Snohomish County Car Accident Lawyer

Thousands of car accidents occur in Washington every year. Though many of these accidents don’t result in serious injury, the unfortunate reality is that many of them do. That said, if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a skilled Snohomish County car accident lawyer from Amy C Brown Law, PLLC to schedule a free initial consultation with our dedicated legal team today.

Car Accident Lawyer | Fighting for Accident Victims in Washington State

Here at Amy C Brown Law, PLLC, we understand just how devastating a car accident can be. Often, victims are left to pick up their pieces and unsure of where to turn. Fortunately, if you’re one of them, you’re in the right place. A dedicated Snohomish County auto accident lawyer here at our firm stands ready to fight for the compensation you deserve and need to get back on your feet again.

Types of Driver Negligence

Though car accidents can occur for various reasons, they are almost always a result of driver negligence. Some of the most common types of driver negligence that our firm sees are as follows:

• Distracted Driving: This is one of the leading causes of car accidents today. It includes behaviors like texting, using a smartphone, eating, or any other activity that diverts attention from driving.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions is a frequent contributor to serious accidents, as it reduces the driver’s ability to react to road hazards and increases the severity of collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication that impairs driving ability is not only illegal but also highly negligent. Unfortunately, many drivers make this foolish mistake and end up injuring others as a result.
• Reckless Driving: This includes aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, improper lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals or road signs.
• Fatigued Driving: Often overlooked, driving while excessively tired can be as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing reaction time and decision-making.
• Failure to Yield: Not yielding the right of way, especially at intersections, is a significant form of negligence.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Car accidents are jarring events that often leave those involved overwhelmed or in a state of shock, and as a result, unsure of what to do. However, by taking the following steps, you can ensure you receive immediate medical attention and improve your chances of satisfying the burden of proof in a future personal injury claim.

1. Seek medical care as soon as possible: Often, individuals involved in car accidents don’t believe they are injured at first. However, after the crash, they’ll find they only feel worse and worse hours, days, or even weeks later. This is why seeking immediate medical attention is paramount.
2. Try and get the contact information of any witnesses: Get the other driver’s contact information and ask anyone who saw the incident for their contact information as well. If law enforcement responds, get the case number.
3. Take photographs: It is so important to take photos of the vehicles involved in the accident. Even if the vehicles had to be moved to keep people safe, still take pictures of all vehicles involved.
4. Make sure you include the license plates of every vehicle. Take photos of the surrounding area. For example, if there was a tree that was blocking your view or lights that did not work, take pictures and videos that prove this.
5. Do not admit fault to anyone: Just take a deep breath. If people start asking questions, it is okay to tell them that you are stressed due to the accident and need time to calm down. Amy C Brown Law can help you through the next steps and ensure your rights are protected.
6. Hire a car accident lawyer, especially if you believe you’re not at fault for the accident. An attorney can assess the circumstances of your case, help you gather evidence, and, from there, negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the best outcome possible on your behalf.

Pure Comparative Negligence in Car Accidents

Washington State follows the rule of “pure comparative negligence” in car accidents. This legal concept is critical for any car accident victim to understand, as it can significantly impact their compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Under pure comparative negligence:

Fault is Apportioned Between Parties: In an accident, it’s possible that both parties may bear some level of fault. Washington law allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example Scenario: If you are found to be 30% at fault for an accident and the total damages amount to $100,000, you would be eligible to receive 70% of the damages, or $70,000.
Evidence is Paramount: Presenting clear evidence to minimize your fault percentage is crucial. This includes witness statements, photographs from the accident scene, police reports, and expert testimonies.

Recovering Compensation

As long as you and your attorney can satisfy the burden of proof, meaning you can prove you were injured (at least primarily) due to another party’s negligence, you should receive compensation to help you deal with the economic and non-economic damages you’ve incurred. Examples of economic damages can include the cost of medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and the loss of enjoyment of life, among other things.

Statute of Limitations in Washington

Accident victims are required to take legal action within a certain timeframe, known as the statute of limitations. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is, typically, three years. This means that you will only have three years from the date of your accident to file your personal injury claim. Waiting longer than three years will most likely result in you being permanently barred from suing.

Contact an Everett, Washington Car Accident Lawyer

The bottom line is that anyone who has sustained an injury in a car accident due to the negligence of another deserves a steadfast legal advocate who will effectively fight for the compensation they deserve. Contact a Snohomish County car accident lawyer from Amy C Brown Law, PLLC today to schedule your free initial consultation with our dedicated legal team.