Washington insurance laws operate under an at-fault system for vehicle collisions. That means the motorist who caused the crash is financially liable for covering the damages, including injuries and other losses, for themselves and everyone involved. Preparing a solid case with evidence is vital to obtaining a fair resolution.

State insurance and personal injury laws protect you after a collision resulting from another person’s careless actions. Please contact the personal injury attorneys at Frey Buck soon to schedule a consultation with a qualified Seattle car accident lawyer to review your case and options.

What Are the Insurance Requirements?

State insurance laws direct that all drivers with registered vehicles must carry at least the minimum amount of coverage. Every policy issued must cover at least $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per collision. It must also guarantee a minimum of $10,000 for property damage.

Policyholders may also carry additional coverage, including personal injury protection (PIP), which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and 85% of lost wages. Another option is uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), which protects you financially when the at-fault driver has inadequate coverage or none at all.

The first step in the process almost always involves communications and negotiations with insurance providers, and handling this on your own can have adverse effects on the payout. Making a statement that the adjuster can misconstrue can reduce or eliminate your settlement. Our skilled Seattle car crash attorney can handle all calls, emails, and mail to protect your rights and interests.

What to Know About Civil Lawsuits

Sometimes negotiations with insurers fail to result in an acceptable payout amount, and other times the at-fault driver’s policy is not enough to cover all your injuries and other losses. When that occurs, the next step is filing a personal injury claim for damages in civil court. That means using evidence to demonstrate the full extent of the other driver’s negligence to obtain an award for damages.

You have three years from the date of the crash to file the claim and commence legal action. The case must prove that the other motorist failed to use reasonable care, such as speeding or reckless driving, and that violation was the cause of the wreck and the resulting damages.

Comparative Negligence

Washington statutes follow a pure comparative negligence rule, allowing you to collect payment from the other party, even if you are partly at fault. However, they subtract your percentage of liability from the award, and establishing the full extent of the defendant’s fault is crucial for obtaining the maximum recovery.

Award for Damages

Personal injury laws compensate for the out-of-pocket financial losses you sustain, such as the cost of medical care, procedures, hospital stays, and medication. The civil court also awards damages to cover your non-monetary and tangible losses, which include

• Loss of the enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring
• Short- or long-term disabilities
• Chronic pain and suffering

Our seasoned car wreck lawyers in Seattle can help collect all the essential evidence, handle communication inside and outside the courtroom, and advocate on your behalf for the full extent of the damages you are owed.

Contact a Proficient Car Accident Attorney in Seattle

Washington insurance and personal injury laws provide many protections to motorists who sustain damages in crashes caused by others. Preparation to prepare a strong claim, which demonstrates the other party’s negligence, is vital to ensure you receive a just award for damages. Reach out soon to schedule an appointment with our experienced Seattle accident lawyers to learn more.