Washington Car Accident Lawyer

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our Washington car accident lawyers are here to help. We have extensive experience and success handling car accident cases, and we will use our expertise and resources to investigate the accident and secure the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today at 800-529-0842 to schedule a free consultation.

Car Accident Injuries Can Be Devastating

Car crash injuries significantly impact a person’s work, mobility, and quality of life. Russell & Hill, PLLC advocates for clients facing these challenges by seeking maximum compensation for various injuries resulting from car accidents, such as:

• Broken and dislocated bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash
• Connective tissue injuries to ligaments and tendons
• Soft tissue injuries to muscles and bruising to the skin
• Other severe neck or back trauma
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Crush injuries or amputations
• Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
• Significant scarring or disfigurement

Each injury requires a customized case strategy. For severe injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations, cases may focus on long-term medical costs, rehabilitation, and any loss of future income. For soft tissue injuries, concussions, or whiplash, compensation may address ongoing medical treatments, pain management, and disruptions to daily life. Serious injuries with long-term physical effects may also justify compensation for ongoing medical needs and the emotional challenges of adjusting to new physical limitations. Russell & Hill, PLLC will pursue compensation that addresses immediate and long-term requirements by aligning case strategies to the unique effects of each injury.

Determining Fault in Car Accident Cases

How Fault is Established

In Washington car accident cases, fault determines who is financially responsible for covering a victim’s injuries, damages, and losses. Fault can be established by examining various pieces of evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert analysis of the accident scene. Our car accident attorneys use this information to build a strong case that accurately reflects the extent of our clients’ damages and establishes the other party’s liability. This often means challenging the findings of insurance companies to ensure adequate compensation for victims.

Washington’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule

Washington follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which affects how fault is assigned and how compensation is calculated in personal injury cases. Under this rule, an injured party can recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the accident. Their compensation will be reduced according to their percentage of fault.

For example, if a driver is found to be 30% responsible for an accident while the other driver is 70% at fault, the injured driver can still receive compensation for their losses. However, their total recovery amount will be reduced by their share of fault, or 30%.

In a pure comparative negligence state, insurance companies may attempt to assign a higher percentage of fault to the injured party to minimize the amount they must pay. Is An experienced auto accident lawyer can advocate for an accurate assessment of fault and pursue the maximum compensation available under Washington law.

At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we know how Washington’s negligence laws impact car accident cases, and we’re here to help our clients get the compensation they deserve. We dig into every detail of the evidence and push back against insurance companies’ attempts to downplay claims, aiming to secure the best possible outcome—no matter the fault challenges involved.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Washington State?

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. This three-year deadline applies to claims for personal injuries as well as for property damage resulting from the accident. Filing within this timeframe is necessary to keep your right to seek compensation. Missing the deadline may prevent you from opening a case, even if your claim is valid.

Important Exceptions and Considerations

Though the usual deadline to file is three years, certain situations can extend this timeframe:

• Minor Involvement: If the injured party is under 18 at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may start when they turn 18. This allows minors additional time to file a claim once they reach adulthood.
• Delayed Discovery of Injuries: Some injuries may not become apparent immediately after the accident. In cases where injuries are discovered later, the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was discovered or should have reasonably been discovered. This exception provides additional time for individuals who experience delayed symptoms to pursue a claim.
• Absence or Concealment of the Defendant (RCW 4.16.180): If the at-fault party leaves Washington or conceals their location after the accident, the statute of limitations may be paused. The three-year period resumes only when the defendant returns to the state or is no longer concealed. This exception protects claimants from losing their right to file due to the defendant’s absence or concealment.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Even with a three-year window, it’s wise to begin the claims process as soon as possible. Evidence such as eyewitness accounts, photos, and vehicle data can fade or be harder to obtain as time passes. Starting the process early allows your attorney to gather and preserve key evidence, interview witnesses, and build a compelling case on your behalf.

Why Work With a Washington Car Accident Attorney?

After a serious accident, the path to the compensation you deserve is complex, involving detailed evidence collection, precise damage assessments, and skilled negotiation with insurance companies that often aim to minimize claims. A dedicated Washington car accident attorney brings experience and strategy to this process, protecting your interests at every step and fighting to ensure that every detail of your case is handled thoroughly and effectively. Here’s how having a knowledgeable attorney can make a difference:

Thorough Evidence Collection

Attorneys access and organize evidence to build a solid case for liability and compensation. This evidence helps establish a clear narrative of events, supports claims of fault, and quantifies damages for settlement negotiations or trials, making sure all aspects of the accident are substantiated with reliable proof.

