{"id":11836,"date":"2024-05-31T18:21:08","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T18:21:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/russellhlive.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=11836"},"modified":"2026-03-02T18:22:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T18:22:53","slug":"washington-state-car-accident-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/blog\/washington-state-car-accident-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Leyes de accidentes automovil\u00edsticos del estado de Washington"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aspectos destacados clave<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;ve been in a car crash in Washington state, generally, you have 3 years to file a personal injury claim with the court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington is a pure comparative fault state, which allows injured parties to recover damages from another party even if they are partly at fault for the crash.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The minimum liability add-on coverage required under state law is $25,000\/ $50,000\/ $10,000.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some instances, you will need to file a Washington State Collision Report for the accident, regardless if police respond.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaving the scene of an accident can escalate to criminal charges in Washington State.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Looking for a Washington Car Accident Lawyer Right Now?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hundreds of thousands of Washington residents are injured in car accidents yearly, whether from the other driver or the negligent conduct of one or more parties involved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from physical injuries sustained from auto accidents, many victims also incur substantial financial obligations due to high amounts of medical bills, lost salaries due to time off from work, denied insurance claims, potential long-term effects of injury, and uncertainty around future finances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I am <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/staff\/matthew-t-russell\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matthew Russell<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> de <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russell y Hill<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Bufete de abogados<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> representing people injured as a result of negligent drivers, uninsured drivers, reckless conduct, or violations of Washington State&#8217;s motor vehicle laws.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Is Washington a No Fault State for Car Accidents?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Washington is not a no fault Jurisdiction. There are a number of frequently asked questions regarding:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Washington a no fault jurisdiction?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Washington a no fault jurisdiction for automobile accidents?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Washington an at fault jurisdiction?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the Washington State automobile accident statutes, the state uses an at fault system for the determination of liability. This means:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The driver who causes the accident will be responsible for any losses suffered as a result of the accident.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The insurance company of that driver is then responsible to pay for the losses resulting from the accident.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may file a claim directly against the at-fault driver.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the event a fair settlement is not offered, you have the right to bring an action against that driver.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is unlike a no-fault jurisdiction, where the driver will be required to use their own insurance before they may pursue a claim against another driver.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Washington State?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liability is determined based on the evidence and traditional principles of liability as they relate to automobile accidents. Insurance companies and courts will evaluate the following when making a determination of liability:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Informes policiales\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington State auto accident reports\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Declaraciones de testigos\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photographs and video of the accident scene\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damage caused to vehicles in the accident\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expert opinions regarding the accident\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traffic violations committed by the at-fault driver in conjunction with the accident.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Pure Comparative Negligence in Washington<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington operates under a system of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.leg.wa.gov\/rcw\/default.aspx?cite=4.22.005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pure comparative negligence (RCW 4.22.005)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, allowing your ability to receive damages even though you might have been at least partially negligent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Example from a real-life case<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Tacoma, a client was struck in a T-bone collision at a traffic intersection.\u00a0 The other driver reportedly was driving through a red light, while the client was alleged to have been speeding. The insurance company sought to attribute 30% of the fault for the accident to the client. The total amount awarded to the victim was $315,000; this reflects Washington\u2019s car accident liability law. If you were at least partially at fault for the accident you have been awarded damages for your injuries, you still may be entitled to recover a portion of your damages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What to Do After a Car Accident in Washington State?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s important to take the following actions immediately after being involved in a car crash:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. Call 911<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In WA State, there\u2019s an obligation to report the accident if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Someone has sustained injuries as a result of the accident<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The accident has incurred major damages to people\u2019s or property\u2019s possessions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A driver appears too intoxicated to operate their vehicle<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. File a Washington State Collision Report<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If police do not respond to your accident, you are required to file an accident report (collision report) within four days with the State of Washington Office of the Chief of Police. The following terms may refer to your collision report:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State of Washington Accident Report<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington State Accident Report<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collision Report State of Washington<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington State Accident Reports<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failure to file your accident report may adversely affect your rights regarding your injury claim.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Seek Medical Attention<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of whether or not you feel like you were hurt in your vehicle accident, you should have a physician examine you. Some soft tissue injuries or concussions may take several hours before showing symptoms following your auto accident.