Picture this: you’re driving along Lake Washington Boulevard or Pine Street when BAM! Another driver hits your car. You’re shaken up, maybe bruised and bleeding, and not sure where to turn for help. Suppose the other driver was acting negligently, like speeding, texting, and driving, driving drunk, or running a red light. In that case, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses from the crash. You shouldn’t have to pay for car accident damages you didn’t cause – and our skilled Seattle, WA car accident lawyer can help you demand fair and full compensation for them. Contact Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation.
Washington is an “at-fault” state for car accident damages, which means that if you didn’t cause the crash, you have the right to bring a claim against the party (usually the other driver involved) who was responsible for the crash, and our team can help you do so. You don’t have to file a claim with your own insurance policy.
Sometimes getting the money you deserve isn’t as simple as you think. The other driver could lie to their insurance provider and say that you caused the crash—then what? Or, perhaps their insurance company minimizes your claim, saying you aren’t hurt that bad. Our attorney can help favorably resolve your claim, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement with the other driver’s insurance or taking the other driver to trial.
If you’re a car accident victim, you shouldn’t have to worry about paying for all the damage the negligent driver caused. You have the right to compensation, and our team can help you get it.
Injuries from a car crash can leave you permanently disabled, possibly unable to work. Or, you may make a partial recovery but be in chronic pain or no longer able to enjoy activities, like sports or other hobbies, that you used to because of the injury.
Some accident victims may also develop mental health issues after the crash, like PTSD or situational anxiety. Just like physical injuries, mental distress can affect your life, relationships, and ability to concentrate on work or school. The money you receive from a car accident settlement can help pay for your therapy, in-home health care, and your bills while you’re out of work recovering.
Our Seattle accident attorney can help even the playing field, fiercely negotiating for your interests. They can also correctly value your claim, taking into account not just your current losses but also any future care you may need, like physical therapy or modifications to your home or vehicle.
By practicing safe driving and not using technology while driving, drivers can prevent accidents and stay safe on the road. Methods such as utilizing hands-free technology, programming the GPS before driving, educating passengers, pulling over for urgent tasks, and leading by example can help prevent accidents.
When it comes to phone calls, opt for hands-free solutions like Bluetooth or voice commands. This allows you to stay connected while keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Set your destination on your GPS before you start driving. If you need to make changes during the journey, pull over to a safe location to avoid distracted driving.
Inform passengers, especially younger ones, about the importance of minimizing distractions. Encourage them to refrain from activities that could divert the driver’s attention.
If you need to attend to an urgent text, make a call, or adjust settings, it’s safer to pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot. Set a positive example for others on the road by practicing attentive driving habits. Demonstrate responsible use of technology while behind the wheel.
Car accidents can be disorienting and traumatic experiences, and our Seattle car accident attorney can help you with compassionate and dedicated representation. As you focus on your physical and mental recovery, we work towards your financial recovery. Here are the steps you should take after a car collision:
The first priority following an accident is safety. If possible, move to a safe area away from traffic to prevent further accidents. After you have reached a safe area, assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if there are any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
Contact the police to report the accident. A police report can be crucial in your claim. Collect contact and insurance information from the other drivers involved. Be cautious in your communication and avoid admitting fault or liability.
Gathering evidence from the scene of the accident is also important. Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions.
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Latent injuries can have adverse health effects that could have been prevented by an earlier examination. Furthermore, having documentation of these injuries from the beginning is crucial to crafting a successful claim.
Finally, you should inform your insurance company about the accident, but be mindful of the information you share.
After a car accident, our lawyer will guide you through your claim, from managing the legal aspects to handling communications with insurance companies.
We provide invaluable support in gathering evidence, establishing liability, and ensuring that all your legal rights are upheld. With their knowledge and experience, they can adeptly help you through the challenges of insurance claims and negotiations, striving for the best possible outcome for your case.
Compensation in car accident cases can cover various expenses and damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our lawyer will assess your case to determine the full extent of compensation you’re entitled to, especially in cases of severe injuries that might require long-term care.
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, making it crucial to have a lawyer who can negotiate effectively on your behalf. Our seasoned Seattle car accident lawyer knows the tactics these companies use and is prepared to counter them, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement. We will do the hard work of negotiating for you, not backing down until you receive the compensation that you are entitled to.
Technology plays an integral role in our lives. Unfortunately, it has also contributed to the rise of distracted driving incidents. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, our Seattle car accident attorney understands the profound impact of technology-related car accidents on individuals and families.
Texting while driving is a prevalent form of distracted driving that poses significant risks. The urge to check a message or send a quick reply diverts attention from the road, leading to accidents. Our Seattle car accident lawyers have witnessed the devastating consequences of texting and driving firsthand.
Engaging in phone calls, whether handheld or hands-free, can contribute to distraction on the road. Conversations demand cognitive attention, taking focus away from the driving task. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing driving over phone conversations to reduce the risk of accidents.
While GPS navigation systems are incredibly helpful, adjusting settings or glancing at the map while driving can be hazardous. Distracted driving accidents often result from drivers trying to input destinations or follow GPS directions while on the road.
Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced entertainment systems, providing drivers with various distractions. Adjusting music, streaming content, or using in-car apps can divert attention from driving. We advise drivers to set up entertainment systems before hitting the road.
