Washington Car Accident Lawyer
While some motor vehicle collisions may result in minimal injury or property damage, a serious auto accident can leave you grappling with severe and long-lasting physical outcomes. If you or your loved one was recently injured in an auto accident in Washington, you should consider speaking with an attorney to discuss exerting and safeguarding your legal rights.
A Washington car accident lawyer with extensive knowledge of the underlying body of laws governing these matters could provide a complete assessment of your potential case. With the help of a seasoned personal injury attorney, you could seek justice for the harm you experienced.
Frequent Causes of Car Accidents in Washington
Car accidents are among Washington’s most common types of personal injury claims. These collisions can leave extensive injuries and damages and inflict an extreme financial burden. Auto accidents can occur from a wide range of causes, but the negligence or recklessness of a motorist is often the defining catalyst.
Negligent or reckless driving behaviors can take many forms, including distracted driving, aggressive driving, texting while driving, and drunk driving. Actions like running a red light, failing to yield at a four-way stop, speeding, careless lane changes, and wrong turns are also frequent causes of severe vehicle collisions in Washington that may require the advice of an experienced lawyer.
Collecting Damages in Washington Car Accident Claims
The damages that a Washington lawyer could help a claimant recover in the aftermath of an auto accident typically fall into a few different categories. These are special damages, general damages, and punitive damages.
Special damages are designed to reimburse the injured individual for the direct costs associated with the car crash. These could include ambulance bills, hospital bills, bills for scans and other imaging, and physical therapy costs. Past and future lost wages, as well as property damage, are also examples of special damages.
Regarding general damages, these are the costs related to the auto accident that do not have a particular dollar amount affixed to them. Pain, suffering, and emotional anguish are examples of general damages. Punitive damages are not included in all settlements or court awards. Still, the court may impose these damages when the at-fault party’s actions were particularly appalling or grievously negligent.
The Role of Negligence in Washington Auto Accident Cases
Proving the at-fault party’s negligence is critical to the outcome of any car accident case. The satisfaction of four elements determines negligence: a duty of care, a violation of that duty of care, causation, and damages.
If a driver failed to operate their vehicle as a reasonable driver would, therefore violating their duty of care, and this violation caused an accident that resulted in injuries and damages, the injured party may be entitled to pursue a claim against them seeking compensation. Negligence is a two-way street, however.
Sometimes, the court may also determine that the injured party was partially responsible for the auto accident. The injured party can still pursue financial compensation, provided they are not more than 50% responsible for what happened.
However, any portion of negligence delegated to the plaintiff for the accident can reduce their final compensation award. A skilled Washington attorney knows the tactics that insurance companies may use to deflect or allot blame for a motor vehicle crash. A legal representative could examine the accident to the last detail to determine the scope of legal responsibility and all parties who may be answerable for the plaintiff’s injuries and damages.
Speak With a Washington Car Accident Attorney Today
When someone’s failure to observe their legal duty of care caused you to suffer harm in an auto accident, you might be entitled to compensatory damages. A Washington car accident lawyer could go over the details of your collision with a fine-tooth comb to identify all parties liable for your injuries.
Additionally, an attorney could help you seek out every penny you deserve from individuals or entities who caused your harm. Call now to schedule your legal consultation and learn more about filing a car accident claim.