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Notify Insurance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are legally required to notify your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insurance.wa.gov\/auto-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">automobile Insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> agent as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident has occurred, according to Washington State&#8217;s motor vehicle Insurance requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Minimum Insurance Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding Washington Auto Insurance Laws:<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Coverage Type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Minimum Required<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bodily Injury \u2013 Per Person<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$25,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bodily Injury \u2013 Per Accident<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$50,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Da\u00f1os a la propiedad<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$10,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These limits are often insufficient in serious crashes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurers must offer uninsured coverage to their policyholders, but it is not required by law. As a general rule (as the rate of uninsured drivers continues to rise), we strongly encourage you to carry uninsured motorist insurance for yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>If Someone Hits Your Car: Who Pays?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the most frequently asked question: <\/span><b>If someone hits your car, who pays?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the law in Washington, the following are the rules:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The driver or their insurer is responsible for paying claims arising from the accident.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, then you would present a claim to your own insurance for your UM policy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the at-fault driver has minimal liability coverage, then you would present a claim to your underinsured motorist policy (UIM).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If liability is in dispute, litigation may be necessary.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We have had numerous cases where the insurance company denied any responsibility before providing coverage after they received evidence substantiating liability.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Damages Can You Recover Under Washington State Car Accident Laws?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Victims of an automobile accident will be entitled to the following damages under Washington State Car Accident Laws:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Da\u00f1os econ\u00f3micos<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your actual losses, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastos m\u00e9dicos<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticipated future medical costs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">P\u00e9rdida de ingresos<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of ability to earn<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle damage<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Da\u00f1os no econ\u00f3micos<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Your damages that cannot be quantified, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dolor y sufrimiento<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Angustia mental<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of the ability to enjoy life<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no cap on the amount of non-economic damages you can receive in Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Washington State?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There isn&#8217;t an average or standard way to measure a case&#8217;s settlement value; however, there are factors involved with determining a specific amount for settling a case, which include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">La gravedad de la lesi\u00f3n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The insurance limits available<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fault allocation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any potential long-term disability issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The likelihood that jurors will award compensation in similar circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Typical Settlement Ranges<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has reported that there are over 100,000 car accidents in WA state annually resulting in thousands of injuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Tipo de lesi\u00f3n<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Typical Settlement Range<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minor soft tissue<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$5,000 \u2013 $25,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fractures \/ moderate injury<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$25,000 \u2013 $150,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surgical injury<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$150,000 \u2013 $500,000+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/lawyer-near-me\/catastrophic-injury-lawyer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catastrophic injury<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$1M+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each individual case can produce different results depending on individual circumstances. For example, we have successfully recovered settlements ranging from a low of $50,000 to a high of $10,000,000 based on the specific situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Long After an Accident Can You Still Make a Claim?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The majority of car accident victims do not know that time limitations exist for filing an insurance claim due to a:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Insurance Claim Deadlines<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are insurance claim time limitations that usually require the insurance company to be notified within a few days; however, in Washington State.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Estatuto de limitaciones<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We also have time limitations for initiating lawsuits against a driver or owner of a vehicle involved in the accident (RCW 4.16.080), as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/lawyer-near-me\/personal-injury\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lesiones personales<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 three years for filing suit, and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property damage \u2013 three years for filing suit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have questions regarding how long after a car accident you have to sue in WA State or how long after an accident you have to file a claim, the answer to both questions is generally three years, but you should take action now. Any delay will often cause your case to be less viable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Hit and Run Washington State Laws<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In WA, the state law regarding the hit and run; it is considered very serious to leave an accident scene. If damage only happened to property, you may be charged with a gross misdemeanor. This can result in jail time as well as fines.\u00a0 However, if anyone was injured or killed then this is considered a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/everett-felony-attorneys\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delito<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> charge and you may face prison time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington State Revised Code of Washington 46.52.020 WA Statute regarding accident scene law.