Traffic Accidents

Washington Traffic Accident Lawyers

A traffic accident can cause serious injuries, unexpected expenses, and a long recovery. Medical bills add up quickly, lost wages create financial strain, and dealing with insurance companies is rarely simple. 

At Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys, we fight for those injured in car crashes, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and other traffic accidents throughout Washington. Whether a negligent driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired, we gather the evidence needed to prove fault and pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term effects of the accident.

If a traffic accident has left you injured and facing financial uncertainty, call 800-529-0842 today for a free consultation with our Washington traffic accident lawyers.

What Qualifies as a Traffic Accident Case?

Not every traffic accident leads to a claim. Whether compensation is available depends on who caused the crash, how serious the injuries are, and what insurance policies apply. Some cases involve a clear at-fault driver, while others require an investigation to determine liability, especially when multiple vehicles or commercial carriers are involved.

Types of Traffic Accidents

• Car accidents – Collisions caused by speeding, distracted driving, reckless behavior, or other violations.
• Motorcycle accidents – Riders are more exposed, making injuries more severe when a driver fails to yield or merges without checking blind spots.
• Bicycle accidents – Cyclists hit by drivers turning left, opening doors into bike lanes, or failing to stop at intersections.
• Pedestrian accidents – Crashes involving pedestrians in crosswalks, parking lots, or along roadways where drivers fail to stop or look for foot traffic.
• Truck accidents – Large commercial vehicles require longer stopping distances, and crashes may involve trucking company liability or federal safety violations.
• Bus accidents – Public transit, school buses, or private shuttles can involve multiple injury claims and different insurance policies.
• Hit-and-run accidents – When the at-fault driver flees, recovering compensation may depend on uninsured motorist coverage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents – When the driver responsible for the crash doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for damages.
• Multi-vehicle pileups – Determining fault in chain-reaction crashes can be complicated when multiple drivers share responsibility.
• Accidents involving rideshare vehicles (Uber, Lyft) – Insurance coverage varies depending on whether the driver had a passenger or was waiting for a ride request.

The type of accident impacts how fault is proven and what insurance policies apply. Different types of accidents also require different types of evidence. In cases where the accident was with a commercial vehicle or public transit vehicle may require a different case strategy than those with private drivers. Our traffic accident attorney team will evaluate the details of the crash to determine the best strategy for recovering compensation.

Case Strategy Based on the Cause of the Accident

The cause of a traffic accident affects how fault is determined and what evidence is needed to prove it. Insurance companies look at accident reports, witness statements, and vehicle damage, but disputes can arise if drivers give conflicting accounts, evidence is incomplete, or injuries are more serious than the insurer wants to acknowledge.

Distracted Driving Accidents

Drivers who take their attention off the road create a significant risk to others. Proving distraction may require phone records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, or evidence from the vehicle’s onboard systems, such as sudden braking data.

• Phone records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage may confirm the driver was using a device or otherwise distracted.
• In cases where no direct evidence exists, attorneys analyze braking patterns, reaction times, and traffic conditions to show signs of inattention.
• Insurers may argue that distraction was not a factor, making it important to establish negligence through available evidence.

Speeding and Reckless Driving Accidents

Excessive speed increases the severity of crashes and limits a driver’s ability to react. Reckless driving, such as weaving through traffic or tailgating, raises liability concerns.

• Skid marks, vehicle damage, and black box data help show whether a driver was speeding or acting recklessly.
• Liability may extend beyond the at-fault driver if unsafe road design contributed to the crash.
• Insurance companies may downplay speed as a factor or shift blame to the other driver. Proving liability may involve any available data from onboard computers, a skid mark analysis, as well as expert testimony to show how excessive speed contributed to the crash.

Drunk or Drug-Impaired Driving Accidents

Driving under the influence significantly increases the likelihood of a crash. Accidents caused by impaired drivers are different from other accidents because of higher liability exposure and the possibility of additional compensation.

• Police reports, breathalyzer results, and field sobriety test records establish impairment.
• Washington law considers DUI crashes as reckless behavior, which may lead to increased compensation.
• Additional damages may be available if the driver had prior offenses or was far over the legal limit.

Weather-Related Accidents

Drivers are still responsible for safe operation in poor weather conditions. Insurance companies may try to blame the weather instead of the driver’s actions.

• Proving negligence depends on showing that the driver failed to slow down, maintain control, or use proper precautions.
• Evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and road condition data help determine whether the driver acted reasonably.

Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failures

Some crashes happen because of vehicle malfunctions rather than driver error. Determining liability depends on whether the failure resulted from defective parts, poor maintenance, or improper repairs.

• Liability may fall on the vehicle owner, manufacturer, or a repair shop, depending on whether the issue could have been prevented.
• Maintenance records, forensic vehicle analysis, and expert testimony help prove mechanical failure as the cause of the crash.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

When a driver leaves the scene, recovering compensation requires different strategies.

• Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can provide compensation if the at-fault driver is not identified.
• Attorneys review surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and police reports to help locate the driver.
• If the driver is never found, filing a UM claim requires meeting policy requirements and submitting evidence such as the police report, medical records, witness statements, and proof of vehicle damage. Insurers may attempt to reduce payouts or deny coverage, so to recover adequate compensation, every document needs to clearly show that the crash caused the injuries and losses claimed.

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Chain-reaction crashes involve multiple vehicles and can create challenges in determining fault.

• Accident reconstruction experts analyze impact points, vehicle movements, and road conditions to assign responsibility.
• Washington follows comparative negligence laws, meaning compensation may be adjusted based on fault percentage.
• Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame among multiple drivers, fo fault will need to be determined by gathering all available facts.

Our Washington state traffic accident lawyers build case strategies based on the unique circumstances of each crash. Establishing fault, proving damages, and securing full compensation requires that our attorneys anticipate challenges and gather the right evidence from the start.

H2: Who Can Be Held Liable in a Traffic Accident?

Determining fault in a traffic accident isn’t always simple. Liability depends on who caused the crash and how the collision happened. It can also hinge on whether multiple parties share responsibility. Washington follows comparative negligence laws, meaning accident victims can still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault.

How Fault Is Determined in Washington

Washington’s “pure comparative negligence” doctrine means that even if an injured person is partially responsible for a crash, they can still recover compensation, although their payout will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Establishing fault requires gathering evidence that proves how the accident happened and who should be held responsible.

• Accident reconstruction helps determine how fast vehicles were moving, the point of impact, and how the crash unfolded. Skid marks, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions may all play into the determination.
• Surveillance footage and dashcam recordings can provide visual proof of what occurred before impact.
• Cell phone records and vehicle data may help confirm if a driver was distracted or speeding at the time of the crash.

When multiple parties are found to be at fault, each party’s compensation would be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if an injured person is found 20% at fault, their compensation would reflect 80% of the total. 

Potentially Liable Parties

When there are multiple parties responsible for an accident, they may include: 

• Negligent drivers – A driver who was distracted, impaired, speeding, or violating traffic laws may be held responsible.
• Employers of commercial drivers – If a delivery truck, rideshare, or commercial vehicle was involved, the employer may be liable for hiring unqualified drivers or failing to maintain safe working conditions.
• Vehicle manufacturers – Faulty brakes, defective airbags, or other mechanical failures could mean that a manufacturer or repair company shares responsibility.
• Government agencies – If poor road design, lack of signage, or dangerous intersections contributed to the accident, a city or state agency may be liable.

Fault is determined by who had a duty to act safely, how that duty was violated, and whether the violation caused the crash. Our Washington traffic accident lawyers investigate every detail to identify responsible parties and pursue compensation from all available sources.

What Compensation Can Accident Victims Recover?

Accident injuries can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and long-term financial burdens. A successful case will account for both immediate costs and future expenses tied to the accident.

Types of Compensation

• Medical expenses – Covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages – Compensation for missed work during recovery, as well as future lost income if injuries prevent a return to work.
• Property damage – Repairs or replacement costs for a damaged vehicle.
• Pain and suffering – Recognizes the physical pain, emotional distress, and lasting impact of the accident.
• Wrongful death damages – Covers funeral costs, lost financial support, and other losses for families who have lost a loved one in a crash.

Factors That Affect Compensation

• Severity of injuries – More serious injuries typically result in higher medical costs and longer recovery periods, increasing the value of a claim.
• Medical documentation – Detailed medical records can provide proof of the injuries sustained and their long-term effects.
• Insurance coverage – The at-fault driver’s policy limits may impact how much compensation is available.
• Comparative negligence – Reduction of compensation, based on percentage of fault. 

Accident victims deserve compensation that reflects the full impact of their injuries, both financial and personal, which will cover short and long-term needs. Our traffic accident attorneys push back against low settlement offers and fight for the maximum amount available under Washington law.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After an Accident

Insurance companies sometimes focus on limiting payouts instead of actions that help accident victims recover. Adjusters may look for ways to reduce claim values, deny responsibility, or delay payments long enough that victims accept less than they deserve. Without an attorney handling the process, injured drivers may have a hard time recovering full compensation.

Insurance Company Tactics

• Quick settlement offers that undervalue claims – Insurers may offer a fast payout before the full extent of injuries is known, hoping victims accept before realizing the long-term costs.
• Disputing fault or blaming the victim – Adjusters may argue that the injured party was partially responsible, which reduces compensation under Washington’s comparative negligence laws.
• Delaying or denying claims – Some companies slow the claims process or deny legitimate claims outright, expecting victims to give up or accept less money out of frustration.
• Using recorded statements against the claimant – Insurers may take statements out of context or use minor inconsistencies to justify a lower payout or denial.

