Spokane, Washington, car accident laws, namely its contributory fault system, let you recover damages even if you’re partially at fault. You have three years to file a claim, and the state requires minimum liability insurance plus mandatory PIP and UM/UIM coverage. Insurance companies will work to minimize your payout through lowball offers, blame shifting, and delays, so having an experienced attorney in your corner is critical to getting fair compensation.
Washington has one of the highest rates of distracted driving crashes in the Pacific Northwest, and Spokane’s busy intersections along Division Street, Sprague Avenue, and I-90 see more than their share. If you’ve been injured in a crash, what you do in the days and weeks after the accident can significantly affect how much compensation you recover.
At Gilbert Law Firm, our Spokane car accident attorneys help injured victims understand their rights and fight for the full compensation they deserve. This blog breaks down Washington’s car accident laws, including how fault is determined, what insurance coverage applies, and the steps you should take after a crash.
What Washington’s Contributory Fault System Means for Spokane Drivers
In Washington, the state follows a contributory fault system, which means that even if you are partially at fault in a multi-vehicle accident, you can still seek compensation for your injuries. This is a crucial distinction from some other states, where if you are partially responsible, you may not be able to recover damages at all.
In other words, even if you are 99% at fault for the crash, you can still recover damages, though the amount will be reduced based on your degree of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of the damages.
Understanding how fault is assigned is an essential part of any car accident claim. A Spokane car accident attorney can help you maximize your chances of securing compensation.
Factors That Impact Car Accident Claims in Spokane, Washington
Statute of Limitations
In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is three years. This means you must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident or you risk losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Insurance Requirements in Spokane, Washington
Washington requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to cover any accidents they cause. The specific amounts of insurance required in Washington are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people
- $10,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others
Washington is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the crash is liable for damages. However, Washington also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which means your own insurance will cover some of your medical bills and lost wages immediately after a crash, regardless of who was at fault, while your claim is being resolved.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, or one whose policy limits don’t come close to covering your actual losses, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is often the only thing standing between you and paying out of pocket.
Washington law requires that UM/UIM coverage be included in every new or renewed auto insurance policy in the state, though a named insured or spouse may reject it in writing.
If you were seriously injured in a Spokane crash and the at-fault driver carried only the state minimum of $25,000, UM/UIM coverage can make up the difference between that and what your claim is actually worth.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies are more concerned with protecting their bottom line than paying out fair compensation to accident victims. Common tactics they use to minimize payouts include:
- Lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies may offer you a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.
- Claiming you were at fault: They may try to shift blame to you in an effort to reduce their financial responsibility.
- Delaying your claim: Insurance companies may drag their feet to avoid paying out your claim promptly.
Hiring an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer ensures that your interests are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After a Car Accident in Spokane
Insurance companies have legal teams working against you from the moment you file a claim. Without an attorney in your corner, you’re negotiating alone against people whose job is to pay you as little as possible. At Gilbert Law Firm, here’s how we level the playing field:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and determining fault
- Gather and preserving evidence before it disappears
- Handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
Contact a Spokane, Washington Car Accident Lawyer at Gilbert Law Firm Today
Every day you wait after a car accident is a day the insurance company is building their case against you. Our team at Gilbert Law Firm has the experience, resources, and determination to fight back. Call (509) 321-0750 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spokane, Washington, Car Accident Laws
1. What should I do immediately after a car accident in Spokane?
Call 911, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, photograph the scene and any damage, and exchange information with the other driver. Do not admit fault or give a recorded statement to the insurance company before speaking with an attorney. The sooner you contact Gilbert Law Firm, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your claim.
2. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Washington?
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Washington’s statute of limitations. Miss that deadline, and you lose your right to compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your case is. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, our team can review your situation for free.
3. What if the other driver was uninsured?
You can still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Washington law requires this coverage to be included in every new or renewed auto policy, though you can reject it in writing. If you didn’t opt out, you likely have it, and a Spokane car accident attorney can help you use it effectively.
4. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Washington’s contributory fault system means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering anything. Even if you were 50% at fault, you can still recover 50% of your damages.
5. How does Washington’s PIP insurance work after a crash?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your own medical bills and lost wages immediately after a crash, regardless of who caused it. It kicks in while your claim is being resolved so you’re not left waiting for the insurance company to settle before you can pay your bills.
6. What tactics do insurance companies use to reduce my payout?
They often make lowball settlement offers before you know the full extent of your injuries and dispute fault to shift blame onto you and deliberately delay your claim to pressure you into accepting less. Gilbert Law Firm knows these tactics and knows how to counter them.
