Car Accident Attorneys in Western Washington

The aftermath of a car accident is an emotionally draining time for all involved. While seeking justice may not be immediately on the radar for most car accident victims, it’s imperative that individuals carefully document their experiences and seek representation from a team of knowledgeable car accident attorneys.

Kode Law Firm, PLLC is Western Washington’s go-to ally following a car accident event, acting on our clients’ behalf to secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us to start litigating your case and claim the damages you’re owed today.

Understanding Car Accident Litigation in Washington

Common Causes & Injuries from Car Accidents

The type and severity of injuries following a car accident largely depend on many different factors, including whether a seatbelt was worn, the speed of the collision, where the impact occurred on the vehicle, and whether airbags were present. Car accident injuries run the gamut, with the following being the most commonly experienced injuries:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Scrapes & cuts
• Head injuries
• Chest injuries
• Arm & leg injuries

Just as varied are the potential causes of car accidents. The following are just some examples of car accidents that can be attributed to driver error:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
• Speeding
• Driving while fatigued

Car accidents can also occur that are not attributed to driver error, including accidents caused by the physical condition of the roads, weather conditions, and mechanical malfunctions with the vehicle. Whether you were injured in a motorcycle crash or during your commute in an Uber or Lyft, Kode Law can help.

Statistics on Car Accidents in Washington

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation 2017 report, individuals aged between 16 and 25 were among the most likely to be killed in a car accident. The following key statistics were also gathered, revealing key insights about car accidents in Washington:

• Saturdays yielded the highest number of accidents
• Car crashes were most likely to occur during the month of November
• A car accident occurs every 4 minutes
• A person dies due to a car accident every 20 hours
• A person is seriously injured in a car crash every 15 minutes

Passenger vs. Driver Injury Claims

If you were the passenger in a car accident that occurred in Western Washington, you may also be eligible for filing a lawsuit following the event. Passengers and drivers are held to different standards when it comes to filing a claim after a car accident takes place. Typically, passengers who have been injured in a car accident will have an easier time than most other personal injury claimants, because they do not usually need to worry about proving liability. Passengers may be entitled to the following damages following a car accident:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain & suffering

How Passenger Injury Claims Differ After an Accident

Passenger injury claims proceed in the same manner as other car accident claims; however, passengers may submit their claims against both drivers. However, in instances where one driver is clearly not at fault — such as in rear-end crashes — passengers may not file a claim against the driver that is not at fault.

If a passenger was injured in an accident with no at-fault driver, the passenger will likely be covered under the no-fault/personal injury protection (PIP) policy of the driver who was operating the vehicle at the time the accident occurred. In such cases, the passenger’s medical expenses and other damages will be covered by the driver’s insurance provider. These damages will need to be submitted to the insurance provider rather than pursuing litigation in court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Car Accident Law

Each state handles car accident cases differently, and Washington is no exception. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions clients have following a car accident:

What is the Statute of Limitations on Car Accident Lawsuits?

The statute of limitations on personal injury cases resulting from a car accident is three years from the date the accident occurred.

How Does Washington Determine Fault in Car Accident Lawsuits?

Washington State applies a comparative negligence rule for car accident lawsuits. That means that individuals injured by a car accident may claim damages, but will only be awarded based on the percentage of fault they are found to share with the defendant. For example, if an injured individual claims $100,000 in damages but is found by the jury to share 30% of the blame, the total awarded to the plaintiff will be $70,000.

What Damages Can be Claimed During Car Accident Litigation?

The damages that can be claimed following a car accident are similar to those in personal injury cases. These include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain & suffering

Kode Law for Western Washington’s Car Accident Representation

If you have recently suffered a car accident, you are not alone. Kode Law has the expert car accident attorneys available to successfully litigate your case and get you the compensation you deserve. We also have bilingual staff available to easily serve clients speaking English, Spanish, Hindi, or Punjabi. Contact our team to start litigating your car accident case today!