The damages you can sue for after an accident in Washington are divided into two categories known as economic and non-economic damages. Figuring out how each type applies to your situation can get confusing. It is normal to be curious about what damages you can sue for after an accident in Washington, and you are not the only one looking for answers.
Our Seattle personal injury lawyers will listen to your story and help you calculate your claim value based on how the accident has affected every part of your life.
What Counts as Damages in a Washington Personal Injury Claim?
When people talk about “damages” after an accident, they are talking about how the situation has affected your life. That can mean medical bills or lost paychecks, but it can also mean stress, pain, or changes to your daily routine. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, you are not alone in asking that question.
The truth is that a lot of injuries affect more than just your body. Things like feelings of anxiety, lost sleep, and not being able to do what you used to can be part of your claim. Many people do not realize how many of these things are worth discussing until they start listing them out.
Everyone responds differently, even when the accident seems similar. One person might feel the impact at work, while someone else feels it in their relationships or mobility. What matters is how it affected you, not just what the paperwork says.
For a free legal consultation, call (801) 266-0999
Categories of Damages You May Be Able to Recover
After an accident, it is not always obvious what you can include in your claim. Some losses are clear, like hospital bills. Others feel less obvious, even though they matter just as much. If something has disrupted your life, chances are it could qualify as damage worth bringing up.
Here are some of the categories that may be covered in a Washington personal injury claim:
- Bills from hospital visits, follow-ups, and specialist care
- The ambulance ride or emergency transport you needed right after the crash
- Paychecks you missed because you could not work
- Long-term income losses if your injuries affect your job going forward
- Ongoing pain that makes everyday tasks harder than they used to be
- Stress, anxiety, and emotional strain that resulted from the accident
- Physical therapy or rehab appointments that you need to get back on track
- Damage to your vehicle, gear, or other personal property
- Strained relationships or lost connection with loved ones
- Burial and funeral costs if someone passed away in the crash
Washington law allows accident victims to recover compensation under RCW § 48.140.010. Your Seattle car accident lawyer would say it comes down to showing how the accident impacted your health, finances, and quality of life.
What Determines How Much You Can Recover?
Every injury claim is different, and that includes how much money is at stake. Some cases involve life-changing injuries and months of missed work, while others settle more quickly with fewer complications. A lot depends on the facts of your case, the documentation you have, and how the insurance company responds.
The Severity of the Injury and Your Long-Term Outlook
The extent of your injury plays a big role in what you might recover. Visible damage, long recovery timelines, and medical records showing permanent effects all increase your case value. Courts and insurers take those factors seriously when deciding how much to pay.
If the injury affects your ability to work or live independently, the numbers tend to go up. Your Seattle catastrophic injury lawyer might point out that even if your life eventually returns to normal, the pain and disruption still matter.
Under RCW § 4.22.005, your recovery can be reduced if you are found partially at fault, which makes clear records essential. What damages you can sue for after an accident in Washington will always depend on how your life was impacted and how that is documented.
Documentation, Timing, and Legal Support
The strength of your case often comes down to paperwork. Medical records, police reports, witness statements, and proof of lost income all help show the true cost of what happened. Without them, it becomes harder to prove your losses or justify the amount you are asking for.
Timing also matters. According to RCW § 4.16.080, a three-year deadline is set for most personal injury cases in Washington, so waiting too long can shut the door on compensation entirely.
Whether you are trying to gather evidence or file the paperwork, knowing what damages you can sue for after an accident in Washington can make the entire process less confusing.
Your Daily Life and the Invisible Costs
Injuries do not always show up on scans. Many people deal with sleep issues, panic in cars, or strained relationships after a crash. These kinds of problems affect your quality of life, even if they do not come with a bill.
Things like emotional distress or missed time with family do not have a price tag, but they still matter. If your life feels different from what it used to, it is worth thinking about how that fits into what damages you can sue for after an accident in Washington.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
The Damages You Can Sue for After an Accident in Washington Depend on Many Factors
The answer to what damages you can sue for after an accident in Washington depends on your injuries, your expenses, and how your life has changed since the crash.
At Siegfried & Jensen, we have recovered more than $1.2 billion for our clients. Our lawyers are here to talk through what happened and how it has affected your daily life so that we can calculate a fair settlement that accounts for all your losses.
Contact us to find out what might be possible without feeling pressured or rushed.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
