Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a family member was injured in a car accident in Seattle, WA, our Seattle car accident attorneys are here to help. The at-fault driver may owe you significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other accident-related damages you have suffered. Count on our team at Darrell Cochran Law to help you fight to maximize your financial recovery.

Our founding attorney has over 30 years of experience in personal injury law. Injury victims have long trusted our award-winning team to help them stand up to powerful insurance companies and defense teams. We’ve successfully won tens of millions of dollars since we opened our law firm.

The compensation you recover today can have a dramatic impact on your future. We’re here to help you fight for every dollar you deserve. Contact us today or call our law offices in Seattle, Washington, by dialing (253) 948-0250 to schedule a free consultation today with a Seattle car accident lawyer.

How Can Darrell Cochran Law Help Me Recover Compensation After a Car Crash in Seattle?

A serious car accident can be extremely traumatic. You may not have the energy to go to battle with the insurance company and their defense attorneys. Taking a fast settlement can be tempting.

That said, recovering full compensation can be one of the most important things you do after a crash. Injuries can impact your life in unexpected ways. If you weren’t responsible for the crash, why should you be responsible for the financial fallout?

The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. An experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer at Darrell Cochran Law can stand by your side at every stage of the legal process.

We know you have a lot of choices. Our attorneys have helped countless clients like you recover millions of dollars. For our efforts, our founding attorneys have been recognized by numerous prestigious organizations, including The National Law Journal, Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.

Hiring us means that you’ll have a legal team to:

Explore all avenues for recovering compensation
Identify all responsible parties
Document your unique losses
Calculate the value of your case
Hire respected experts as needed to prove your case
Handle all paperwork and insurance details
Negotiate fiercely with the insurance companies for a full settlement
Take your case to trial if necessary

You deserve a strong legal advocate in your corner. Contact our Seattle personal injury attorneys to learn more about our skills and experience today.

Why Should I Hire a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer?

Insurance companies want to keep their money. That’s true whether you’re dealing with your own insurance company or someone else’s. Hiring an experienced Seattle car accident attorney is the best option if you want to maximize your financial recovery.

Some of the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer include:

Insurance companies know the rules. They also know how to manipulate the situation so that an injury victim might take a lowball settlement. An experienced lawyer can force them to take your case seriously and play by the rules.
Your lawyer will expect the insurance company to try blaming you for the crash. They’ll know how to locate evidence to protect against victim-blaming strategies.
Insurance companies have the resources and time to fight your claim. Many injury victims struggle in the aftermath of an accident. Your lawyer can use their own assets and access to experts to level the playing field.
You shouldn’t have to worry about legal issues while you’re struggling with painful injuries. When you hire an experienced attorney, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Because injury lawyers work on contingency, you know they’ll be working hard to recover every dollar you deserve

That said, it’s important to hire the right law firm. Your lawyer should have experience handling cases similar to yours. They should also have a proven track record of success at trial.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

We never charge upfront fees for our legal services. Instead, like most law firms, we work on a contingency fee basis.

Our attorneys are committed to ensuring all injury victims have access to quality legal representation. That means we collect our fees after we’ve won compensation in your case. Those attorneys’ fees depend entirely on how much money we recover for you. If we don’t win, you simply don’t pay.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover By Filing a Car Accident Claim?

Different factors will be important when determining how much compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Some key factors that your lawyer will analyze when assessing your case value include:

The amount you’ve spent on medical treatment
Your vehicle repair costs
The value of your lost wages
Whether your injuries are temporary or will result in long-term disability
Your mental trauma and physical pain
Your anticipated need for ongoing rehabilitation, medical care, and assistance with basic activities
How the injury is expected to impact your future earnings
How the injury impacts your lifestyle
Whether shared fault is an issue
Available insurance coverage

Most injury victims don’t have experience with the insurance claims process. You know how much you’ve spent on medical care and vehicle repairs. You know how much money you have lost if you were unable to work.

On the other hand, you may not know how to put a dollar value on your non-financial losses. Estimating your ongoing future costs can also be difficult. Your lawyer has the experience and resources to determine how much compensation you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Washington?

Most personal injury victims in Washington must file a lawsuit within three years of the accident. This law is called the statute of limitations. Once time runs out, you lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.

While there are limited exceptions, you shouldn’t wait three years to call a car accident lawyer. Investigating and preparing your car accident case will take time. If you were injured in an accident, call an experienced personal injury attorney as quickly as possible. They can start collecting evidence right away.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

Personal injury victims are typically entitled to two types of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. Note that punitive damages are typically not available under Washington state law.

