of the injured parties.
Keep in mind, however, that this percentage can also affect how much money you will receive. The higher the blame, the lower the settlement. For example, let’s say you are awarded $10,000 for an accident, but the court has deemed you to be 30 percent at fault. Your settlement would then be $7,000– the original sum minus a deduction of 30 percent.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Seattle Car Accident Attorney Near Me
It costs no money up-front to hire one of the experienced car accident attorneys at our firm. Our team at Van Law is dedicated to providing you with top legal services without putting a strain on your finances. That’s why we work on a contingency fee, meaning you won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with a hardworking and empathetic member of our team.
The Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Seattle
To file a motor vehicle accident claim or lawsuit in the city of Seattle, you must hire a personal injury lawyer to present your claim before the statute of limitations expires. In Washington State, the statute of limitations is three years starting on the date of the car accident in question. You must file your complaint before this time period ends, otherwise you won’t be able to pursue your personal injury claim and receive the compensation you deserve.
To beat the statute of limitations, it’s crucial to immediately contact a car accident lawyer in Seattle. Your experienced and resourceful car accident lawyer will learn about and review the necessary details of your case, then it’s up to them to handle next steps on your behalf. While you’re focused on your recovery, our team will give our very best effort to file a claim that will earn you fair compensation and case results. Contact our law office today for free legal advice at no cost to you.
Connect with Seattle Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys
When you need help getting the treatment and maximum compensation that you deserve for your car accident injuries, the Seattle motor vehicle accident attorneys from Van Law Firm are just a phone call away. With over 50 million dollars recovered for our King County clients so far, you won’t want to take yo3ur case anywhere else.
Call our Seattle, Washington location today at (360) 262-1792 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Our personal injury and car accident lawyers in Seattle can help recover numerous forms of compensation, from medical reimbursement, to property damages, lost wages, and more. Speak to a Seattle car accident attorney today to find out how Van Law can help you following a car accident.
No obligation consultations are always free.
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