Car Accident Attorney in Lynnwood, WA
A car accident, whether a head-on collision or a t-bone, can result in extensive damages and alter the course of your life. Ensure you or your loved one receive appropriate compensation by working with a highly experienced car accident lawyer in Lynnwood.
Washington Laws for Vehicular Accidents
According to Washington state law, auto accident victims are entitled to recover two types of damages – economic losses and non-economic damages. This law extends to individuals who are partially at fault.
A) Economic losses – current and future financial damages incurred from the accident, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Repair and replacement costs
- Loss of earnings
B) Non-Economic Damages – non-monetary losses sustained following the accident, including:
- Loss of consortium or the deprivation of love and support to the victim’s family due to injuries sustained in the accident
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of society and companionship
- Inconvenience
Know your rights – seek help from seasoned car accident lawyers.
How to Prove Liability
Victims who wish to pursue compensation and file a claim must prove the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care: proving the other party had an obligation or responsibility to you
- Breach of Duty: the plaintiff must show the defendant breached their duty of care
- Causation: you must prove the breach of duty resulted in the accident
- Damages: establish the nature and extent of the injuries
Failure to prove any of these can result in the dismissal of your case. Increase your chance of success by working with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for car accidents in Washington is three years. This means you can only initiate legal proceedings within this timeframe. Otherwise, you revoke your rights to pursue a claim and secure compensation.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
The first few minutes following a car accident significantly affect your chances of getting properly compensated. Here’s what you need to do after the crash:
- Check if everyone’s safe: Ensure you and your passengers are out of harm’s way. If possible, move the vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.
- Call the police: Filing a police report creates documented evidence you can later use to file a claim with the insurance company.
- Seek medical help: Get checked by a doctor even if there are no visible injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash, do not manifest symptoms until weeks after the accident. Plus, this serves as additional documentation when filing a personal injury claim.
- Collect evidence: Gather evidence from the scene, including photos of the incident, witness accounts, and surveillance footage.
- Exchange relevant information: Trade insurance information with the other driver. Take note of their name, contact information, license plate, and vehicle make and model.
Get Fair Representation with Polaris Injury Law
As your lawyer, we’ll protect your rights and obtain the maximum compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys can assist you with the following:
- Gathering evidence
- Filing the necessary documents
- Calculating losses and valuing claims
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Negotiating compensation or settlements on your behalf
- Bringing your case to court if necessary
Schedule a Consultation
Call our office immediately if you or your loved one were involved in a car accident. Our experienced lawyers will evaluate your case and advise you on the next best steps.