With the many highly traveled roadways and influx of major interstates in Washington, auto accidents are, sadly, a frequent fact of life. If you or a family member has been injured in car crash, there are a number of expenses that can be associated with its aftermath, and you may be entitled to compensation from those responsible for the accident. Our Seattle car accident lawyers can help. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about auto accidents.
In cases of auto accidents, particularly where injuries are involved, a Seattle car accident lawyer can gather evidence together, talk with witnesses and insurance companies, and basically cover every base in determining whether you might be due compensation to pay for any damages sustained from the accident. This can include financial damages from property destruction, physical damages that cost you in medical care and lost wages, and emotional damages encompassing pain and suffering and other issues.
A lawsuit is not always necessary. Both parties may reach an out-of-court settlement without going forward with a Washington accident lawsuit. The disadvantage to this is that your bargaining position is generally limited and weak. You may have greater leverage and clout by entering into a lawsuit to prove negligence on the part of the defendant, which could result in a greater amount of compensation.
In the immediate aftermath of an auto accident, you may be understandably shaken, or possibly even incapacitated from an injury. However, it is important to take certain steps as best you can and as soon as you can. After ensuring that the authorities and medical personnel have been called and that the scene is safe, you should communicate with other victims and witnesses of the crash and exchange information. Also, if you have a camera with you, you should take photographs of the scene and the cars involved from many different angles. You should also retrieve a copy of the police report as soon as possible. More information on what to do after auto accident can be found on this website.
Contact the Seattle car accident lawyers at the firm of Phillips Webster for a free consultation and case review.
No. The at-fault party's insurance company will more than likely want to settle with an amount that greatly undervalues the actual losses sustained, or that will be sustained, by the victim. An experienced Seattle auto accident attorney can help you in gathering evidence, and dealing with the at-fault party and his/her insurance representatives in any settlement negotiations or possible trial.
Insurance companies deny auto insurance claims for several reasons, many of them based on very small technicalities. Our Seattle car accident lawyers have a wealth of experience in dealing with insurance companies, and they know the variety of methods some insurance carriers use to get out of paying a claim. Our lawyers can handle situations such as these for you, negotiating with the insurance carrier directly in pursuit of fair compensation. Learn more about car accidents and insurance coverage.
Even if you have uninsured motorist coverage with your insurance company, it may not offer fair coverage for the extent of your injuries, or the carrier may not agree with you as to where blame from the accident lies. A Seattle car accident attorney with Phillips Webster can provide experienced representation for you in these instances. Consult our car insurance page for more information. You can also contact our Washington auto accident lawyers for a free consultation.
Defective tires, seatbelts, equipment, roof cave-ins, and other issues fall under the category of product liability and you can file suit against a car maker or repair service if you believe a defect resulted in your accident. Car makers are responsible for the safety of every aspect of production of an automobile, from design to manufacture to marketing. Learn more about auto accidents caused by defective design or products.
Tragically, many collisions on our roadways lead to fatal auto accidents. Losing a loved one can not only be emotionally devastating, it can also have serious repercussions on your finances. Medical bills, funeral expenses, and other costs may entitle you to compensation from the responsible party if your loved one has been fatally injured in an auto accident.
An experienced Seattle car accident lawyer at the firm of Phillips Webster can give you a free evaluation of your case and discuss your options with you. Contact us at any of our locations in the Seattle, Tacoma, Everett area.