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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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