Spokane Valley Car Accident Lawyer

Spokane Valley Car Accident Statistics

Between 2014 and 2023 Spokane saw a yearly average of nearly 1,300 car accidents, including fatal accidents, which were trending higher in 2022 and 2023. Serious injuries have also been trending higher in recent years. The table below shows the detailed statistics. Many of these crashes are due to the negligence of one or multiple parties and result in a car accident lawsuit.

WSDOT Crash Statistics for Spokane Valley

Injury Type	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	Average
Fatal	8	4	4	8	7	5	8	4	10	9	6.7
Suspected Serious Injury	16	14	19	13	21	16	26	35	37	43	24.0
Suspected Minor Injury	83	101	111	81	97	95	160	135	185	183	123.1
Possible Injury	257	301	302	257	283	261	192	245	222	195	251.5
No Apparent Injury	745	925	942	920	887	973	773	960	895	829	884.9
Total Crashes	1109	1345	1378	1279	1295	1350	1159	1379	1349	1259	1290.2

1. Fatal Accidents: The number of fatal accidents has fluctuated over the years, with an average of 6.7 per year. The highest number was in 2022 with 10 fatalities, and the lowest was in 2021 with 4 fatalities.
2. Suspected Serious Injuries: The numbers here show a decreasing trend over the years, averaging 24 serious injuries per year. The highest was in 2023 with 43, and the lowest in 2017 with 13.
3. Suspected Minor Injuries: These injuries show some fluctuation, averaging 123.1 per year. The numbers peaked in 2022 with 185 and hit a low in 2014 with 83.
4. Possible Injuries: There has been a general increase over the years, averaging 251.5 per year. The highest number recorded was in 2018 with 283, and the lowest in 2014 with 257.
5. No Apparent Injury: The number of accidents with no apparent injuries has remained relatively high, averaging 884.9 per year. The highest was in 2019 with 973, and the lowest in 2014 with 745.
6. Total Crashes: The total number of crashes shows some variation but remains consistently high, averaging 1290.2 crashes per year. The highest total was in 2022 with 1379, and the lowest in 2014 with 1109.

Notes on Crash Data

• Fatalities: Although fatal accident numbers have varied, there are consistently fatal auto accidents in Spokane Valley every year, often leading to wrongful death claims where attorneys seek compensation for the bereaved families.
• Serious Injury Claims: Despite a decreasing trend, serious injuries still occur frequently. Victims need expert attorneys to navigate complex medical documentation and secure compensation for long-term impacts.
• Minor and Possible Injuries: The consistent occurrence of minor and possible injuries highlights the necessity for comprehensive claims covering medical treatments and any hidden complications that might arise later.
• No Apparent Injury Claims: Many accidents might not show immediate physical harm but could lead to latent injuries. Legal guidance is crucial to ensure all potential injuries are considered and documented for a fair claim.
• High Volume of Crashes: The high total number of crashes each year means that many people are affected and need professional legal help to handle insurance claims, recover lost wages, and deal with property damage.

What Should I Do After a Spokane Valley Car Accident?

If you get into a car accident in Spokane Valley, taking the appropriate steps afterward is essential for protecting your rights and laying a solid foundation for your case. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by seeking prompt medical attention, even if you believe your injuries are minor. A doctor can diagnose and treat injuries that might not be immediately apparent and provide critical documentation and support for your claim, which will ensure that you receive the necessary treatment.
• Gather and Preserve Evidence: Collect and preserve any evidence related to the accident. This includes photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and any other relevant information. Tangible proof of what happened can make it easier to establish fault and validate your case.
• Contact a Car Wreck Attorney as Soon as Possible: Reach out to a car accident attorney to discuss your case and understand your legal options. They can manage the claims process, protect your rights, and demand the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovering. Early legal advice can prevent costly mistakes, protect your rights from the start, and enhance your chances of a favorable outcome.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the auto accident promptly. Provide all the required information, but be careful with what you say, and don’t share unnecessary details. Never provide statements or accept offers without legal advice. Missteps in communication could jeopardize your claim and the benefits you may be entitled to.
• Document Everything Related to the Accident: As you pursue your claim, keep organized records of all medical care, repair estimates, and any other expenses related to the accident. Collect receipts, medical reports, and other documentation supporting your case. Detailed documentation provides a clear and comprehensive picture of your losses, making it easier to negotiate fair compensation.
• Avoid Discussing the Accident Publicly: Do not discuss the accident on social media or with anyone other than your attorney. Opposing parties and insurance companies can use your public statements against you in your case. Keeping details private prevents opposing parties and insurance companies from using your statements out of context to undermine your credibility, question the severity of your injuries, or shift blame, which could significantly weaken your case and reduce your compensation.