<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a hit-and-run victim:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediately fill out an accident report to be submitted to WA state<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use your uninsured motorist coverage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preserve all of your evidence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Leaving the Scene of an Accident Washington State: Criminal Consequences<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaving the scene of an accident in Washington State and the criminal charges that can be brought against an individual are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/everett-dui-attorneys\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conducci\u00f3n imprudente<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">asalto vehicular<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Homicidio vehicular<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All criminal charges will have no effect on any civil case you may have for injuries and you can continue to pursue compensation through a civil claim even if the criminal charge against the driver is still pending.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Do Washington State Auto Insurance Claim Laws Protect You?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under the WA auto insurance claim laws, the auto insurance provider must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct a reasonable investigation of the accident<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respond to you in a timely manner.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not use unfair settlement practices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The WA Office of the Commissioner for Insurance monitors the insurance companies for unfair claims processing. If your auto insurer uses unfair settlement practices you may be entitled to additional buyer&#8217;s remedies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Auto Accident Recovery Washington State: What Makes a Strong Case?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russell &amp; Hill Law Firm has seen many successful car accident law cases based on the following items being in place:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A history of immediate medical reporting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evidence of clear liability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pattern of consistent ongoing medical treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No significant gaps in ongoing care<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expert medical opinions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We recently had a King County client involved in a multi-vehicle accident with disputed liability between the three drivers involved. After litigation:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance initially offered $90,000<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final recovery was over $750,000<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation is critical to be successful in this type of case.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Case Study: Car Accident Settlement Secured in Washington<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>By a Car Accident Attorney at Russell &amp; Hill Law Firm<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On I-5 in King County, a multi-vehicle accident changed this driver&#8217;s life when a distracted driver crossed multiple lanes at highway speeds. The driver suffered internal injuries, multiple fractures, required surgery, and had many months of rehabilitation before returning to work. Despite the severity of the driver&#8217;s injuries, the at-fault driver\u2019s insurance company attempted to classify the claim as a \u201cnormal auto accident\u201d and therefore subject to basic accident laws.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russell &amp; Hill Law Firm began our investigation of the accident immediately, obtaining the Washington State accident report, dash camera footage, preserving data from all vehicles involved, interviewing witnesses, and consulting accident reconstruction experts. Our investigation produced evidence establishing clear liability for the accident under Washington state <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/lawyer-near-me\/car-accident-lawyer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">accidente automovil\u00edstico<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> laws and discovery that the insurance carrier was incorrectly assessing future medical damages at a lower value. We prepared the case for trial while also working aggressively to negotiate full compensation for our client under Washington State auto insurance claim laws.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Result<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russell &amp; Hill Law Firm has obtained a large settlement for medical costs, lost earnings, future disability and suffering. The settlement has given peace of mind and supported those injured in a car accident in Washington State.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Speak With a Washington Car Accident Lawyer Today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Russell and Hill Law Firm has been providing dependable representation to persons that have been injured throughout the state of Washington for over two decades. Our experienced Washington State car accident attorneys will work diligently to protect your legal rights after suffering significant injuries as the result of an auto accident.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cont\u00e1ctanos hoy mismo en <\/span><a href=\"tel:(800) 529-0842\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">800-529-0842<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Para organizar una <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">consulta gratuita<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a Washington car accident attorney.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Preguntas frecuentes\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the average settlement for a car accident in Washington State?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Settlement averages vary widely; settlement amounts can depend on injury severity, insurance limits, liability disputes, and long-term effects of injury on an individual&#8217;s gainful employment opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you recover damages if you were partly at fault in Washington?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Washington follows the pure comparative <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/blog\/comparative-negligence-in-everett\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">negligence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> doctrine which means you may recover damages regardless of whether or not you were at fault.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In case the responsible party does not possess insurance, then you may initiate an action under your uninsured motorist coverage. Alternatively, you may bring your case directly against this individual to seek damages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I need to file a Washington State collision report if police respond?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If law enforcement files a collision report at the scene, you generally will not need to submit a separate driver&#8217;s report next to it for insurance purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I recover pain and suffering damages in Washington?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Washington law provides for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment from any and all types of injuries.<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Highlights If you&#8217;ve been in a car crash in Washington state, generally, you have 3 years to file a personal injury claim with the court. Washington is a pure comparative fault state, which allows injured parties to recover damages from another party even if they are partly at fault for the crash. The minimum<\/p>","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":14369,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-accident"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11836","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11836"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11836\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14369"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11836"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11836"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/russellandhill.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11836"}],"curies":[{"name":"gracias","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}