What Are Some Examples of Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?

Economic damages compensate for documented financial losses associated with a car crash.

Common examples include:

Current medical costs
Future medical expenses
Lost wages during your recovery period
Reduced earning potential in cases involving long-term disability
Medications and medical devices
Nursing care
In-home assistance
Therapy and rehabilitation
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses

Good documentation is important to get the full amount you deserve. Generally, Washington law allows you to pursue compensation for the full value of your economic damages without limit.

What Are Some Examples of Non-Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?

Non-economic damages are much more subjective.

Some examples of the types of personal loss you may have experienced due to an accident and injury include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Anxiety
Depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Fear
Diminished quality of life
Physical disfigurement and scarring
Loss of consortium in wrongful death cases

You won’t have a receipt to show the value of your pain, suffering, and trauma. If you were seriously hurt, it’s critical to hire an experienced attorney who can establish your case value.

What Happens to My Compensation Award if I’m Partly Responsible for Causing a Car Accident in Seattle?

Sharing any blame will reduce your compensation award. That said, you won’t lose your right to compensation entirely because Washington has a pure comparative negligence law. When a victim shares some blame, their compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.

That gives the insurance companies a strong interest in blaming you. You should never accept any allegations that you share fault. Instead, seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who is on your side.

That’s true even if the police report finds that you were partly responsible for the crash. Our attorneys may be able to locate evidence to refute those findings.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

The majority of car accident cases don’t go to trial. Instead, lawyers typically resolve car accident injury claims with the insurance adjuster. Resolving cases through settlement negotiations is generally best for everyone. It allows you to avoid the expense, time, and uncertainty of a trial.

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, a trial may be necessary. When an insurance company doesn’t offer a fair deal, our lawyers often file a lawsuit. After the lawsuit is filed, a pre-trial discovery period begins. Discovery can lead to critical evidence that can help with your case.

The insurance company doesn’t want to go to trial. The threat of a trial can result in more productive settlement negotiations. Negotiations continue even after your lawyer files a lawsuit.

The bottom line? Your case probably won’t go to trial, but you should always hire a lawyer with experience winning at trial.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Seattle?

Your health and safety should be your top priority. Call 911 and request an ambulance if you need emergency medical care. Seeking medical attention immediately can be critical to your future.

Taking certain steps after an accident can also strengthen any future personal injury claim.

While getting into an accident is overwhelming and traumatic, you should:

Call 911 and remain at the scene even if the injuries seem minor. The police officer will prepare an accident report that may contain valuable evidence.
Exchange driver’s license, contact, and insurance information with the other drivers involved. Also, obtain the contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident.
If the accident scene is safe, take photos and videos of the vehicle damage, your surroundings, and injuries.
Check to see if others are okay, but don’t apologize or admit fault.
Contact an experienced attorney who can help with the insurance and legal issues from the start.

Always be careful when you’re talking to the insurance adjuster. Avoid making recorded statements or signing any documents without a lawyer’s advice. Even though it may seem like the insurance adjuster is on your side, remember that they work for the insurance company. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.

We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Seattle

Auto accidents can occur in many different ways. Some types of accident cases are more complex than others. That said, any type of crash can cause serious injuries and damage.

At Darrell Cochran Law, our accomplished attorneys in Seattle have experience handling all types of car accident cases.

Some examples of our car accident practice areas include:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end crashes often take the victim completely by surprise. You may think the vehicle in the rear is automatically responsible. That’s not always the case. If you were involved in a crash, call our accident attorneys in Seattle for legal advice today.

Speeding Accidents

High speeds make an accident much more dangerous. Injuries are likely to be much more severe when the responsible party is speeding. Speeding accidents can involve exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions. Contact our law firm today for help proving your case if you or a loved one were injured in a speeding accident.

Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles

When multiple parties are involved, the case automatically becomes more complicated. Each party will likely try to pin the blame on someone else–including you, the injured party. Our lawyers know how to locate strong evidence you need to establish your right to compensation. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of legal representation.

Head-On Collisions

Seeing another driver suddenly veer into your lane can be nothing short of terrifying. Head-on crashes have the potential to cause catastrophic damage. That’s even more true when high speeds are involved. If you or a family member are struggling in the wake of a head-on crash, count on our lawyers to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Intersection Accidents

Intersections in Seattle can be chaotic and complicated. When another driver fails to yield or is racing to beat a red light, the risk of accidents increases tremendously. If you were hit by a car at an intersection, our accident lawyers in Seattle can help you recover damages. Give us a call today to discuss your case and legal options.