Why Should I Choose Russell & Hill, PLLC, for My Accident Case?

At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we prioritize getting results for our clients. If you have been injured in a car accident in Spokane Valley, you need a car crash lawyer who understands the challenges of negotiating with insurance companies and big-name firms. Our attorneys have unparalleled experience in handling tough cases that other personal injury law firms turn down.

Choosing a personal injury law firm with a track record of success in difficult cases means you’re more likely to secure the compensation you deserve, even in complex situations.

We know how stressful and confusing life can become after a car accident. Our team is here to provide everything you need for your recovery: legal representation, assistance with obtaining medical care, and moral support. When you come to us for help after a car accident, we will fight for every dollar and cent available to you as an injury victim, so that you can focus on recovery.

Our experienced support staff and attorneys work together to provide the robust and compassionate representation you need. We are committed to answering your questions, protecting your rights, and representing you effectively. When you consult one of our attorneys, you will get straightforward information and answers from someone who will advocate relentlessly on your behalf.

Having the right attorney can make a significant difference in a car accident case. Our team has recovered millions of dollars in fair compensation for local injury victims like you, and we’re here to demand the full and fair financial recovery you deserve. Choose Russell & Hill, PLLC, and let us help you through your case with confidence and care.

How Our Spokane Valley Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with painful injuries, unexpected medical bills, and penny-pinching insurance companies. An experienced car wreck lawyer can provide valuable assistance throughout this challenging process. They can lay the groundwork for your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and demand the compensation you deserve. Here are some key ways an experienced car accident lawyer can help you with your Spokane Valley car accident claim:

• Assisting with evidence gathering from the accident scene to establish the facts and support your case
• Interviewing witnesses to obtain detailed statements that corroborate your version of events
• Consulting medical professionals to accurately assess the extent of your injuries
• Calculating the total value of your claim to ensure we seek full compensation
• Filing all necessary claim documents accurately and on time to avoid any delays or issues
• Identifying and meeting all deadlines to prevent any setbacks or complications
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to achieve a fair settlement
• Representing you in court and presenting compelling arguments if your case goes to trial

How Much Is My Spokane Valley Car Accident Case Worth?

If you have been injured in a car accident in Spokane Valley, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: The costs of your immediate medical treatment following the accident
• Future Medical Costs: The costs of ongoing medical treatments you need due to your injuries
• Income Losses: Income you lose during your recovery if your injuries cause you to miss work
• Lost Earning Potential: Projected losses in your long-term earning capacity if your crash injuries affect your ability to work in the future
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident
• Lost Quality of Life: Reduced quality and enjoyment of life due to your crash-related injuries

Recovering these types of compensation ensures you are not burdened with out-of-pocket expenses for necessary medical care, compensates for the lasting impact on your career and livelihood, acknowledges the personal toll of your injuries, and recognizes the broader impact on your daily activities and overall well-being. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we meticulously evaluate all these factors to maximize your compensation, helping you rebuild your life and secure your future after a car accident.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Spokane Valley

Understanding the common causes of car accidents can be useful if you need to file a compensation claim after a car wreck. Here are some examples of common causes of car accidents in Spokane Valley:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who use their phones, eat, or engage in other activities while driving are not fully focused on the road. This lack of attention can lead to devastating accidents.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit reduces the driver’s ability to maintain control and react to sudden changes in traffic. It also increases the severity of collisions.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Drunk drivers are more likely to make poor decisions and fail to react appropriately to road conditions.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and excessive speeding are forms of reckless driving. These actions endanger everyone on the road.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Drivers who run red lights or stop signs put themselves and others at risk of severe accidents. These violations often result in high-speed collisions.
• Fatigue: Tired drivers have slower reaction times and sometimes fall asleep at the wheel. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to focus and make quick decisions, which can lead to accidents.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents. Drivers may lose control of their vehicles or fail to navigate dangerous roads safely.
• Mechanical Failures: Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to prevent accidents. Problems with a vehicle’s brakes, tires, or other critical components can cause wrecks.

