According to WSDOT crash data in Washington state, a car accident occurs approximately every 5 minutes and a car accident with injuries happens roughly every 11 minutes. According to this same data, the city of Spokane itself averages more than 10 motor vehicle crashes per day with nearly 20 per day in Spokane County.
The fact that life can change drastically in the span of 5 minutes often leaves car accident victims unprepared and shocked. Suffering through a car crash can influence the rest of your life, with many not ready to face the enduring consequences that come with from an accident.
Being in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence adds an extra layer of distress. On top of physical, mental, or emotional toil, one can also suffer from added stress due to costly medical bills, damage to your vehicle, and possible loss of wages. Don’t go through these challenges without professional legal representation. The experienced Spokane car accident lawyers of Russell & Hill, PLLC, are ready to assist you. Call 509-361-2065 today for a free consultation.
Our car accident attorneys have extensive experience in auto accident law, having represented hundreds of people who have been victims of auto accidents. We are proven experts in making sure clients are equitably compensated, and that the at-fault party pays for medical bills – including any future medical costs. Our Spokane injury lawyers can also get compensation for property damage and loss of wages.
If you have been in a car crash in Spokane and have suffered injuries or incurred loss of property, it is your right to seek the maximum amount of compensation provided by law. To do so, you’re going to need a legal team with a proven record of success. Russell & Hill, PLLC, is just such a firm.
After a car accident certain criteria need to be met in order to pursue a car accident claim:
Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward will ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and maximize any potential compensation. Here’s a checklist for Spokane residents to follow after an accident:
Remember, the actions you take immediately following a car accident can significantly impact the outcome of your legal case.
When involved in a car accident, identifying who is at fault to prove liability is a critical step in the compensation process for damages and injuries. Your attorney will help to wade through the complex determinations of fault and liability. Here’s how fault and liability are typically established in car accident cases:
Evidence Collection: The process begins with collecting evidence from the accident scene. This includes photos, witness statements, police reports, and any available video footage, each of which will be important for constructing a comprehensive view of the incident.
Law and Precedent: The specifics of the case are analyzed against state laws and prior similar cases. This analysis will include examining traffic laws that may have been violated and how those violations contribute to establishing fault.
Expert Consultation: Accident reconstruction experts are often consulted to provide a detailed understanding of the crash dynamics. Their insights can clarify fault, especially in complex situations.
Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or damage to another. In car accident claims, proving negligence is the foundation of your case. To prove negligence we will need to show that:
In Washington, if both parties share some degree of fault, the compensation recoverable is reduced by one’s percentage of fault. For example, being 20% at fault in an accident with $100,000 in damages means eligibility to recover up to 80% of the damages, or $80,000.
The matters of fault, negligence, and contributory negligence can significantly affect the outcome of a claim. Experienced legal representation is key in accurately determining fault and obtaining rightful compensation. With a deep understanding of local laws and a commitment to meticulous case preparation, the attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC will provide invaluable support in securing a favorable outcome.
Car accidents vary widely, each with unique impacts, damages, and legal considerations. Car accident attorneys understand how the type of car accidents plays into identifying causes, determining fault, and determining compensation.
Rear-end collisions, often due to a driver’s inattention or following too closely, usually see the trailing driver at fault. However, specific circumstances surrounding the accident, such as sudden stops or malfunctioning brake lights, or faulty brakes can complicate liability assessments.
These dangerous collisions occur when the fronts of two vehicles collide, typically resulting from wrongful actions like driving the wrong way, distracted driving, or impairment.
Also known as T-bone or broadside collisions, these incidents usually occur at intersections due to failing to yield, running red lights, or other negligent behaviors. Determining fault requires a thorough investigation.
Involving three or more vehicles, pile-ups result from a chain reaction of collisions, often on busy roads or highways. The complexity of determining the sequence of events and initial causes poses unique legal challenges.
These accidents may involve only one vehicle and can stem from driver error, poor road conditions, or evasive maneuvers. They introduce liability questions that extend beyond simple driver error.
No matter what type of car accident occurred, the outcome of cases involves overcoming several common legal hurdles. These include gathering comprehensive evidence, understanding the nuances of negligence and liability laws, adhering to statutes of limitations, analyzing insurance coverages intricately, and, where applicable, dealing with comparative negligence rules and being up to date on any changes in the law. An experienced attorney can guide you through these challenges toward the best possible resolution of your case
Car accidents in Spokane can lead to a wide range of potentially life changing injuries, affecting victims differently based on the severity of the collision. Understanding these injuries and their potential long-term impacts is an integral part of how our attorneys will pursue appropriate financial compensation.
