Preliminary data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that there were 810 traffic fatalities in 2023, marking a 10% increase compared to 2022. This rise is part of a larger trend of growing traffic fatalities in the state, with 750 people losing their lives in fatal collisions on Washington roads in 2022.
At Gilbert Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys have seen the complications that arise from multi-vehicle accidents time and again. We understand the challenges involved and are dedicated to ensuring that your rights are protected and your interests are fully served.
Why Multi-Vehicle Accidents Are Different
Multi-vehicle accidents, also known as chain-reaction accidents, involve three or more vehicles and can lead to complicated legal and insurance claims.
It may seem like a straightforward car accident that can be handled by the insurance companies, but it’s more complicated than you think. Unlike a typical two-car collision, a multi-vehicle accident involves multiple parties, each with their own insurance companies, potential injuries, and property damage claims. This increases the likelihood of disputes and should probably prompt you to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
- Multiple Parties Involved: With more parties, the chance of someone filing a lawsuit increases. Each party involved may have suffered injuries or vehicle damage, leading to competing claims and complex liability issues.
- Higher Risk of Severe Injuries and Damages: Multi-vehicle accidents often result in more serious injuries due to the multiple impacts and directions of force involved. This can lead to the following:
- Higher medical bills
- Long-term care needs
- Significant property damage
- Complicated Insurance Claims: Insurance companies might have conflicting interests. They may try to reduce their payout by shifting blame to other drivers. Having a lawyer ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
Possible Injuries After a Multi-Vehicle Crash in Spokane
You should consider speaking to an attorney as soon as possible if you or someone else was hurt in a multi-vehicle accident. Not only is there the risk of a civil lawsuit that could cost thousands of dollars but if there were illicit substances like alcohol or prescription painkillers involved, the negligent party could face criminal charges.
Injuries from these accidents can range from minor to severe, and sometimes they may not be immediately apparent.
- Delayed Injury Symptoms: Injuries such as whiplash or soft tissue damage might not show symptoms right away but could develop over time, complicating the process of determining fault and compensation.
- Serious Injuries: In some cases, injuries could be severe, leading to extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. This may involve the following:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal damage
If you were injured, you need an attorney to investigate the multi-vehicle accident in Spokane thoroughly and determine who is negligent or at fault. Relying solely on your insurance company might not be in your best interest. While insurers might seem to be looking out for you, they are often more concerned with minimizing their payout and evading their financial responsibilities.
In this case, you need an attorney to ensure that all other parties accept and pay their fair share of damages and fault in your injury rather than arguing that it is unrelated to the multi-vehicle accident.
What Is the Role of Comparative Negligence in Determining Fault in Washington?
Determining who is at fault in a multi-vehicle accident is not always straightforward. In a two-car accident, figuring out who caused the crash can be challenging; in a multi-vehicle scenario, it becomes even more complex. Each party will likely try to minimize their involvement and assign blame to others.
In Washington, a comparative negligence state, each party’s level of fault is assessed, and they are required to pay a proportionate share of the damages. For example:
- If Driver A is found to be 50% responsible, Driver B is 30%, and Driver C is 10%, you (Driver D) can recover 90% of your damages.
Most multi-vehicle accidents result in settlements paid out by insurance companies, which prefer to negotiate rather than go to court. However, these settlements often involve complex negotiations, and you could be required to sign a contract that prevents you from pursuing further legal action. Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s crucial to have a legal professional review the offer to ensure you are not settling for less than you deserve.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer in Spokane Help?
If you are injured in a multi-vehicle accident in Spokane, consult with the Gilbert Law Firm before accepting any settlement offer. Not only could you be accepting a fraction of what you are owed, but you might also be signing away your ability to recover much more from those responsible for your pain and suffering.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is here to:
- Ensure Full Compensation: We will evaluate your case, taking into account all injuries, damages, and potential long-term impacts, to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
- Protect Your Rights: By reviewing settlement offers and negotiating with insurance companies, we protect you from agreements that could limit your ability to recover just compensation.
- Guide You Through the Process: From investigating the accident to determining fault and handling negotiations, our team will be by your side every step of the way.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Gilbert Law Firm for a Consultation
Navigating the aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The experienced attorneys at Gilbert Law Firm are ready to help you through this challenging time, working to secure the compensation you deserve and advocating for your rights.
Contact us today at (509) 321-0750 to schedule a consultation.
