If you have sustained an injury in a car accident, by a vehicle rolling over, or by being rear-ended as a result of the carelessness of an individual, you have the right to complete and just compensation for any personal injuries. Prior to speaking with your insurance provider, you are urged to discuss your claim through a professional car accident lawyer. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, serving Marysville and cities all through Washington, we work hard to preserve your rights.
If you, or one of your loved ones, have sustained an injury from a car accident and want to understand your legal rights, contact Russell & Hill, PLLC directly at 360-996-6023. Alternatively, you may complete our “Free Evaluation” form. After completing this form, one of our Marysville car accident attorneys will directly reach out to you by phone in order to discuss your case.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our legal team has aided countless people throughout Marysville and the neighboring areas of Oregon and Washington State with car accident claims. You are entitled to monetary compensation for your suffering caused by another person’s negligence. This compensation may include:
Car accidents wreak havoc not only on the victim, but to their loved ones as well. Your primary focus should be allocated to recovery, rather than having to deal with the financial fallout of the situation. When hiring Russell & Hill, PLLC, it is our guarantee that each and every detail of your case will be reviewed. In addition, we will deliver a thorough plan, outlining how we will proceed with the claim in the months that follow. Ultimately, our goal is to negotiate with your insurance provider for a settlement.
Our car accident legal team takes care of all the communication with your insurance provider. We collaborate with reconstructionists as well as personal injury experts in order to compile all of the evidence in your claim. We request medical testimony from your doctors, and finally, we present your claim to the insurance company and negotiate for your compensation.
Often dismissed as minor, rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent types of car accidents on Washington roads. Usually, the driver who collides into the back of another vehicle is considered at fault under Washington State’s negligence laws. Such accidents can occur due to tailgating, sudden stops, or distraction. Injuries commonly resulting from rear-end collisions include whiplash, spinal injuries, and sometimes concussions. The application of Washington’s negligence laws often places the burden of proof on the driver who rear-ended the other car.
Known by various names like “T-bone” or “broadside” collisions, side-impact collisions happen when the front or rear of one car crashes into the side of another. These types of accidents often occur at intersections, traffic lights, and stop signs. They are particularly dangerous because the sides of cars offer less protection than the front or back. Injuries may include broken bones, internal injuries, and head trauma.
Head-on collisions are a type of car accident where the front ends of two vehicles hit each other. These are extremely dangerous and often result in fatalities or severe injuries. Contributing factors can include impaired driving, distraction, or fatigue.
Sideswipes happen when two cars moving in the same or opposite directions graze each other. These are common on multi-lane roads and highways. Injuries are generally less severe but can include soft tissue damage and minor scrapes. Washington State laws concerning safe lane changes and signaling are often cited when determining fault in sideswipe accidents.
Though less common, vehicle rollovers are highly dangerous and have a higher likelihood of resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Such accidents can occur due to speeding, sharp turns, or collisions with other objects. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity, like SUVs, are more susceptible.
Hit-and-run accidents involve a driver causing a crash and fleeing the scene without providing identification or assisting the injured parties. This is a serious offense under Washington law and can result in both criminal charges and civil liability.
Distracted driving includes actions that divert the driver’s attention away from the road. This includes texting, using a smartphone, eating, or even talking to passengers. Washington State law prohibits texting or holding a phone while driving.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Washington State has stringent DUI laws, specifying blood alcohol content limits.
Exceeding the speed limit is not just a minor offense; it’s a significant cause of car accidents in Washington. High speeds reduce the driver’s control over the vehicle and increase stopping distances, making it more challenging to avoid an impending collision.
Reckless driving is a catch-all term that Washington State law defines as driving with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This could include tailgating, running red lights, or making dangerous lane changes.
Washington State experiences a range of weather conditions that can make driving hazardous. Rain, snow, and fog can impair visibility and make roads slippery, contributing to accidents. State law requires drivers to adapt their driving behaviors according to weather conditions, including reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
Drivers are usually the first parties examined when determining liability in a car accident. Reckless or careless driving habits such as speeding, texting while driving, or failing to obey traffic signals can establish a driver as being at fault. Washington State law expects drivers to exercise reasonable care on the road. When this duty of care is breached, and it results in an accident, the offending driver may be held liable.
In some circumstances, liability could extend to the person who owns the vehicle involved in the car accident. For instance, if the owner lent their car to someone they knew was intoxicated or unlicensed, the owner could potentially be held accountable for resulting accidents.
If a car accident occurs while an individual is conducting tasks as part of their employment, the employer could be held accountable. Vicarious liability comes into play when an employee, acting within the scope of their job, causes an accident. However, this usually does not apply if the employee was running personal errands or was otherwise acting outside the scope of their employment at the time of the accident.
