If you or someone you care about has been involved in an accident in Seattle, you will likely hear many comments from friends and family members about what to expect. While some of this may be true, you will also likely hear some false information. Today the Seattle car accident attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC want to discuss some myths and facts about auto accidents.
Myth One: You do not need to seek medical attention for minor injuries
Regardless of how serious you think your injuries are, you need to seek medical assistance after a car accident occurs. Even relatively minor injuries may be more serious than they seem. The signs and symptoms of some car accident injuries do not even show up until hours or even days after the accident occurs. Seeking medical attention not only ensures your well-being, but it establish is a link between the car accident and your injuries that the insurers will be looking for.
Myth Two: You do not need to call the police for minor accidents
Washington state law requires that most accidents they reported. You must report an accident to the Washington Department of Transportation if the police have not already reported it and if any of the following occur in the accident:
Failing to report a car accident could jeopardize any compensation you get from an insurance company.
Myth Three: I cannot receive compensation for my injuries if I was partially at fault for the crash
Washington operates under a “pure comparative negligence” system. Even if you were partially at fault for a vehicle accident, you can still recover compensation. However, the total amount of money recovered will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 in a car accident settlement but determines that you were 20% at fault for the incident, you would only receive $80,000 in total compensation.
Myth Four: Insurance companies are on your side if you were not at fault
Insurance carriers are “for-profit” entities and will work to lower any settlement they have to pay out in a car accident. This will include placing some or all of the blame for an accident on you. Insurance carriers will use recorded statements that you make against you.
Myth Five: You do not need an attorney for your case if you were not at fault for the crash
Even if you were not at fault for a car accident, an attorney can still help you navigate the aftermath of the crash to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available. The at-fault driver’s insurance carrier will do everything they can to lower any settlement they have to pay for your injuries or property damage. An attorney will ensure that you were treated fairly throughout this process.
Let us get to work on your case immediately
If you or someone you care about has been involved in a car accident, you may need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. The aftermath of a car accident can become incredibly complex, especially when you are dealing with injuries and property damage. The team at Russell & Hill, PLLC Is going to help you with every aspect of your car accident case. This includes securing the compensation you deserve, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering damages, in possible punitive damages. When you need a Seattle car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-529-0842.