Understanding the common causes of car accidents helps us identify negligence and establish fault, which is key for building a strong compensation claim. For example, knowing that distracted driving is a common cause can help you focus on gathering phone records or witness statements about the other driver’s behavior. Recognizing the dangers of speeding or reckless driving can lead you to look for traffic camera footage or skid marks on the road. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we use this knowledge to thoroughly investigate your accident, gather compelling evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Knowing the types of injuries that can result from a car accident can help you recognize the potential impact on your health and well-being after a wreck. Common car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Concussions
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Bruises
• Burns
• Dislocations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Herniated discs
• Facial injuries
• Dental injuries
• Amputations
• Organ damage
• Pelvic injuries
• Eye injuries
• Hearing loss
• Psychological trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

An understanding of injury types possible in Spokane Valley car accidents helps our car accident lawyers accurately assess the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. This knowledge allows us to gather precise medical evidence, consult with medical experts, and document your injuries comprehensively. We understand the potential severity of injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and PTSD and this helps us build a strong case that maximizes your chance of receiving the compensation you need for immediate medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and the broader impact on your quality of life. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, our attorneys leverage this expertise to advocate effectively on your behalf and secure the maximum compensation for your recovery.

What Evidence Can I Use to Support My Claim?

If you have a car accident injury claim, strong evidence can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome. A Spokane Valley car accident lawyer can gather and present various types of evidence to support your case, such as:

• Photographs: Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries can provide a visual record of the road conditions and the harm you suffered immediately after the crash.
• Medical Records: Medical records detail your injuries and the medical treatment you received after the accident. They are crucial for proving the extent and severity of your injuries.
• Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses who saw the accident can corroborate your account of the events, establishing what happened and who was at fault.
• Surveillance Footage: Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can capture the accident as it happened and show the precise sequence of events.
• Vehicle Damage Reports: Reports detailing the damage to your vehicle can demonstrate the force of the collision and its impact and support your claim for repairs or replacement.
• Accident Reconstruction Analyses: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence to recreate the accident, clarify how the accident occurred, and determine who was responsible.
• Employment Records: Employment records can document your lost income and the impact of your accident-related injuries on your ability to work now and in the future.
• Phone Records: Phone records can show whether the other driver was using their phone at the time of the accident, which can be valuable if you suspect distracted driving was a cause of the crash.
• Traffic Citations: Traffic citations the other driver received can establish their liability. Your attorney can use these citations to demonstrate that the other driver violated traffic laws.
• Maintenance Records: Vehicle maintenance records can show that your car was in good repair before the wreck and refute claims that its condition contributed to the crash.

Compiling solid evidence can demonstrate the other party’s liability and the full scope of your injuries. Detailed photographs and surveillance footage offer undeniable proof of the incident, while comprehensive medical records and expert testimonies illustrate the impact on your health. Witness statements and vehicle damage reports further support your narrative. At Russell & Hill, PLLC, we use this extensive evidence to build a strong, persuasive case, aimed at securing maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, ensuring you receive the justice and financial support you deserve.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Spokane Valley Car Wreck

Dealing with insurance companies after a Spokane Valley car wreck can be challenging. Insurance companies seek to pay out as little as possible on claims, and adjusters have an arsenal of tactics they use to minimize payouts. Common tactics include questioning the extent of your injuries or offering quick, low settlements before you understand the full impact of the accident.

The good news is that an experienced car accident lawyer can fight back on your behalf. They know the tactics insurance companies use and can counter them effectively. Your lawyer can gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, to build a strong case for your personal injury claim. They can also handle all communications with the insurance company for you, so you don’t have to worry about saying anything that could jeopardize your case.

Negotiating forcefully, Russell & Hill, PLLC can push for a fair settlement that truly reflects your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court and advocate for you in front of a judge or jury. Hiring a lawyer levels the playing field so you have a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve after a car wreck in Spokane Valley.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Spokane Valley?

In Washington, you have three years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit for your injuries. If you wait too long to file, you could lose the right to seek compensation through the court. This means you won’t be able to recover money for your medical bills or lost wages from the at-fault party.

Because of Washington’s personal injury statute of limitations, it’s essential to contact a lawyer right away. A lawyer can prepare and file your claim on time and handle all the necessary legal legwork. They will gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and build a strong case for you while you heal from your injuries.

Swift action gives your lawyer more time to preserve important evidence and witness statements, increasing your chances of a successful outcome. Don’t delay after a Spokane Valley car accident—seek legal help immediately to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Spokane Valley Car Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact the Spokane Valley car accident attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC, by calling 509-350-4452 today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to listen to your story, address your concerns, and pursue the compensation you are due.