The long-term effects of car accident injuries can extend far beyond physical harm, affecting emotional well-being and financial stability. Chronic pain, mobility restrictions, and the necessity for ongoing medical treatments or rehabilitation are common. Additionally, serious injuries may result in lost wages or an inability to return to work, further exacerbating the financial strain on the victim and their family.
When seeking compensation, it’s important to consider not only immediate medical costs but also long-term care, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Our Spokane attorneys will help you understand the full scope of your injuries and advocate for comprehensive compensation that covers both current and future needs.
Interactions with insurance companies after a car accident in Spokane can be frustrating and overwhelming. While you may consider handling these communications yourself, understanding the role of an experienced attorney in this process can significantly impact the outcome of your insurance claim.
Insurance adjusters have their company’s best interests in mind, which often means minimizing payouts. Being aware of their tactics can prepare you to respond effectively, ideally through your legal representation.
An experienced car accident attorney in Spokane plays a critical role in dealing with insurance companies. They can:
Dealing with insurance companies is a complex aspect of the post-accident process. Having a skilled attorney manage these negotiations can not only alleviate the stress associated with insurance claims but also significantly enhance the prospects of a favorable outcome.
As you may know, it could take months or even years to get compensated for your economic and non-economic damages incurred after a car crash, which is why you may be wondering, “Who will pay for my medical expenses after a car accident but before I receive my compensation?”
In Washington state, if you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP), then a certain percentage of your medical expenses will be covered by your PIP benefits without having to wait for the settlement. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage may be applicable in your case if you were injured in a hit-and-run accident or the other motorist does not have adequate liability insurance to cover your damages and losses.
“How much is my personal injury claim worth?” is one of the first questions asked by car accident victims. It is important to find out how much your car accident settlement is worth, but there isn’t a “calculator” that would give you an exact estimate of your case’s value.
When determining how much your personal injury claim is worth, a Spokane car accident attorney will consider multiple factors, including but not limited to:
Some have used a 3X calculation, but this is merely a general estimate. To determine how much your case is worth this method multiplies your medical bills by three times to get a vague and approximate estimation of your case’s value. For example, if medical bills total $30,000, your settlement could be somewhere around $90,000. However, working with an experienced auto accident lawyer, that amount may be much greater.
Because each auto accident is different from another, so are the types of injuries sustained. Russell & Hill, PLLC, will prepare an extensive list of the damages that resulted from the accident.
Some allowable damages you may seek compensation for include:
How long after a car crash in Washington state can you file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for damages? In our state, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Although it might seem that you have plenty of time before you lose your eligibility to file a lawsuit, you have no time to waste.
Get legal help from an experienced car accident attorney in Spokane or elsewhere in Washington state as soon as possible to maximize the value of your car accident claim and improve your odds of receiving the money you deserve promptly.
HOW A SPOKANE CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY CAN HELP
The last thing you want to do is attempt to litigate an auto accident claim by yourself. The level of education and legal training required to pursue a car accident claim is immense – this is the number one reason for contacting a legal firm that specializes in auto accident claims is the best course of action. By virtue of their training and experience, auto accident attorneys can best act on your behalf.
There are numerous ways your attorney can assist you:
An inexperienced attorney might not obtain the compensation you deserve; there are many factors that determine an excellent auto accident attorney.
Here’s what you should look for:
Russell & Hill, PLLC, is committed to uncovering all sources of compensation available to you. Our car accident attorneys will work one-on-one with you during all phases of your claim. Due to our extensive trial experience, attorneys representing insurance companies have a high regard for our lawyers. We are always prepared to take your case to trial if a satisfactory settlement is not possible. From our free initial consultation to our proven record in obtaining compensation for clients, the Spokane auto accident lawyers at Russell & Hill, PLLC are your best choice for personal injury law. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation by calling at 800-529-0842 or 509-361-2065.
Thank you so very much for all your hard work on my accident claim. Sara Baca was amazing and so helpful. The whole office staff was always helpful in helping me, they where always positive and encouraging, especially when insurance companies tried to not pay there part. I cannot thank you enough, Russell and Hill and everyone on the Office staff, Thank you so much.
