Washington Car Accident Laws

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on the roads of Washington, and navigating the legal landscape after one can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve sustained injuries, incurred property damage, or both, understanding Washington’s car accident laws is critical to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. 

At Gilbert Law Firm, we are committed to helping car accident victims in Spokane and throughout Washington, ensuring they receive the full compensation they’re entitled to. In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know about Washington car accident laws, including key concepts like fault determination, insurance coverage, and steps to take after an accident.

In Washington, the state follows a comparative fault system, which means that even if you are partially at fault for an 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.

Under Washington law, 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 Washington car accident attorney can help you navigate this complex system and maximize your chances of securing compensation.

When dealing with car accident claims in Washington, several laws play a critical role in determining the outcome of your case. Here are a few essential laws to keep in mind:

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 risk losing your right to pursue compensation. It’s crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within this time frame.

Washington law requires all drivers to have minimum liability insurance to cover any accidents they cause. The minimum amounts of insurance required in Washington are:

• $25,000 for injury or death to one person
  
• $50,000 for injury or death to two people
  
• $10,000 for property damage

Washington is a no-fault state for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, meaning your own insurance will cover some of your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault for the crash.

It’s also important to have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If the person who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance, or none at all, your own UM/UIM coverage can help cover your costs. This is particularly important in Washington, where the number of uninsured drivers on the road is significant.

The steps you take immediately following a car accident can have a significant impact on your ability to recover damages. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical help if necessary. A police report is vital for your claim.
   
2. Document the Scene: When safe to do so, take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, traffic conditions, and any visible injuries.
   
3. Exchange Information: Gather the names, addresses, and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident, including any witnesses.
   
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, injuries from car accidents can worsen over time. Get a thorough medical evaluation and keep detailed records of all treatments.
   
5. Contact a Washington Car Accident Lawyer: The sooner you reach out to a lawyer, the better. They can help you navigate the legal process, deal with insurance companies, and ensure your rights are protected.

After a car accident in Washington, you’ll likely deal with insurance companies to resolve your claim. However, insurance companies are often 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.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and any other related treatments.
  
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you miss from work due to your injuries.
  
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical and emotional pain you experience due to the accident.
  
• Property Damage: Compensation for the damage to your vehicle or other personal property.

In fatal car accident cases, surviving family members may also be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, funeral costs, and more.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult, especially when you’re dealing with complex insurance claims, medical bills, and legal procedures. We can provide the support you need by:

• Investigating the cause of the accident and determining fault
  
• Gathering evidence to support your claim
• Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
  
• Representing you in court if needed to ensure you get the compensation you deserve

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Washington, it’s essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible. Our team at Gilbert Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights, investigate the circumstances of your accident, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We are dedicated to helping accident victims across Spokane and the rest of Washington.

Call (509) 321-0750 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer.