Car crashes can often result in serious injuries and losses. Such auto wrecks and accidents, unfortunately, are quite common in Washington state. If you were injured in an accident in Everett, your immediate step should be about informing the local police. Call 911 without delay if someone is injured or in need of medical assistance. You may also want to consult an Everett car accident attorney. In this post, read more about car accident laws in Washington State and why you need legal representation.
Should you report the accident?
Anyone involved in an auto accident – including pedestrians and property owners – must report the accident and complete the Motor Vehicle Collision Report. Accidents that result in injury or property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported. If you called the local police after the accident and a law enforcement officer investigates the accident scene, you don’t need to file a report separately.
The statute of limitations
Washington State’s statute of limitations allows three years to file an injury lawsuit after an auto accident. If you intend to take action against the driver at fault, you must take measures within this deadline, or else, your case will be dismissed in all likelihood. For wrongful death lawsuits, the deadline remains the same.
The pure comparative negligence rule
What happens when more than one party is at fault? Washington State follows the pure comparative negligence rule. If you were negligent, you can still file a lawsuit against the other driver at fault and recover money, even when your fault share is more than 50%. However, your settlement will be reduced by your share of negligence in percentage.
Why do you need a car accident attorney?
Car crashes are often complicated in real life, and if you don’t take immediate action, you may miss valuable information, evidence, and witnesses. If you want to file a claim against the at-fault driver, you are responsible for proving everything in the claim. To add to your woes, insurance companies are rarely compassionate to victims. The claims adjuster may try to push the blame or use flimsy reasons to minimize the settlement. Hiring a car accident attorney is your best bet at protecting your interests. A good lawyer knows what it takes to negotiate, and they would do anything to get you a fair settlement.
Call an attorney in Everett soon after the accident to get impartial advice for your claim.