You may have many questions if you’ve been injured in an accident. This guide answers the most common personal injury questions in simple, easy-to-understand language. Whether you’re in Seattle or anywhere in Washington State, this FAQ can help you understand your rights and what to expect.
What Is a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case happens when someone is hurt because of another person’s intentional actions or negligence. Negligence means that someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure caused harm.
These are common types of personal injury cases:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace injuries
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
If your injury was caused by someone else, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Always talk to a personal injury lawyer to see if you have a case. In short, a personal injury case helps victims get compensation for their injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
It’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your legal rights immediately after an accident.
These steps include:
- Get Medical Help: Your health comes first. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, see a doctor.
- Report the Accident: If it’s a car accident, call the police. If you’re injured at work, tell your employer.
- Take Pictures: Take photos of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage.
- Gather Information: Get the contact details of anyone involved or who saw the accident.
- Talk to a Lawyer: A personal injury attorney can guide you and help protect your rights.
Taking these steps early helps make your case stronger and protects your right to fair compensation.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
While you can handle some small claims on your own, most personal injury cases benefit from legal assistance, especially if the injury is serious or the insurance company refuses to pay fairly.
Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Conducting thorough investigations to gather critical evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensuring all legal documents are correctly filed and deadlines met
- Consulting with experts to build a robust case
- Representing you aggressively in court if necessary
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Having a personal injury lawyer can make the process easier and help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover?
If you win your personal injury case, you may receive money (called damages) for the harm you’ve suffered.
Common types of damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Future expenses
Personal injury compensation is supposed to help you recover financially and emotionally from your accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Washington?
In Washington State, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may be unable to file your case.
What if I Was Partly at Fault?
Washington uses a rule called pure comparative negligence. This means you can still get compensation even if you were partly to blame for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages were $10,000, you’d receive $7,000. Even if you share some blame, you may still be entitled to compensation under Washington law.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
Most personal injury cases do not go to trial. In fact, many are settled out of court through negotiation. But if the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, going to court might be the best way to get the money you deserve. A skilled attorney will try to settle your case but will be ready to go to court if needed.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers in Seattle work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement or court award, usually between 30% and 40%. You won’t owe your lawyer anything if you don’t win your case. You can get legal help without worrying about upfront costs or hourly fees.
Contact Our Seattle Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Dealing with a personal injury can be overwhelming. But knowing your rights and getting the right legal help can make all the difference. If you’ve been injured, call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer at (253) 948-0250 for a free consultation. Speaking with a Seattle personal injury attorney could be the first step to getting the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.