Everett Car Accident Lawyer

What to Do After a Car Accident in Everett, Washington

Following a motor vehicle crash in Everett, you may have a ton of questions about what comes next. Car accidents are stressful and confusing. With the right plan of action, you can put yourself in the best position to get justice and the maximum compensation for your damages. Here are four steps to take after an automobile accident in Everett: 

1. Stop Your Vehicle and Report the Wreck: As required by Washington State law. All drivers involved in a crash should immediately pull over, stay at the scene (unless there is a medical emergency), and exchange information. You should report the collision to the Everett Police Department or another way. Wait for the police to arrive so that they can document the scene and gather necessary information.
2. See a Doctor Right Away for Any Injuries: Every car accident injury should be evaluated by a doctor. There are no exceptions to the rule. Even if you feel fine, visit a physician as soon as possible. You may be more seriously hurt than you think. Further, you need medical records to substantiate your claim. Be sure to follow through with all prescribed treatments and attend check-ups. 
3. Thoroughly Document the Collision: The more documentation that you have related to a car accident in Everett, the better position that you will be in to get justice and compensation for your damages. Use your smartphone to take photos of the vehicles involved from various angles. You should also collect names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses and write down your own account of the accident. 
4. Consult With an Everett, WA Attorney: You may get a call from an insurance adjuster relatively shortly after a crash. Insurance companies are not on your side—even if it is your own provider. Ultimately, their incentive is to resolve the claim for less. With that in mind, you should always speak to an Everett auto accident lawyer before giving a statement to an insurance company. Your attorney will protect your best interests. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

Victims of car accidents often suffer from a wide range of injuries, some of which can be long-lasting or even permanent. Common car accident injuries include whiplash, broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries from a vehicle accident can lead to extensive medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation. At The Walthew Law Firm, our attorneys work with medical professionals to fully understand the extent of your injuries and build a strong case to pursue the compensation you deserve.

All car accident injuries should be evaluated by a licensed doctor—even if seemingly minor or moderate. Car accidents in Everett can result in a wide range of physical injuries—some of which may not be immediately apparent. Common crash injuries include: 

• Whiplash: Whiplash often occurs in rear-end collisions. It is a type of neck injury that is caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head. Whiplash is painful. 
• Concussions: A type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from the head being violently shaken or hitting an object, like a steering wheel or window. Symptoms of a TBI can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and changes in cognitive functions.
• Broken Bones: High-impact crashes can cause fractures. All suspected fractured/broken bones require immediate emergency medical care. Severe cases might require surgical intervention and prolonged physical therapy.
• Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding is a critical condition that may not be immediately obvious after a crash. It can occur when physical trauma causes blood vessels or organs to rupture. Immediate medical attention is a must to prevent life-threatening complications.
• Spinal Cord Trauma: Depending on the area of the spine affected, spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis. Any amount of damage to the spinal cord is a catastrophic injury. 

Why They Happen (The Causes of Car Accident)

While car crashes in Everett happen for a wide array of different reasons, they do tend to share an important core commonality: Most accidents could have been avoided with proper safety precautions. Driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in Washington. Though other issues—such as manufacturer defects—can contribute to collisions as well. Some of the specific reasons why motor vehicle accidents happen in Everett include: 

• Distracted Driving: Distracted Driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. It takes many forms—with the most common being drivers who are texting. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. A distracted driver can be held liable for a crash. 
• Speeding: Speed limits exist for a good reason. Exceeding speed limits or otherwise driving too fast for conditions reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway. It also extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle. 
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, all of which are essential in operating a vehicle safely. Drunk driving is a major cause of accidents. Drugged driving is increasingly a public safety problem in Washington as well. 
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Traffic violations contribute to many crashes. Drivers who ignore traffic signals often cause accidents that result in severe injuries and fatalities. These violations can lead to side-impact collisions or head-on impacts.

Understanding Auto Accident Liability in Washington

Determining liability in car accident cases can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. Whether your accident was caused by a distracted driver, a defective vehicle, or unsafe road conditions, our car accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the details of your case to determine who is at fault. In many car accidents, more than one party may share responsibility. Our lawyers will ensure that all liable parties are held accountable for their actions.

