Unfortunately, Washington State sees thousands of motor vehicle accidents every single year. Though they thankfully don’t always result in serious injuries, oftentimes, they do. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident of any kind, please don’t hesitate to turn to a dedicated Snohomish County auto accident lawyer from Amy C Brown Law, PLLC for guidance. We are here to fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.

Auto Accident Lawyer | Representing Injured Motorists in Washington State

Amy C Brown Law, PLLC understands that the impact of an accident can have far-reaching and, sometimes, permanent effects on a person. That said, with the right Everett personal injury lawyer in your corner, you stand a far greater chance of receiving the resources you need to cope with those injuries and move on with your life.

Auto Accident Cases We Handle

Here at Amy C Brown Law, PLLC, we proudly represent victims who’ve been hurt in a wide range of motor vehicle collisions, including the following, among others:

Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

After a motor vehicle accident, you may be unable to do anything other than await the arrival of emergency medical services at the scene. However, if possible, you may find great benefit in taking the following steps:

Call the police. They will send an ambulance to the scene and write up an accident report.
Ask the other driver for their insurance information. Be polite, but don’t apologize, and keep conversation to a minimum.
Ask witnesses for their contact information, such as their name, phone number, and email. You may use their testimony to corroborate your personal injury claim at a later date.
Take pictures of any damage caused by the accident.
Keep a copy of all medical documentation and bills associated with your injury.
Hire a dedicated Snohomish County auto accident lawyer who can gather and present all relevant documentation required to satisfy the burden of proof in your behalf.

Recovering Compensation After an Auto Accident

To recover compensation in an auto accident claim, you’ll need to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident and your injuries. As long as you can prove as much, you should receive financial compensation to help you deal with the economic and non-economic damages you’ve incurred. These can include:

Lost past and future wages
Medical bills
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

Pure Comparative Negligence in Washington

In Washington State, the concept of “pure comparative negligence” plays a crucial role in personal injury cases, including auto accidents. This legal principle acknowledges that multiple parties can be at fault in an accident. Here’s what you need to know:

Shared Fault: Under pure comparative negligence, if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
No Bar to Recovery: Unlike some states that follow a modified comparative negligence rule, where being more than 50% at fault bars you from recovery, Washington allows you to seek damages even if you are 99% at fault.
Determining Fault: The determination of fault is a complex process. It involves analyzing evidence from the accident, such as police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information. Your auto accident lawyer will work to minimize your share of the blame to maximize your potential compensation.
Impact on Settlement Negotiations: This rule also impacts negotiations outside of court. Insurance companies are aware that a jury could find shared fault, influencing the settlement offers.

Statute of Limitations

In general, the statute of limitations for auto accident injury cases in Washington is three years. This means that in most cases, accident victims will only have three years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. If the statute of limitations expires, you’ll be permanently barred from suing. Importantly, you should always speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon after your accident as you can. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to prove your injuries are a direct result of your accident.

What to Bring to Your Initial Consultation

Here at Amy C Brown Law, PLLC, we offer each of our clients a free initial consultation so we can familiarize ourselves with their cases. To make the most of your initial consultation with your personal injury lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s a list of items to bring, if you can:

Accident Report: A copy of the police report, if available.
Photographs: Any photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
Medical Records: Documentation of all medical treatments related to the accident, including hospital visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and so on.
Insurance Information: Your auto insurance policy and the insurance information of the other party involved.
Contact Information: Details of any witnesses or other parties involved in the accident.
Financial Documents: Proof of lost wages or income due to the accident, such as recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer.
Personal Notes: Any notes you’ve made about the accident or your injuries, including a pain diary if you’ve been keeping one.
Questions: A list of questions you have for your lawyer. This could include queries about the legal process, expected timelines, or concerns about your case.

Bringing these items will help your lawyer understand your case better and provide more accurate advice on moving forward.

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer Today

Don’t face a serious auto accident injury on your own. Retain the services of a competent and compassionate Snohomish County, Washington auto accident lawyer who can effectively fight for the compensation you deserve and need. Contact Amy C Brown Law, PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation with our skilled personal injury law firm.

Snohomish County Auto Accident Lawyer