Fighting For Your Right To Compensation In Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
Tacoma sees hundreds of motor vehicle accidents every year, resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Alliance Law Group, PS, our personal injury lawyers have maintained a tradition and reputation of excellence since 1950. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys understand how difficult it can be to recover from a serious crash. Whether your accident involved a large semi truck or a motorcycle, our attorneys know how to build a strong case on your behalf.
Representing You In A Full Range Of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases
Depending on the type and severity of your motor vehicle accident, you can suffer from serious injuries that leave you with lifelong health concerns. Truck and motorcycle accidents often cause more severe injuries due to the size differences between the vehicles involved. Whether you suffered a traumatic brain injury, broken bones or severe burns, you need the right attorney to help you through the legal process.
We can assist you with a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Multicar accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
A motor vehicle accident can have devastating impacts on your physical health, finances and family. Along with having to contend with painful injuries, you may also have expensive medical bills and lost wages from time off work.
In Washington, injured accident victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain economic and noneconomic damages for their suffering. Economic damages include compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs and lost wages. Noneconomic damages provide compensation for pain, suffering and mental anguish.
What should I do immediately after being involved in a car accident?
The things you do immediately after a crash can have a major impact on your health and your legal options. Be sure to follow these steps:
- Ensure your safety and the safety of others: Check for injuries and, if necessary, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.
- Move to the safest area available: If possible, get all people and vehicles to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic.
- Exchange information: Collect important information (phone numbers, insurance details and license plate numbers) from all parties involved, including contact information for witnesses.
- Document the crash site: Take photos of the accident site, including vehicle positions, traffic signs and road conditions.
- Report the accident: Notify the police if you haven’t already called 911 for medical reasons. A police report can be vital when dealing with insurance companies.
- Seek medical attention: Do not skip this step, even if you feel unhurt. Adrenaline may be masking pain, and some injuries don’t become apparent until later. You need to ensure that you are not seriously injured. You also need medical records in case you file an injury claim.
The final step is to contact an attorney. If possible, do this before having a conversation with your insurer (other than to report the basic details of the accident). We discuss more about this below.
How is fault determined in a Washington car accident?
It can be difficult to prove fault without the assistance of an attorney. When you work with our firm, our lawyers conduct a swift, thorough and independent investigation into the crash to determine how it happened and to prove that the other driver was at fault. They utilize all available evidence, including:
- The police accident report
- Witness testimony
- Any photo or video evidence of the crash
- Evidence collected by you and others at the scene
- Information taken from each vehicle’s event data recorder (the so-called “black box”)
- Cellphone records, if we suspect that the other driver was talking or texting in the moments before the crash
We also need to address Washington’s “comparative negligence” laws if you were accused of sharing fault. Under the comparative negligence principle, each driver’s level of responsibility for the accident is assessed, and any compensation you may receive can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our goal will be to prove that the other driver was solely to blame or to otherwise minimize your percentage of fault.
The Role Of Insurance In Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
Insurance plays a critical role in motor vehicle accident cases, providing financial support for injuries, damages and losses. Understanding the types of coverage and how to handle the claims process can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive. Below are key points to consider when dealing with insurance after an accident:
- Types of insurance: Car insurance comes in various forms. Liability insurance covers damages you cause to others, while collision insurance handles repairs to your vehicle after an accident. Comprehensive insurance protects against non-collision events, such as theft or natural disasters. Familiarizing yourself with your policy can help you make informed decisions during an accident’s aftermath.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This type of coverage is vital when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or inadequate coverage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policies step in to cover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs that the other driver’s insurance won’t cover. Having UM/UIM coverage provides peace of mind, knowing that you have support if another driver is underprepared.
- Filing a claim: Filing an insurance claim involves several key steps. First, notify your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant documentation, including the police report, witness contact information and photos of the accident scene. It’s important to track all communications and keep detailed records of your medical treatments and related expenses for the duration of your claim. Proper documentation strengthens your position when negotiating with insurance companies.
- Dealing with insurance adjusters: Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. They may attempt to downplay the value of your claim or pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. Always stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who is at fault. Consulting with a lawyer can help you handle negotiations with the adjuster and push for a fair settlement. Remember, the adjuster’s goal is to protect their company’s interests, not yours.
Understanding your insurance coverage properly and taking careful steps when filing a claim can help protect your interests and work toward the compensation you deserve following a motor vehicle accident. Partnering with a knowledgeable lawyer, like those at Alliance Law Group, PS, can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the claims process.
Why is it important to consult with a lawyer before accepting an insurance company’s settlement offer?
Most people don’t understand that insurance companies are not concerned about their well-being. They are concerned with their own bottom line, which means resolving claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. The initial settlement offer will almost certainly be far less than you need or deserve.
Consulting with a lawyer before accepting an insurance company’s settlement offer is important for several reasons:
- You may not be aware of the full extent of your injuries or the costs associated with them. Therefore, accepting a settlement would be premature.
- A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the true value of your claim.
- Your attorney can handle negotiations on your behalf, aiming for a more favorable outcome.
- Your attorney can prevent you from saying something that insurers may try to use against you to reduce their own liability.
When you contact our firm, you can take advantage of a free consultation. That means it costs nothing to explore your legal options.
Learn More About How We Can Help You
After a motor vehicle accident, it is vital that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to get started on your case. We know that you may already have concerns about your financial situation. At Alliance Law Group, PS, we work on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases and offer free consultations. This means you will never owe anything upfront and won’t pay us unless we win or settle your case. To learn more about how we can help you win the compensation you deserve, call us at 253-300-2055 or complete our online contact form.