How an Attorney Helps in Insurance Disputes

• Identifying all available insurance coverage – Our attorneys will review the policies of all involved to determine any potential sources of compensation, including underinsured motorist coverage and other policies that may apply.
• Negotiating settlements that reflect full losses – Attorney representation bolsters claims by presenting medical records, lost wage documentation, and expert evaluations that prove the true value of damages.
• Attorney actions if insurers refuse to pay adequate compensation – When insurers delay or deny rightful claims, attorneys challenge their decisions, escalate disputes, and take your case to court, if necessary to force a fair resolution.

Some insurance companies are known for focusing on protecting profits, not paying claims fairly. Our Washington traffic accident lawyers take over negotiations, handle all insurer interactions, and fight for full compensation so accident victims can focus on recovery.

The Foundation of a Strong Case: Steps to Take After a Traffic Accident

What happens in the moments after a traffic accident can impact everything that follows. Taking the right steps helps protect your health, prevents insurance disputes, and strengthens your case for full compensation.

Immediate Steps at the Scene

• Call 911 and request medical help – Emergency responders assess injuries and provide care. A police report documents key details, including driver statements and possible violations, which can be important when proving fault.
• Document the crash scene with photos and videos – Capturing vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals preserves evidence before the scene is cleared. Photos of injuries also serve as proof of the impact’s severity.
• Collect driver and witness contact information – Exchanging details with all involved parties ensures that insurance claims can be processed correctly. Witness accounts can provide an unbiased perspective if the at-fault driver disputes responsibility.

Steps to Take in the Days After the Accident

• Seek medical treatment and follow all recommended care – Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms may develop over time. Medical records serve as key evidence in an injury claim, and failing to follow treatment plans may give insurers a reason to dispute compensation.
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer – Insurance companies may ask for recorded statements or push for a quick settlement. Without legal guidance, accident victims risk saying something that could reduce their payout.
• Keep records of medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair estimates – Documentation of every accident-related expense helps prove the full extent of financial losses. Examples include hospital bills, physical therapy costs, pay stubs showing missed work, and auto repair invoices.

When Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

Washington law sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and missing them can prevent accident victims from recovering compensation.

Washington’s Statute of Limitations for Traffic Accidents

• Three-year deadline for most personal injury claims – Under Washington’s personal injury statute of limitations, victims generally have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
• Exceptions for claims involving government entities – Accidents involving public transit, government-owned vehicles, or unsafe road conditions may require filing a notice of claim within a shorter period.
• Possible extensions for minors or delayed injury diagnoses – If a minor is injured, the filing window may not begin until they turn 18. Some cases involving delayed symptoms may also qualify for an extended deadline.

The Traffic Accident Case Process

Each traffic accident case follows a series of steps, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements or going to trial.

Overview of Key Steps

• Case evaluation and consultation – Our traffic accident attorneys review the details of the accident, injuries, and insurance coverage to determine the best course of action.
• Investigation and evidence collection – Here we gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, accident reconstruction findings, and expert testimony to build the case.
• Demand letter and insurance negotiations – A formal demand letter is sent to the at-fault party’s insurer, outlining damages and requesting a settlement. Negotiations follow, with the goal of securing full compensation.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary – If insurers refuse to pay a fair settlement, we may file a lawsuit to pursue damages in court.
• Settlement discussions or trial – Many cases settle before trial, but if necessary, a judge or jury will decide the case based on the presented evidence.

What to Expect During the Case

• Timeline for different types of claims – Some claims resolve in weeks, while others take months or years, depending on case complexity and insurance disputes.
• Possible delays caused by insurance disputes – Insurers may challenge liability, argue that injuries were pre-existing, or request additional documentation to slow the process.
• Role of expert witnesses and medical evaluations – Accident reconstruction specialists, doctors, and financial experts may provide testimony to give credence to a case.

Why Work With a Washington Traffic Accident Attorney?

Traffic accident victims who handle claims alone risk settling for less than they deserve. Our Washington traffic accident attorneys handle the legal and insurance challenges so that victims can focus on recovery.

Why Choose Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys?

• No upfront costs—contingency fee representation – Clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
• Extensive experience with traffic accident cases – Knowledge of Washington laws, insurance tactics, and case strategies.
• Proven track record of securing maximum compensation – History of successful settlements and verdicts for accident victims.

Speak With a Washington Traffic Accident Lawyer Today

Recovering from a traffic accident is challenging enough without having to fight insurance companies. Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys will handle all complex legal matters, fighting for maximum compensation, so that you can focus on your health and future.

Call 800-529-0842 or email us today for a free consultation with a Washington traffic accident attorney. There is no cost to discuss your case, and waiting too long could affect your ability to recover compensation.