Fatal Car Accidents and Wrongful Death

Serious car wrecks always have the potential to be fatal. Dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one is incredibly difficult. In the days and weeks after the crash, taking legal action may be far from your mind. Our lawyers are here to help you fight to recover compensation for lost financial support, funeral costs, and the loss of your loved one’s company, support, and guidance.

Our lawyers are also experienced in handling claims involving:

Rollovers
Sideswipe accidents
T-bone accidents
Catastrophic injury crashes
Single-vehicle accidents
Low-impact car crashes
Highway accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle accidents
Drunk driving accidents
Distracted driving accidents
Accidents involving self-driving vehicles
Parking lot accidents
Uninsured or underinsured driver accidents
Hit-and-run accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Bicycle accidents
Accidents involving commercial vehicles

Your case will involve unique facts and complications. Count on our lawyers to handle any challenges you may face. While you’re dealing with your injuries, we’ll be working hard to get the money you need and deserve.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?

It’s important to realize that an at-fault driver may not be the only party liable for your accident. Unforeseen factors may have contributed to the crash. Identifying other parties who share blame can increase your compensation award. Non-drivers may carry larger insurance policies that are more likely to cover your full damages.

In addition to an at-fault driver, examples of potentially liable parties include:

The employer of the at-fault driver, if they were working at the time of the crash
Trucking companies
Government agencies, such as when a hazardous road condition contributed to the crash
Inspection and maintenance companies in commercial vehicle and truck accident cases

Manufacturers of defective cars or car parts can also be liable. You won’t have to prove the manufacturer was somehow negligent if the crash occurred due to a defective part. Defective brakes, tires, and even airbags can all contribute to a crash or make an injury worse.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car crashes can lead to a range of injuries, from bruising to severe and life-changing injuries. If you’ve suffered damages due to a car crash, the at-fault driver should be responsible. That’s true even if you’re eventually expected to make a full physical recovery.

Some common examples of car accident injuries include:

Broken bones
Facial injuries and scarring
Back injuries
Chest injuries
Nerve damage
Whiplash injuries
Soft tissue damage
Eye injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Head and neck injuries
Concussions
Organ damage
Burns
Amputations
Paralysis
Catastrophic injuries

Our lawyers are also prepared to step up and fight for you if you lose a loved one in a fatal crash. Contact us today to learn more about how our wrongful death lawyers can help your family.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Seattle?

It’s important to understand why your accident occurred. In our experience, careless or reckless driving is usually the culprit. When drivers are rushed, tired, and distracted, they’re much more likely to make mistakes. Those mistakes, in turn, lead to crashes.

Some common causes of car accidents include:

Distracted driving, including texting while driving
Speeding and ignoring traffic regulations
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Tailgating
Racing to beat a yellow light
Aggressive driving and road rage
Merging errors
Passing too closely
Dangerous left-hand turns
Illegal u-turns
Running stop signs
Drunk driving and drug use
Fatigued drivers
Dangerous road conditions
Poor weather and limited visibility
Mechanical failures
Defects in a vehicle or vehicle safety equipment

Your lawyer can investigate to determine the precise cause of the accident. Most injury cases require proof of negligence. During our investigation, we’ll search for evidence to prove each element of your case. To get started, call for a free case review today.

Statistics on Car Accidents in Seattle

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) publishes statistics on car crashes. Over 98,000 motor vehicle accidents were reported statewide in 2024.

In Seattle alone, 7,491 traffic accidents occurred in 2024. At least 1,412 people were injured in those crashes. Unfortunately, another 38 accident victims were killed in fatal crashes.

What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Seattle?

Intersections can be dangerous in general. That said, some intersections in Seattle are more dangerous than others.

According to one study, Aurora Avenue (SR-99) between N. 155th Street and N. Winona Avenue is the most deadly intersection in the entire state of Washington. SR-99 itself is ranked as the most dangerous road in King County.

Some additional intersections that can be particularly dangerous include:

Aurora Avenue and Denny Way
Rainier Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Way
23rd Avenue and Jackson Street
Westlake Avenue and Mercer Street
Elliott Avenue and Western Avenue

Both drivers and pedestrians should exercise additional caution when approaching these and other intersections.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation Today

You were injured because someone else was careless, and you deserve to be compensated. Still, car accident claims can quickly become messy. You deserve to have an experienced attorney fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Our team at Darrell Cochran Law is prepared to use our skills, experience, and legal knowledge to your advantage. We have the resources to stand up to even the largest and most powerful insurance companies and their defense teams. To learn more about how an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer can help maximize the value of your claim, call us today for a free case review.

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