A serious car crash can change your life in a matter of seconds. If you or a family member was hurt in a bad collision, you must seek immediate medical attention. A proactive approach to the claims process will help you ensure that your health, well-being, and legal rights are best protected. At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, our Seattle car accident lawyers have the experience needed to help you after a serious crash in Washington.
Medical Care is Always the Top Priority After a Serious Car Accident
Serious car accidents often result in serious injuries. Immediate medical care is essential after a severe collision. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), organ damage, internal bleeding, and even spinal cord trauma, may not be fully apparent at the scene of the crash. Adrenaline can also temporarily mask pain and other symptoms. An injured victim should accept emergency transportation when necessary and provide medical professionals with a complete description of all symptoms. Even if emergency medical care is not required, immediate medical attention is a must.
Personal Injury Tip: You must have medical records to be eligible to bring a claim in Washington. Seeking medical attention is crucial after a serious car accident for your own safety. It is also a necessary step to be eligible to recover personal injury compensation.
You Should Call the Police and Document the Scene
Every serious crash should be reported to local or state police. Indeed, Washington law imposes specific duties on motorists after an injury crash. A driver involved in a collision that causes injury or death must stop, remain at the scene, provide identifying and insurance information, and render reasonable assistance to anyone who is hurt (RCW 46.52.020).
Calling law enforcement helps ensure that emergency services respond and that the collision is formally investigated. When an officer investigates a reportable accident, the officer must submit an investigator’s report. If law enforcement does not prepare the report, a driver involved in an injury collision generally must submit a written accident report within four days (RCW 46.52.030).
Personal Injury Tip: Do not rely on law enforcement or any insurance company for a full, proper investigation of a serious motor vehicle collision. You should take photographs, get witness contact details, and consult with an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer. An attorney can ensure that your collision is properly documented so that you are in the best position to bring a claim.
All Negligent Parties Can Be Held Accountable
Hurt in a serious crash in Seattle or elsewhere in King County? Liability will be handled under Washington law. Our state is a fault-based car accident jurisdiction. Notably, a serious crash may involve more than one responsible party. Some potential defendants may include:
- A negligent driver;
- The driver’s employer;
- A trucking company;
- A vehicle owner;
- A maintenance contractor;
- A manufacturer of defective vehicle components; and/or
- A government entity responsible for a dangerous roadway.
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Under RCW 4.22.005, fault attributed to the injured victim reduces the victim’s compensatory damages in proportion to that percentage of fault, but it does not completely bar recovery. For example, if a victim sustains $1 million in damages in a serious crash in Seattle but they are found to be 20% responsible for the crash, the recoverable award would be reduced by 20%, as well, to $800,000.
Every percentage point of fault matters in a serious car accident case. Being assigned even a few percentage points of unjustified fault could potentially take thousands of dollars out of your settlement or verdict. It is imperative that every case is thoroughly investigated by an experienced Seattle, WA auto accident lawyer. Your lawyer can help to ensure that your best interests are protected, all negligent parties are held accountable, and that you secure the maximum financial compensation.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Serious Car Accident in Seattle
Through a car accident claim in Seattle, a seriously injured victim has the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their injuries, including for non-economic losses. Unfortunately, after a serious accident, insurance companies can make it challenging for victims and their families to get justice. Our Seattle car accident lawyers work tirelessly to help clients secure the maximum settlement or verdict. Along with other damages, seriously injured victims may be able to recover:
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs/replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Physical therapy and mental health counseling;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- The wrongful death of a family member.
How Seattle Car Accident Law Firm Can Help With a Serious Crash
Navigating the aftermath of a serious car accident can be stressful, confusing, and overwhelming. Knowing what to do can help to ensure that you are in the best possible position to put the piece back together. At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, we handle even the most serious of crashes, including catastrophic injury claims and wrongful death claims. If you or your loved one was involved in a major car crash, contact our Seattle law office for a free, confidential consultation.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Seattle Serious Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Seattle Car Accident Law Firm, our Seattle auto accident attorney is a passionate, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a serious accident, we are more than ready to protect your rights. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at (564) 444-7708 or to contact us online for a free case review. From our Seattle law office, we handle serious accident claims in King County and throughout the region.