• Scene Photos: Photos from the crash scene can capture important details, such as vehicle positions, road conditions, and visible damages.
• Surveillance Footage: Video from nearby cameras, including traffic and business cameras, can provide visual accounts of events leading up to the crash.
• Accident Reports: Official reports from law enforcement outline key facts and any noted traffic violations, offering an objective view of the accident.
• Eyewitness Statements: Attorneys gather and document witness accounts, which can clarify the sequence of events and support the case.
• Vehicle “Black Box” Data: Many modern vehicles store “black box” data on speed, braking, and other actions taken before impact, which can be key in establishing fault. The data helps reconstruct events leading up to a collision, revealing driver behavior and vehicle actions, which either supports or challenges witness statements and can help determine liability accurately.
• Cell Phone Records: If distracted driving is a factor, phone records may indicate whether a driver was using their device when the accident occurred.

Handling Insurance Claims

Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize or deny claims after an accident. A skilled car accident attorney steps in to manage the entire claims process—from accurately submitting paperwork to negotiating with adjusters—countering tactics that might otherwise limit your payout. With an attorney handling communications, clients can avoid common pitfalls and stay focused on recovery, knowing their case is in capable hands.

Comprehensive Damage Assessment

Calculating the full extent of damages involves more than immediate expenses. Attorneys help identify both economic losses, like medical bills and lost income, and non-economic losses, such as pain and reduced quality of life so that compensation reflects the true impact of the accident.

Meeting Legal Deadlines

Filing deadlines, including the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, are strictly enforced. Missing these deadlines can prevent clients from receiving compensation. Attorneys track these timelines to make sure all filings meet required deadlines.

Choosing a Qualified Auto Accident Attorney

Working with an inexperienced attorney leads to lower settlements and missed opportunities for adequate compensation. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our team understands the value of a car accident claim and will never settle for less than what you deserve. With extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies, we know how to pursue full financial recovery on your behalf.

Choosing the right attorney has a significant impact on your case. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we offer qualities fundamental for success in personal injury cases.

• Initial Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to address your questions, clarify your concerns, and explain our approach to cases like yours. This first step makes sure you understand how we work to protect your interests.
• Client-Centered Approach: Our attorneys listen carefully to your needs, discuss your goals, stay in communication throughout your case, and remain committed to achieving an outcome that fully aligns with the full impact of your injury..
• Client Feedback: Our online reviews and testimonials reflect our dedication to quality service and results. We encourage prospective clients to explore others’ experiences with us to gain insight into our commitment.
• Trust and Confidence: We prioritize building trust with our clients, so you can feel confident that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves.

At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we are deeply committed to helping clients recover the compensation they are entitled to. Our Washington car accident attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law and focused on achieving the best results for every client.

What to Expect at an Initial Consultation With a Washington Car Accident Attorney

Your first consultation with one of our Washington car accident attorneys is an important step in your case. This meeting allows you and the attorney to discuss the details of your accident, assess your case, and outline potential next steps. Here’s what you can expect during this initial conversation:

• Case Review: We will ask for a detailed account of the accident, including information about any injuries, medical treatment, and other losses. Be prepared to share any documents or evidence, such as medical records, police reports, or photos from the scene. This helps us assess the strength of your case.
• Discussion of Legal Options: We will explain possible options based on your situation. We will discuss the expected process and timeline, giving you a realistic view of what to expect as the case moves forward.
• Assessment of Damages: We will assess immediate costs, such as medical bills, and longer-term impacts, like lost wages and reduced quality of life. We will help outline the full scope of damages to pursue proper compensation.
• Explanation of Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees upfront. We will explain how this works, including any percentages taken if a settlement or judgment is obtained, so you have a clear understanding of potential costs.
• Opportunity for Questions: Your consultation is a time for you to ask questions and clarify any concerns about the process. Common questions include how long cases like yours typically take, what evidence will be needed, and how we will communicate updates.

By the end of this first consultation, you will have a better understanding of your case’s potential, and the process involved.

Get the Support You Need From an Experienced Washington Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to another’s reckless or negligent actions, reach out to the experienced team at Russell & Hill, PLLC for dedicated support. We will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, identify liable parties, and build a compelling case to seek full compensation for your losses.

Contact the Washington car accident attorneys at Russell and Hill, PLLC today for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 800-529-0842. Let us manage your case so you can focus on your recovery.