You drive your car and get into an accident due to no fault of your own. At this point, you have legal options. Consult with a Spokane car accident lawyer, and they can help you determine if now is the right time to pursue damages from an at-fault party.
To date, Siegfried & Jensen has secured more than $1.2 billion in damages for our clients. Let a Spokane personal injury lawyer from our team help you with your auto accident case. Schedule a free case consultation.
Liability in a Car Accident
There are mandatory insurance requirements for drivers in Washington State. If you drive a car anywhere in the state, you must have insurance. Following an auto accident, you can request compensation from an at-fault motorist’s insurer, which may cover your losses.
In addition to a motorist, other parties can be responsible for a car accident. These include government entities, mechanics, and automakers. A car accident lawyer in Spokane, WA can evaluate your case in detail, determine who is liable, and help you pursue damages accordingly.
Recently, Siegfried & Jensen helped a plaintiff get $10 million in damages as part of a car accident/defective vehicle case. If you want assistance with your auto accident case, we are here to help you out. Request a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Spokane, WA from our team.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Spokane, call (801) 266-0999
How Much Time You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit
Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) §4.16.080, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years. After your auto accident, it may be best to request damages as soon as you can. Otherwise, if you wait too long, you could miss your opportunity to hold a liable party responsible for your accident-related losses.
A Spokane car accident attorney can provide insights into how to get compensation for injuries. They can determine if you have a valid case. If so, they can submit your request for damages promptly.
Filing a lawsuit does not guarantee you will recover damages. You are responsible for providing ample evidence to support your argument. With your lawyer’s help, you can put together a body of evidence that helps you show that you are not at fault for your accident.
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Evidence You Can Use in Your Lawsuit
Saying you want damages based on your auto accident is unlikely to result in a favorable ruling. Instead, it pays to work with a car accident lawyer in Spokane who understands the value of evidence. Your attorney can collect proof on your behalf, including:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Pay stubs
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Witness statements
Your lawyer can explain how long it takes to get a police report and answer any questions you have about evidence. They work diligently to prepare a body of evidence. If you have compelling proof, the defendant in your case may be inclined to propose a fair settlement.
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Damages You Can Request in Your Lawsuit
You are eligible to get economic and non-economic damages. A car accident attorney in Spokane can teach you about both types of damages and how to recover them. They will encourage you to ask for compensation for many reasons, including:
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
Your attorney can discuss if you can sue for emotional distress and other subjective losses in your lawsuit. They can also calculate your damages. Once they do, your lawyer can prepare an argument designed to help you get maximum compensation.
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How Comparative Fault Applies to Your Car Accident Case
In Washington State, you can be found partly liable for your auto accident. If this occurs, what you get in damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is due to the state’s contributory fault statute.
To understand how contributory fault works, consider an example. A judge or jury rules you are 20% liable for your car accident. This means the defendant in your case may have to cover 80% of your damages.
Pure contributory fault is in effect. You can be up to 99% liable for your auto accident and still recover 1% of the damages you request. Ultimately, your attorney does everything they can to dispute the defendant’s case against you, putting you in a strong position to secure full damages.
Getting a Settlement in Your Auto Accident Case
It is challenging to deal with the aftermath of a car accident by yourself. As you go through the legal process, an attorney can help you each step of the way. If the defendant proposes a settlement in your case, your lawyer will let you know.
You are not legally obligated to accept a settlement proposal. If you get one, it may be a good idea to examine it with your attorney. This allows you to share concerns or questions about the proposal with your lawyer and hear what they have to say about the offer.
If you are not completely satisfied with an offer, you can decline it without incurring any penalties. On the other hand, if a settlement provides adequate compensation, you can approve it. If you do, you can close your case without having to go to trial.
How a Car Accident Wrongful Death Works
Sadly, a family member can die in an auto accident. The loss can devastate you and your surviving loved ones emotionally and psychologically. It can impact your family financially as well.
A car accident lawyer is empathetic to the needs of you and your family members during this difficult time in your lives. They provide comfort and support in any way they can. At the same time, they can handle your legal matters and file a wrongful death lawsuit against anyone responsible for your loved one’s death.
Your attorney can provide proof in a wrongful death case and take other legal actions on your behalf. They want you and your family members to pursue justice and stay afloat financially. Therefore, they offer legal services and support while you and your loved ones continue to take care of one another as you cope with the loss of your family member.
Partner with a Car Accident Lawyer Who Holds Wrongdoers Accountable
For more than 30 years, Siegfried & Jensen has been fighting for auto accident victims and others involved in personal injury lawsuits. Our car accident attorney is available to assist you with your case. Contact us to get started.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
