I Was Rear-Ended in Spokane, Washington. What Should I Do?

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, and they can happen to anyone, often leading to injuries, property damage, and a maze of legal and insurance issues. If you’ve had this type of car accident in and around Spokane, Washington, you’re probably thinking, “I was rear-ended. What should I do next?”

Handling a car accident claim in this situation can feel overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, you can protect your health, legal rights, and financial future.

This blog, from a Spokane car accident attorney, guides accident victims through the steps to take after being rear-ended due to someone else’s negligence and explains how Albrecht Law, PLLC pursues the compensation allowed by law in auto accident claims.

1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention

Your safety and health should be your priority after any accident. Even if you feel fine immediately after a car accident, adrenaline can mask injuries. As a personal injury attorney knows, some of the most common car accident injuries in these scenarios include whiplash, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, which might not show symptoms until hours or days later.

• Call 911 if anyone has sustained a serious personal injury requiring emergency medical treatment.
• Visit a doctor as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation, even if you think your injuries are minor.
• Document all medical visits and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This documentation serves as evidence later if you pursue a personal injury claim.

Washington State law allows you to seek compensation for medical expenses as part of a personal injury claim. Seeking medical attention promptly aids your recovery and strengthens your car accident case.

2. Document the Scene

A personal injury lawyer can attest to the urgency of gathering evidence at the accident scene. If physically capable, do the following:

• Take photos and videos of the damage to all vehicles, any visible injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Washington law requires drivers involved in an accident to provide their name, address, and insurance information.
• Get witness information. Ask for contact details from anyone who saw the accident. Witness statements can be helpful in accident claims when there is a dispute over liability.
• File a police report. Call a police officer to document the incident. A police report provides critical evidence when pursuing insurance claims or legal action.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

Washington operates as a fault-based state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is typically liable for the damages. However, you still need to notify your insurance company promptly about the collision, even if it’s not your fault.

• Be honest but avoid admitting fault when speaking with your insurer. Statements like “I didn’t see the car behind me” could be used against you.
• Provide your insurer with the necessary documentation, including the police report and any evidence you collected at the scene.

4. Understand Fault in Washington State

Fault is a critical factor in determining who pays for damages in a rear-end collision. Generally, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault because they are expected to maintain a safe following distance. However, exceptions exist, such as if the lead driver made an abrupt stop without reason or if their brake lights were not functioning.

If you’re unsure who is at fault or believe you were unjustly blamed, protect your rights by consulting a personal injury lawyer.

5. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, often more interested in saving money than fairly compensating you for your losses. This is where Albrecht Law, PLLC comes in. Our law office understands how insurance companies operate, and we’re here to help you level the playing field.

Why Choose Albrecht Law?

• Experience in insurance law: With years of experience handling personal injury and insurance claims, we know the ins and outs of Washington’s legal landscape. Our knowledge has been recognized at the highest levels, including the Washington State Court of Appeals and the State Supreme Court.
• A trial-ready team: Many personal injury cases settle out of court, but if your case requires trial, you need an attorney with courtroom experience. We’ve represented clients successfully through trials that have shaped Washington state law.
• Personalized attention: Unlike firms that churn through cases, we take on a limited number of clients to give you the utmost care and attention. At our law office, you are known.

How Our Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help

• Investigating your accident to determine liability and gather evidence.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage as permitted by law.
• Filing a lawsuit, if necessary, and advocating for you in court.

6. Understand Your Compensation Rights

If you were rear-ended in Spokane, you can seek compensation for your losses. Washington provides remedies for the following damages in personal injury claims:

• Medical expenses: Includes current and future costs related to your injury.
• Lost wages: Compensation for work you missed due to your injury, as well as any impact on your future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged in the collision.

Under Washington’s comparative fault rule, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, the maximum compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

7. Prepare for Potential Challenges in This Type of Personal Injury Lawsuit

Rear-end collisions might seem straightforward, but disputes can arise, especially if the other driver denies liability or claims you contributed to the accident. This is why having an experienced Spokane car accident attorney by your side is in your best interest. A skilled attorney from Albrecht Law can establish the facts of your case and advocate for your rights.

Contact a Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Today

Being rear-ended in and around Spokane, Washington, can be more than just an inconvenience; it can impact your health, finances, and peace of mind. While the steps above can help you get started, the legal process can be complex.

Have you been searching for a “Spokane injury lawyer,” “Spokane personal injury lawyer,” or a Spokane personal injury attorney?”

At Albrecht Law, PLLC, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way, from dealing with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. If you’ve been rear-ended, don’t wait to get the support you need. Contact us today at (509) 495-1246 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.

Albrecht Law PLLC — Our Clients Are More Than Just Cases

Copyright © 2025. Albrecht Law PLLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Albrecht Law PLLC
5105 E 3rd Ave, Suite 101
Spokane Valley, WA 99212
(509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246
https://albrechtlawfirm.com/