The likelihood of being involved in a car accident in the United States is high no matter where you live. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reported that 6,756,000 accidents were presented to police, including 1,916,000 that involved an injury. With many people relying on cars or other motor vehicles to get around, these numbers can be intimidating and frightening.
Car accidents aren’t just physically harmful but can also place a financial strain on those involved in them. However, if you were not the liable party, you should not be held responsible for paying for the damages that accrued.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, Herschensohn Law may be able to help you. Our team of lawyers can gather information about your situation and help you understand how you can recover compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault. No matter how hopeless you may feel after an accident, knowing that you have options is essential. When you’re ready to find out what paths are available, our Kent car accident attorneys are ready to speak with you.
Car accident attorneys bring with them experience and knowledge of the law, which is useful as you try to recover the damages you are entitled to. Our attorneys can provide assistance by speaking with insurance companies on your behalf. They can review the police report from your accident, and look at your medical records to ensure that all injuries and damages you sustained are being accounted for.
Lawyers know what damages are often missed by those without legal representation and have a sense of where insurance companies may try to cut corners to reach a lower settlement. However, the most helpful thing about having an experienced car accident attorney in Kent may be how they can help to reduce stress. You are no longer the person responsible for handling the situation. Instead, you can recover from your injuries while someone fights on your behalf.
In addition to all the help that our lawyers can provide during the early stages of your lawsuit, they can also defend you if you should need to go to court. We could build a compelling case with the evidence collected from your accident. At Herschensohn Law, we are not afraid to defend our clients in a courtroom in order to ensure that they are treated in the fairest way possible.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
“This was such a great experience.”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
Despite efforts from local law enforcement and government agencies to crack down on dangerous driving habits, auto accidents remain a very common occurrence on the roadways around Washington State. According to 2020 data from the Washington State Department of Transportation, there were 86,272 crashes on our roads that year. About a third of those crashes resulted in someone getting hurt.
It may seem inevitable that you’ll eventually be in a car accident during your lifetime, but many accidents are entirely preventable. Traffic violations, such as speeding, drunk driving, disobeying traffic signals, and failing to use turn signals when changing lanes, can all lead to dangerous results on the road. The thing they have in common is that there was a person who neglected the law in order to commit them. You should never be held accountable for another driver’s negligence.
It’s helpful to know what roads in your area are particularly dangerous. In 2020, Interstate 5 (I-5) was ranked the seventh most dangerous highway in the United States, with 43.9 deaths occurring for every 100 miles of road. This is an alarming number, and I-5 isn’t the only stretch in the state that provides danger. In King County alone in 2020, people were injured in over 500 motor vehicle crashes. Over 100 of those crashes were fatal. Washington drivers deserve better.
After a car accident, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Ensure that you and those in the car with you have not suffered any severe injuries. Whether there has been a severe injury or not, you need to try to not panic. After you have assessed the accident, you should:
RELATED: The Car Accident Guide: What To Do if You’re Involved in a Crash
At the Herschensohn Law Firm, we handle a variety of car accident cases, including:
Washington is a fault state, which means you should file a claim for damages with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If their insurance policy won’t cover all the costs of your accident, or the insurance company argues the accident was your fault, you can file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the driver who caused the crash.
In addition to the at-fault driver, you can pursue compensation from any party whose dangerous or reckless behavior contributed to the accident. For instance, if a defect in the design or manufacture of the vehicle caused your injuries, you may be able to hold the manufacturer responsible.
Washington law also allows for bar claims in drunk driving accidents. So, if the driver who hit you was knowingly over-served alcohol, you can hold the bar or establishment that provided the liquor accountable as well.
If the claims process isn’t going as seamlessly as you believe it should be, then it may be time to get an auto accident lawyer involved. Some car accidents are taken care of in a timely and stress-free manner, with insurance companies agreeing and you not having to be a big part of the process. However, this is not always the case, especially in accidents that involve injuries.
Having a legal representative can help you prove that the injuries you suffered were a result of the car accident, and not something that occurred later or was a part of your prior medical history. Even if you go to a doctor right after your accident, some injuries can take time to reveal themselves. When this is the case, it can be harder to prove they were a result of the accident.
As you are picking up the pieces after a crash in Kent, you will likely have questions about the car accident claims process. When you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you can expect to speak with an insurance adjuster, who will ask you to give a recorded statement about the car accident, your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and any other expenses you incurred as a result of the crash.
It is wise to politely decline to give a recorded statement about the accident. This may make it feel like you are doing something wrong but is within your rights to do so.
The insurance adjuster will be the one who decides whether to make you an offer to settle the claim, so anything you say to them could be used against you to reduce or deny paying you fair compensation. If you need to provide a statement, your attorney can draft a written statement that will ensure your rights are protected.
Typically, initial settlement offers are much lower than what you are entitled to. That is why it can be a good idea to let an experienced lawyer negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If a lawyer cannot get the insurance company to increase the offer, then your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court on your behalf.
RELATED: The Three Biggest Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident
At Herschensohn Law, our personal injury lawyers take pride in their ability to negotiate with insurance companies as they fight for your maximum compensation. While we always hope to reach a fair settlement outside of the courtroom, we are not afraid to represent you if the insurance company refuses to give you a fair settlement.
Our attorneys have gone to trial for many clients and have often received fruitful verdicts. Our record of settlements for our clients speaks for itself. Herschensohn Law has secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injury victims throughout Kent and the Seattle metro area. Our accident lawyers know how to fight to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.
After you have been in an accident, it can help to know you have someone on your side, fighting on your behalf while you heal and rest. In your initial free consultation, the attorneys at Herschensohn Law can meet with you, hear your story, and offer no-nonsense legal advice about what to do next. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get started working on your case. Call us at 206-588-4344 to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you and seeing how we can help.
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.
Attorney Zach Herschensohn has been standing up for the injured for years. Known for his strong work ethic, high energy, intelligence, and professionalism, Zach is an outstanding advocate for the injured who has successfully litigated many cases from complaint to verdict.
Lawyer fees for car accident cases vary. Most work on a contingency basis, taking 25% to 40% of the settlement. Hourly rates might range from $100 to $500+. Additional costs like filing fees can apply. Free consultations help you understand the fee structure.
Most injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, taking 25% to 40% of the settlement or award. This means they’re only paid if they win your case.
In Florida, lawyers typically take a contingency fee of around 33% to 40% of the settlement amount in personal injury cases. This fee structure ensures they are paid only if your case is successful.
