You may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident lawyer after an accident in Seattle. A car accident attorney can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and suffering. They will also level the playing field with the insurance company, which often has vast resources to dispute your claim.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, here are some services that a car accident attorney can provide to you:
An Accurate Assessment of Your Damages
Most accident victims are aware they can recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other economic damages. However, they may fail to track out-of-pocket expenses and other costs. They may also undervalue their non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
When considering a settlement offer from an insurance company without an attorney, two things to remember are:
- The insurance company won’t tell you if you’re accepting less than your claim is worth or if you’ve failed to request all the damages you deserve.
- Once you sign a settlement agreement, you give up the right to file a lawsuit or pursue additional amounts or claims.
An attorney will include all types of damages in your accident claim. They will know how much your damages are worth and when an insurance company undervalues your claim.
Defend You Against Allegations of Shared Fault
A common tactic used by insurance companies is to blame the victim to avoid paying claims. An attorney will defend you against unfounded allegations of fault that can reduce the value of your claim.
Under Washington’s pure comparative fault law (RCW §4.22.005), being partially at fault for causing a car accident does not bar you from receiving damages. However, the court can reduce the amount of damages by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines you are 60% to blame, you would lose over one-half of your damages.
Gather Evidence Proving Liability
Accident victims have the burden of proving that the other driver caused the accident. It can be challenging to prove fault, especially when multiple vehicles are involved or the cause of the crash is unclear. An attorney has the resources, skills, and time to investigate your crash and determine liability.
Help Prove the Severity of Your Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can result in substantial damages and permanent impairments. The insurance company may dispute the severity of your injuries. An attorney can connect you with medical specialists and other experts to prove that the accident caused your injuries and impairments.
Your attorney will also gather evidence proving future damages for a lifelong disability or impairment. Future damages could include ongoing medical and/or personal care, loss of earning capacity, and diminished quality of life.
Protect You From Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Insurance companies have a legal duty of care to act in good faith when investigating and resolving claims. However, some insurance companies engage in bad-faith insurance practices, including fraud, deception, and failure to meet obligations.
The company’s goal is to avoid paying claims or reduce the number of claims. If the company acts in bad faith, your lawyer can help you pursue a separate claim against the company for additional damages caused by the company’s actions.
Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney for a Minor Car Crash?
Insurance companies often call accidents “minor car crashes.” However, all car accidents should be treated as serious events. You may appear to be healthy after an accident, or your car might not appear to have much damage. Regardless, you may realize your car has severe damage, and you sustained injuries that were not immediately apparent.
Legal advice is always helpful. Understanding your rights helps you protect your best interests. Never let an insurance company convince you that you do not need to at least talk with an attorney before accepting a settlement offer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Seattle Car Accident Attorney
Some factors to consider when hiring an auto accident attorney include:
Does Your Lawyer Handle Cases Like Yours?
Not all car accident cases are the same. For example, if your accident involves a commercial truck, hire a car accident lawyer with extensive experience handling truck accidents.
What Is the Attorney’s Reputation for Taking Cases to Trial?
You need a seasoned trial lawyer if your claim cannot be settled through negotiations. Sometimes, a case must go to trial to protect the victim’s rights.
Does the Attorney Have the Necessary Resources to Handle Your Case?
You want a law firm with the resources to hire expert witnesses when necessary. A strong support staff is also necessary to assist the attorney with various aspects of the case.
Does the Attorney Have Top Ratings and a Good Reputation?
Do not rely on catchy phrases and flashy advertising when you choose an attorney. Research the attorney’s reputation by reading reviews and checking the attorney’s track record.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Seattle Personal Injury Lawyers
Car accident claims can be more complicated than victims realize. Insurance companies do not protect your best interests. If possible, the insurance company will try to undervalue your claim. Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer at (253) 948-0250 for a free consultation with an experienced Seattle car accident attorney.