Seattle Car Accident Attorneys

Drivers in Seattle know that when you are injured in a car accident, to reach for the phone and call Emerald Law Group right away. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, we’re here to help.

Our friendly attorneys have helped hundreds of people in similar situations, ensuring they get the support and compensation they deserve. We’ve handled a wide variety of car accident cases, but we always treat each client with the personalized care and attention their unique situation needs. Plus, we offer a free consultation, and you don’t have to worry about upfront costs—we only get paid if you win your case. Reach out to our experienced team today and let’s start your journey to recovery together.

A car accident can happen at any time. Even the most careful of drivers can’t control the actions of other cars on the road. Car accidents can rack up multiple expenses, including medical bills, missed income, costly repairs, and more.

If you are in a car accident that’s not your fault, speak to Seattle’s expert accident attorneys at Emerald Law Group. We will help you with your insurance claim and get you the compensation you deserve.

What to Do When You Are in a Car Accident in Seattle

Protecting your legal rights at the scene of an accident is extremely important. When the accident is not your fault, the driver of the other vehicle is liable for damages you suffer. The actions you take at the scene of the accident will ensure that your insurance claim is the strongest it can be.

Always take these vital steps at the scene of the accident:

1. Call the police immediately to report the accident.
2. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
3. With your smartphone, take plenty of of photos and video at the scene, being sure to record any injuries you have as well as all damage to your vehicle.
4. If there are witnesses to the accident, write down their contact information including names and phone numbers.
5. See a doctor as soon as you can.
6. Call a Seattle lawyer who specializes in accident claims.

It’s also a good idea to take these crucial steps now, before you are in an accident:

1. Ensure your diver’s license is with you whenever you are driving.
2. Keep tools for an emergency in your car – flares, cones, a first-aid kit.
3. Keep your insurance card and vehicle registration in your car at all times.
4. Make sure your phone is charged to record photo and video when necessary.
5. Give attention to all of your car’s routine maintenance.

Seattle Car Accident Claims and Washington Insurance Law

Washington state’s mandatory auto insurance law requires all drivers to carry liability coverage and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements. These requirements are $25,000 for injuries or death per person, up to $50,000 per accident, plus $10,000 for property damage caused by negligent or reckless driving.

When you are injured due to another driver’s fault, you can present a claim to their insurance company to pay for your damages. If you also have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage on your policy, you could file a no-fault PIP claim with your insurer instead. PIP benefits are available regardless of who was at fault, but they only cover a portion of your expenses and up to $10,000 in damages. PIP insurance is included with your liability insurance unless you reject it in writing when buying or renewing your policy.

Despite liability insurance being required by law, Washington state ranks fifth in the country for having the most uninsured drivers. Over 20% of motorists – more than one in five drivers on Washington roads – are uninsured.

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your auto policy, you can use your insurance if you are hit by an uninsured driver. This coverage is also applicable if you are injured in a hit-and-run or a phantom vehicle accident where another driver caused you to crash without actually impacting your vehicle, such as by swerving into your lane and then speeding off.

UM/UIM can help maximize your compensation if the other driver only carries minimal coverage that doesn’t meet your expenses, and you have higher limits on your UM/UIM policy. However, you will still need to deal with insurance claims adjusters who may downplay the severity of the accident and try to settle your claim for less than it is worth.

Protecting Your Rights After a Car Accident

It is vital that you take steps to protect your rights after an accident, including documenting the accident, getting injuries treated, collecting evidence, and seeking legal assistance.

1. Document the scene of the accident. Contact the police right away to report the accident. Take photos and videos of your injuries and any damage to your car. Get contact information from the other driver and witnesses. These steps will all be crucial to your insurance claim.
2. See a doctor. Even if you are only experiencing mild pain, injuries often reveal themselves in time. Seek out a medical professional as soon as possible to check out and record all of your injuries.
3. Write down any information that may be useful in the days, weeks, and months following your accident. Keep a log of how you are feeling, how the accident has impacted you, any lingering effects of your injuries, and any conversations you have with loved ones about your situation.
4. Have your car inspected. Get a full assessment of the damage to your vehicle and the full costs associated with repairs. It may be a good idea to get multiple assessments from different car repair specialists to create an average cost assessment.
5. Keep track of your documentation. Make sure you have vital information written down and stored in a safe place, including your claim number, the insurance adjuster’s name, medical bills, and vehicle repair assessments. Keep all of these documents together and organized.
6. Call a Seattle Accident Attorney. Schedule a consultation with an experience accident attorney. The right attorney can make sure your rights are protected. They can fight on your behalf to make sure you get the fair settlement you deserve.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are in business to make money, which they do by maximizing the premiums they collect and minimizing the claims they pay out. This system can work against you when you need to make a claim, whether it’s a no-fault PIP claim, a UM/UIM claim, or a claim against the negligent driver who hit you.

Hiring an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer can help you recover for the harm done to you. It gives you more leverage with the insurance company because it shows that you are prepared to fight for what you are owed.

Depending on your specific auto accident case, we will try to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If that isn’t possible, we are ready to take your case as far as necessary in Washington courts or through Washington’s arbitration process.

We know that car accidents are scary and that insurance companies can make the recovery process even scarier. Emerald Law Group is here to level the playing field and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Emerald Law Group Today

If you or your family are injured in a car accident, contact us immediately. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can evaluate and investigate your car accident case and provide you with representation against the insurance company that will do everything it can to avoid paying you what you deserve. Call our experienced Seattle car accident lawyers today for a free consultation and immediate assistance.

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