Your Everett car accident claim will fall under Washington State law. Indeed, even if you are a licensed driver from another state, your claim for an accident that happened in Washington is subject to our state’s liability laws. Here are the two key points that you should know: 

• At-Fault Liability: Washington is a fault-based auto accident liability state. To hold another party—whether a driver, truck company, or vehicle manufacturer—responsible for your crash, you must prove that they bear fault. Every accident should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Everett auto accident attorney. 
• Comparative Negligence: Under Washington law (RCW § 4.22.005), a comparative negligence standard applies. Each party to a collision is liable for their “share” of the fault for the crash. For example, if you are found to be at fault for 30 percent of your own accident in Everett, you will bear liability for 30 percent of your own damages. 

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in Everett?

Under Washington law (RCW 4.16.080), there is a three year statute of limitations to bring a car accident injury claim. What happens if your claim is not initiated within three years of the date of your crash? Your case will likely be thrown out—and that means no compensation for your damages. Do not wait to get started with the claims process: Schedule a free consultation with an Everett, WA auto accident lawyer right away after a serious collision. 

We Fight for the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims in Everett 

Hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Everett? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including your non-economic losses. However, the reality is that car accident injury claims can be challenging. Insurance companies fight hard to settle cases for less. We do not let them get away with it. At The Walthew Law Firm, our Everett, WA auto accident attorneys are prepared to help you fight for the absolute maximum compensation, including for: 

• Property losses, including vehicle repairs; 
• Emergency medical treatment and related damages; 
• Hospital bills and other medical costs; 
• Ongoing and long-term medical needs; 
• Loss of wages and diminishment of earning power; 
• Pain and suffering & mental distress; 
• Long-term physical disability; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

We Handle Third-Party Work-Related Car Accident Lawyers in Everett

If you have to drive as part of your job, you can be the most careful, law-abiding driver, and still be struck by a negligent driver. If you experience an auto accident while working, you can trust The Walthew Law Firm with your case. We understand the process of workers’ compensation claims. Since your accident was work-related, you can expect to receive workers’ compensation benefits, but that doesn’t compensate for pain and suffering. As we have experience with both workers’ compensation and third-party liability claims, we can help you. We focus on getting you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on getting better. Depending on your specific situation, we can help you with the following types of compensation:

• Lost wages;
• Property damage;
• Medical bills;
• Rehabilitation costs;
• Permanent partial disability;
• Permanent total disability;
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment.

You should never have to suffer because of the bad decisions made by a negligent driver. Our dedicated legal team is determined to give you the type of representation you need to receive the compensation you deserve. You need to focus on your recovery. We do the rest. We are the legal team you want and need by your side.

Why Trust the Everett, WA Auto Accident Lawyers at The Walthew Law Firm

With more than 90 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of the legal system. When you hire us, you are putting our years of experience to work for you. Our high ethical standards, attention to detail, and caring approach is the type of representation you deserve. You shouldn’t have to suffer from lost wages, medical costs, and emotional distress. With The Walthew Law Firm on your side, you can focus on your recovery. We fight for you. We work to understand your needs so we can represent you to the best of our ability. When you want dedicated representation, you need to contact our Everett auto accident attorneys. Along with other things, our Everett car accident attorneys are prepared to: 

• Listen to your story and answer questions about your car accident claim; 
• Investigate the crash—gathering all of the relevant evidence; 
• Handle any settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
• Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum compensation. 

Car Accidents in Everett: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I See a Doctor Even If I Do Not Feel That Injured after a Car Accident in Everett?

Yes, you should see a doctor after a car accident, even if you do not feel badly injured. Some injuries that are common in crashes—like whiplash and concussions—are well known to have delayed symptoms. A medical professional can provide a thorough examination. Further, if you do not see a doctor, you cannot file a personal injury claim for compensation. 

What if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance? 

All drivers are required by Washington law to have liability coverage. Unfortunately, many of them do not. If the other driver involved in your Everett car accident does not have insurance, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. UM coverage is designed to compensate you for injuries and damages caused by uninsured drivers. A lawyer can help. 

Can I Recover Compensation If I Caused Part of the Accident in Everett?

Yes—though the amount will depend on many different factors. Washington follows a “comparative fault” rule. Here is what that means in simple language: If you were partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were found 20 percent percent at fault for the accident and your damages were $10,000, you would only receive $8,000. Every percentage point of fault is very important in a Washington auto accident case. 

Contact The Walthew Law Firm for a Free Consultation With an Everett Car Crash Lawyer

With The Walthew Law Firm, you can fight against the bad decisions of other people. When accidents occur, you need a personal injury trial lawyer from The Walthew Law Firm. We want to hear from you today so we can help through this difficult time. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. With an office in Everett, we handle car accident injury claims in Snohomish County and throughout the surrounding region in Western Washington.