According to the National Safety Council, car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury in the United States. Each year, there are approximately 6 million crashes in this country, resulting in injuries to more than 3 million people. Another 40,000 victims are unable to survive their injuries. Two common causes of crashes are drunk driving and speeding. If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone else, make sure you have a skilled car accident lawyer fighting for you to make sure you get the financial compensation you may be entitled to.
If you were injured in a car accident, you may want to speak with our Seattle, WA car accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about car accident lawyers.
We handle legal matters related to motor vehicle collisions. Our primary role is to assist individuals involved in car accidents by providing legal representation and guidance throughout the ensuing processes.
It’s advisable to consult our car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident. Early involvement allows us to gather crucial evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected from the outset.
Compensation in car accident cases is calculated based on factors such as medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and the extent of pain and suffering. Our attorney will leverage these factors to negotiate or litigate for a fair and comprehensive settlement.
It’s generally not advisable to speak to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting your lawyer. Insurance companies may attempt to settle for less than you deserve, and our attorney can help protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
The duration of a car accident case varies based on factors such as the complexity of the case, the willingness to negotiate, and court schedules. Our Washington car accident lawyer will work diligently to expedite the process while seeking a fair resolution.
At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we represent car accident victims in Seattle, WA, helping them understand the legal process and secure compensation for their injuries. Attorney Zach Herschensohn has built a trusted reputation for providing aggressive and effective advocacy. Below are essential legal terms and concepts you may encounter during a car accident claim.
Loss mitigation is a legal obligation requiring injured parties to take reasonable steps to reduce the impact of their damages following an accident. This means that after a car accident, an injured person must seek timely medical attention, follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations, and avoid actions that could worsen their condition. For example, if someone delays treatment for a broken arm, which then leads to complications, the defendant could argue that the victim failed to mitigate their losses. Courts often consider whether an injured party took reasonable measures to minimize additional harm or financial losses.
This concept extends beyond medical care. It also applies to property damage and employment. For instance, if a vehicle is damaged in a crash, the owner should take steps to prevent further damage, such as arranging for towing or securing a temporary repair. Similarly, if injuries allow for light work during recovery, the injured party may need to demonstrate efforts to return to work. Loss mitigation is a critical aspect of a car accident claim that can directly impact the amount of compensation awarded.
The collateral source rule prevents defendants in a car accident case from reducing their liability by pointing to payments the plaintiff received from other sources. For instance, if an injured party’s medical bills are partially covered by health insurance or another third party, the at-fault driver or their insurance company cannot argue that their compensation should be reduced by the amount already paid. This principle helps protect accident victims from losing part of their settlement or award simply because they had insurance or other financial assistance.
In Washington, this rule ensures that plaintiffs can recover the full amount of damages related to their injuries and losses. However, it is essential for plaintiffs to understand how evidence of collateral payments is treated in court. The rule emphasizes that defendants should not benefit from payments unrelated to their own liability. This principle underscores the importance of thoroughly documenting all expenses and losses, regardless of any outside compensation received.
A structured settlement is an arrangement in which compensation is paid to a plaintiff over time in a series of regular payments, rather than a single lump sum. This type of settlement is often used in cases where victims have long-term care needs or ongoing medical expenses. For example, someone who suffers a severe spinal injury in a car accident might choose a structured settlement to provide steady income for future medical care, rehabilitation, and daily living expenses.
Structured settlements offer financial security, as they prevent the recipient from spending their entire compensation quickly. They can also provide tax benefits since many payments in personal injury settlements are exempt from federal and state income taxes. However, they may limit immediate access to funds, which is why they are often tailored to meet specific needs, such as larger upfront payments for initial costs followed by smaller recurring payments. It’s essential to carefully evaluate this option when considering settlement offers.
A third-party claim is a legal action filed against someone other than the injured person’s own insurance provider. In car accident cases, this usually means filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover damages. For example, if a distracted driver causes a rear-end collision, the injured driver can file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer to cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other related costs.
Third-party claims require evidence to prove the at-fault party’s responsibility for the accident. This can include police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the crash scene. Unlike first-party claims, which involve dealing with your own insurer, third-party claims often require negotiations with the at-fault driver’s insurer, which may attempt to minimize the payout. Having a clear understanding of your rights and strong documentation is crucial to achieving fair compensation in these cases.
Stacking of insurance policies is a practice that allows injured individuals to combine coverage limits from multiple insurance policies to maximize their recovery. This is especially important in cases where one policy’s limits are insufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. For example, if an injured person’s medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limit, they may be able to “stack” their own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to make up the difference.
In Washington, policy stacking may be available depending on the terms of the insurance policies involved. This process can significantly affect the total amount of compensation available to a car accident victim, particularly in severe accidents involving catastrophic injuries. Understanding how stacking applies to your situation requires a thorough review of your insurance coverage and applicable laws. Properly leveraging this option can make a meaningful difference in covering the financial impact of an accident.
1918 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in or near Seattle, securing experienced legal representation is extremely important. The costs of a car accident go beyond physical injuries and a smashed vehicle. You deserve to have fair compensation after a wreck, and our dedicated legal team can help you get this.
We are ready to guide you through every step of this complex process. Contact Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC today to speak with our car accident lawyer in Seattle for a free consultation, and let us advocate for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
This is Request your free case evaluation form.
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.
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.
