If you’ve been in a car accident in Seattle, Washington, you probably have questions about your legal rights. Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer can help with answers to common questions about car accidents. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients. We know how to help you through the aftermath of a collision.
Contact our law office today at (253) 948-0250 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer.
How Can Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Car Accident In Seattle?
Our Seattle personal injury lawyers have 31 years of combined experience and are committed to helping accident victims like you.
When you work with a Seattle car accident attorney at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we will:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Don’t attempt to handle the aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Seattle personal injury attorney.
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
The value of your claim depends on several factors specific to your situation. More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation due to increased medical expenses and greater impact on your quality of life. Other important factors that affect your claim value include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Washington law allows car accident victims to pursue several types of damages, including the following:
Economic Damages
These compensate for financial losses with specific dollar amounts:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and income
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Maintain all bills and receipts to document these losses properly.
Non-Economic Damages
These address intangible losses without precise monetary values:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
While more difficult to quantify, these damages often constitute a substantial portion of compensation in serious injury cases.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- You pay no upfront costs
- We cover case expenses during litigation
- We only receive payment if we win your case
- Our fee comes as a percentage of your recovery
This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation.
Should I Report My Seattle Accident?
Yes, you should report any car accident in Seattle, especially those involving:
- Injuries or fatalities
- Property damage exceeding $1,000
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Drunk driving
Even for minor accidents, filing a police report creates an official record that can protect your interests.
How Do I Get an Accident Report in Seattle?
To obtain your accident report in Seattle, you have several options:
- Visit the Seattle Police Department records division in person
- Call the police department’s non-emergency number
- Check the police department’s website for online request options
- Use the Washington Department of Transportation Crash Records Information System
- Ask your attorney to obtain the report on your behalf
You’ll need basic information about the accident, including the dates, locations, and names of the involved parties.
Should I Provide a Statement to the Insurance Company?
Don’t give a written or recorded statement to any insurance company before talking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but they mainly want to reduce the company’s costs. Let the adjuster know that all communications should go through your attorney.
What Is Comparative Negligence and How Does It Affect My Claim?
Washington uses a “pure comparative negligence“, meaning:
- You can recover damages even if you share some fault
- Your compensation will drop based on your percentage of fault
- You can recover compensation as long as you are not entirely to blame
This system makes it vital to gather strong evidence and have skilled legal representation to lower your assigned percentage of fault.
What Causes Most Car Accidents In Seattle?
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving (especially texting)
- Drunk driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Failure to yield right-of-way
Understanding the cause of your accident helps establish liability for your claim.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Seattle Accident?
In Washington, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is three years. These deadlines are strict, and failing to file within the time limit typically means losing your right to compensation forever.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident In Seattle?
Taking the right steps after a car accident protects both your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Call 911 if anyone is injured
- Get medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
- Call the police and obtain an accident report
- Exchange information with other drivers
- Take photos of vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing
- Contact an attorney before accepting any settlement offers
Following these steps creates documentation that strengthens your claim and helps prevent disputes about the accident.
When Should I Call a Seattle Car Accident Attorney?
It’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a collision, especially if:
- The accident caused serious injuries
- Fault is disputed
- Multiple parties are involved
- An insurance company is pressuring you to settle quickly
We offer free initial consultations, so there’s no financial risk in seeking legal advice.
Contact a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you have questions about car accidents in Seattle, Washington, Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is here to provide answers and experienced legal guidance. With our decades of experience, we can help you seek the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a Seattle car accident attorney and discuss your case.