No one gets in a car hoping to get injured in a crash. Unfortunately, traffic accidents are reported regularly in busy cities like Seattle and Bellevue. If you were injured in such an unfortunate event in Bellevue due to the reckless action of the other driver, you need to focus on recovering fair compensation. Personal injury claims are inherently complex, and you should seek legal advice immediately. Top firms like The Walthew Law Firm offer comprehensive solutions for clients, and you can meet top lawyers for a free consultation. In this post, we have shared some crucial car accident laws in Washington.
Washington is a fault state
Washington has some of the most claimant-friendly laws. As this is a fault state, you would be filing the claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. What happens when you also share a part of the blame? In such cases, Washington follows the pure comparative negligence rule. No matter whether you are majorly responsible for the accident, you can still sue the other at-fault party, but your settlement will be proportionately adjusted according to your liability share. For instance, if you are 40% at fault and recover $10,000 in compensation, you can get a final settlement of $6,000.
Deadlines for car accident lawsuits
If you are filing an injury lawsuit after a car crash in Washington, you need to do so within three years from the accident date. The same deadline is applicable for claims that involve wrongful death and property damage. Remember that the clock starts on the day of the mishap, so if you are filing an insurance claim, you are still losing time. Talk to your lawyer and ensure there is enough time to pursue the civil lawsuit.
Do you need an attorney?
While you can file a claim without an auto accident lawyer, it may not be the most advisable thing to do. A skilled lawyer will not only ensure that you know the exact worth of your case but also offer support and representation as you deal with insurance matters. Your lawyer can negotiate for you, review the factors that can impact the settlement, and gather details and evidence that can help prove fault.
No lawyer can promise a perfect settlement amount, but with an excellent legal team of experts, you have a better chance of maximizing the settlement for your auto accident claim. Call a lawyer right after your injury.