Sometimes, defects in the vehicle or its components can lead to an accident. In such cases, the manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability laws. This can range from defects in braking systems to faulty airbags. Pursuing such a claim typically requires expert testimony to establish that a product defect indeed existed and that it contributed to the accident.
Though less common, poor road conditions like potholes, inadequate lighting, or faulty traffic signals can sometimes contribute to accidents. In such cases, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable. However, suing a government entity in Washington comes with its own set of complex rules, including strict timelines and caps on damages.
Washington operates under a fault-based car insurance system, meaning that the person at fault for causing the accident is also responsible for any resulting damages. You can file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, and if your claim is successful, you should receive compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and possibly more, depending on the policy limits.
If the insurance claim is insufficient to cover your losses, or if the at-fault driver is not insured, a lawsuit can be an effective route for compensation. According to Washington State law, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit can seek to recover broader categories of damages than an insurance claim, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Washington State follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means if you are found to have some level of responsibility for the accident, your final compensation amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is a crucial consideration in determining whether to pursue a lawsuit and how to strategize for it.
Navigating the legal complexities surrounding car accidents in Marysville can be challenging, especially when multiple parties could be at fault or when insurance claims are insufficient. Retaining a skilled personal injury lawyer is often the best way to understand your rights and options fully.
Intersections with heavy traffic and multiple lanes are known for being particularly risky. The chances of a collision occurring—whether it’s a side-impact, rear-end, or even a head-on collision—are notably higher at busy junctions. Drivers sometimes misjudge the speed of other vehicles or get confused with lane markings, increasing the risk of an accident.
Shopping centers attract a high volume of vehicles and pedestrians, leading to a complex traffic environment. Navigating through crowded parking lots and busy entrances and exits can be challenging, and this often results in minor accidents or, in some cases, more serious collisions involving pedestrians.
Morning and afternoon times near schools can be particularly hazardous. Parents rushing to drop off or pick up their children can lead to hurried driving, which may result in accidents. It’s not just the vehicular traffic; the presence of young pedestrians adds another layer of risk.
Highways like I-5 that run near Marysville see a blend of high-speed vehicles and heavy trucks, creating a potentially dangerous mix. The need for constant vigilance on such roads cannot be overstated.
The outlying areas of Marysville include rural roads, which present their own set of challenges. Lack of adequate signage, poor lighting, and less frequent patrolling can make these routes just as perilous as the busy city streets.
Awareness of Washington’s “pure comparative fault” system is crucial. This system adjusts the compensation based on the percentage of fault attributed to each party involved in the accident. Additionally, if an accident results in a fatality, injury, or substantial property damage, it must be reported to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Medical bills can mount quickly following an accident. Not only can you claim for immediate medical costs like ER visits, but you can also claim for future medical expenses, such as rehabilitation or any required surgeries down the line.
If the accident has left you unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your ability to earn in the future has been compromised, this can also be factored into the damages.
Your vehicle may have suffered considerable damage in the accident. The cost of repairs or replacement can be included in your claim. Additionally, any personal belongings that were damaged can also be considered.
Emotional trauma can sometimes be as debilitating as physical injuries. Washington State allows for the recovery of non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, which consider the emotional and psychological impact of the accident.
If the accident has negatively affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be eligible for these specific non-economic damages. However, they are typically harder to quantify and require substantial proof.
It’s important to note that Washington State generally doesn’t allow for punitive damages in car accident cases. The legal focus is primarily on making the victim whole rather than punishing the offender.
If a car crash results in a fatality, the surviving members of the family may file a wrongful death claim. This can provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline usually means forfeiting your right to claim any damages.
The moments following a car accident can be chaotic. However, the first priority is to ensure everyone’s safety. If possible, move the vehicles out of the roadway. In Washington, you are required to call 911 if there are injuries, or deaths, or if the vehicles are causing a hazard.
Washington state law stipulates that all parties involved in a car accident must exchange information. This includes names, addresses, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Additionally, gathering eyewitness information can be helpful for your case.
Yes, you must report the accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Failure to do so may result in a misdemeanor charge under Washington law.
It’s crucial to inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as you can. Many insurance policies require timely reporting and full cooperation.
Consulting a lawyer early on can provide you with valuable insights into Washington’s legal intricacies and help protect your interests. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the process, from filing insurance claims to a potential lawsuit.
According to Washington’s statute of limitations, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit. Failing to do so within this time frame will likely result in the dismissal of your case.
At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our lawyers work with you on a contingency basis. This means that there will be “no attorney fee unless there is a recovery”. This fee will be a set percentage of the amount ultimately reached in your settlement.
Timing can be a very critical factor in these situations. If you have been in a car accident and sustained injuries due to the negligence of another individual, contact Russell & Hill, PLLC, serving Marysville and neighboring cities of Washington State, by entering your information into our “Free Evaluation” form. Or, you can call 360-996-6023 to directly speak with one of our Marysville car accident attorneys today.
