Call Us atAutomobile collisions cause more injuries per year than any other type of accident, and many of those injuries could have been prevented entirely if just one person involved in the wreck had acted more responsibly. On top of that, holding someone who irresponsibly caused an auto accident liable for the effects of their misconduct can be time-consuming and legally complex, especially for people without experienced legal counsel by their side.
When you are injured in a car crash that someone else was primarily to blame for, you should strongly consider reaching out to a Kenmore car accident lawyer before trying to pursue civil litigation on your own. Assistance from a knowledgeable personal injury attorney could be key to building the strongest possible claim with the highest chances of success and recovering comprehensively for every form of harm your accident will cause.
Car Insurance Rules for Auto Accidents
Washington adheres to a “fault-based” car insurance system, meaning people hurt in wrecks caused primarily by another person’s negligence can immediately file suit against that negligent person without first having to exhaust available insurance coverage. That said, Revised Code of Washington § 49.26.260 still requires all drivers to provide proof of financial responsibility for the future before they can drive on public roads, and the most common way drivers fulfill this requirement is by purchasing at least the minimum required amount of car insurance coverage.
Drivers must be able to pay either through insurance coverage or their own personal assets for at least $25,000 of losses stemming from bodily injury to one person in an accident, $50,000 for all injuries to everyone involved in a single accident, and $10,000 for all property damage in a single accident. The process of demanding financial compensation after a vehicle crash usually involves going through insurance negotiations first and only proceeding with third-party litigation if absolutely necessary. A car collision attorney in Kenmore could discuss what course of action might best suit a particular situation during a private initial meeting.
Recovering for Short- and Long-Term Losses
Whether it primarily involves insurance coverage, a private settlement demand, or a lawsuit in civil court, an injury claim built around an auto wreck should account for both past and future losses relative to when the litigation process first begins. This means accounting for economic and non-economic forms of harm, such as:
- Emergency medical bills and expected future care costs, including for things like physical therapy and assistive equipment
- Lost work wages and working ability
- Car repair or replacement costs, plus related expenses like rental car fees
- Lost enjoyment and quality of life
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Psychological and emotional distress
It is important to take action sooner rather than later—and ideally with assistance from a seasoned vehicle crash lawyer in Kenmore—since RCW § 4.16.080 generally allows three years at most after an accident first occurs for someone injured to begin pursuing civil restitution for it.
Contact a Kenmore Car Accident Attorney for Assistance
Getting caught up in a traffic accident can do a lot more than just ruin your day—in many situations, the injuries you sustain due to someone else’s reckless driving may alter the course of your whole life. Whether you have suffered life-altering injuries or just need help covering short-term medical bills, you deserve fair compensation for the harm someone else’s misconduct did to you.
Support from a Kenmore car accident lawyer could be invaluable. Call today to learn how practiced legal counsel could assist with your claim.
