One of the most common concerns our clients have after they’ve been in a car accident is, “How am I going to pay for all this?”
Costs can quickly add up between medical bills, car repairs, and increased insurance premiums. The pressure of anticipated bills can be overwhelming, especially in an already stressful situation. The good news is you don’t have to pay for all this out of your pocket. A team of Washington car accident attorneys is ready to fight for the financial compensation you or your loved one deserves after an accident.
Our Spokane-based personal injury attorneys at Gilbert Law Firm will work with you to ensure you are compensated for your losses, whether from your insurance company or a lawsuit against the person responsible for your accident.
In this blog, we will outline reasons why you should hire an attorney after your car accident in Washington.
5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Washington
1. To ensure fair treatment by your insurance company
If you’ve ever tried to make an insurance claim after an accident, you probably already know that insurance agencies don’t want to pay you much.
A personal injury attorney with experience representing victims in car crash cases knows how to handle insurance companies and can guide you through the process to ensure you get the best coverage possible.
An attorney can help you gather all the necessary evidence and documentation your insurance agency requires to cover your damages. They can also advise you on how to communicate with insurance agencies effectively. Here are some tips:
- Don’t admit fault
- Don’t make unfounded accusations
- Do have your attorney look over any documents before you sign them
2. To assist with filing a civil lawsuit in Spokane County
If your insurance claim isn’t going to cover all the costs, don’t worry—you still have options.
When someone acts negligently and causes your accident, they can be held liable in civil court. For example, if the other driver was responsible for the crash, you could sue them to recover the damages you suffered as a result of the accident.
Filing a lawsuit can be complicated, so having an experienced car accident attorney can make a big difference. An attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of your case by:
- Filing the case with the appropriate board or federal agency
- Identifying the court that has jurisdiction
- Filing your Complaint with the court
- Serving the defendant
With the right legal support from an experienced personal injury attorney, you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
3. To gather evidence to strengthen your case
Once your lawsuit has been filed, you will need to collect evidence to support your case.
Here are a few key pieces of evidence you and your attorney should prepare:
- Traffic Report: Obtain the official traffic report from the police.
- Notes: Any notes you took at the scene.
- Photos and Videos: Images and footage of the vehicles and the crash scene.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from individuals who witnessed the accident.
- Event Data Recorders: Data from the vehicle’s black box or similar devices.
At Gilbert Law Firm, we also recommend that injury victims keep a journal to document their pain, recovery, and mental state. This type of evidence can be very helpful if your case goes to trial.
4. To negotiate a fair settlement
Once you have gathered all the evidence, you can present it to the opposing party’s attorney in hopes of negotiating a settlement.
Having an experienced car accident attorney by your side is invaluable at this stage in the process. Your attorney can vigorously represent your interests while keeping the goal of a fair settlement in mind, avoiding a lengthy legal battle.
With the right attorney and sufficient evidence, you might be able to secure a fair settlement without even going to trial.
5. To provide representation in court
Negotiating settlements doesn’t always work outside of court; sometimes, you’ll need a judge or jury to make a judgment.
In a car accident case, you can recover compensation for several things, including:
- Car repairs
- Medical expenses for injuries and maintenance
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
While you can represent yourself in a car accident case, having an experienced car accident attorney can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a fair judgment in a court of law.
Statutes of Limitation for Personal Injury Claims in Washington
In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury claim, according to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.16.080.
However, there are key exceptions:
- Minors: The three-year period starts when the person turns 18.
- Mentally Incompetent Individuals: The clock starts when they regain competency.
- Delayed Discovery of Injuries: If injuries aren’t immediately apparent, the period begins when they are discovered.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Different rules may apply if you’re injured by an uninsured driver and have uninsured motorist coverage.
Missing these deadlines can affect your ability to get compensation. Consult an attorney to protect your rights and get tailored advice for your situation.
Contact a Washington Car Accident Attorney Today
At Gilbert Law Firm, we understand the overwhelming stress and uncertainty that follows a car accident. You’re not just dealing with physical injuries but also the emotional and financial burdens that come with it. Our team is ready to represent you with one simple goal: to help you recover from your car accident with the compensation that you deserve.
We take the time to listen to your story, understand your unique situation, and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Contact us today at 509-321-0750 to schedule a consultation and start discussing your case.
Disclaimer: The blog published by the Gilbert Law Firm marketing team for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. There is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
