What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do in a Spokane, WA Car Accident Claim?

On a crisp, sunny day in Spokane, the kind where the sky is a brilliant shade of blue and the air feels just right, Sarah decided to take a leisurely drive. As she cruised along, she enjoyed the beautiful natural scenery, with its rolling hills and towering evergreens, her mind at ease with the scenic countryside surrounding her. On this seemingly perfect day, nothing could tarnish her idyllic moment—until, suddenly, it did.

Out of nowhere, a speeding car ran a red light and slammed into the side of Sarah’s vehicle with a bone-jarring crash. The world spun as metal crunched and glass shattered, leaving her disoriented and in shock. As the dust settled, the reality of her situation began to dawn on her: serious injuries that needed immediate attention, a car that was no longer drivable, and a flood of medical bills that would soon start piling up.

Moments later, lying in a hospital bed, overwhelmed by pain and uncertainty, Sarah couldn’t help but question her next steps. How would she navigate the complex maze of insurance claims and legal proceedings? What was the best way to seek the compensation she needed to recover and move forward? It was then that she realized she needed help—specifically, the knowledge of a car accident lawyer who could guide her through the intricacies of a Spokane, WA car accident claim.

“What does a car accident lawyer do?” she wondered as she contemplated the question of hiring legal representation.

This blog, from an experienced Spokane injury lawyer explains the vital role of personal injury attorneys for victims of car accidents in and around Spokane, Washington. Like Sarah, have you sustained serious car accident injuries due to someone else’s negligence? Continue reading to learn more, then contact us at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Eastern Washington, including Grant County, Adams County, and Spokane County.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do in a Personal Injury Case?

A car accident lawyer focuses on personal injury law. Their primary role is to advocate for accident victims, helping them pursue fair compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Spokane, a car accident lawyer navigates state and local laws to effectively manage and resolve claims.

Key Responsibilities of a Spokane Personal Injury Lawyer

1. Free Case Evaluation
   • After seeking medical treatment, car accident victims should schedule a free initial consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer. During this meeting, your lawyer will ask you to share as many details as possible about your car accident case, including the circumstances, the injuries sustained, and any potential liabilities.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering
   • To support your personal injury claim, your Spokane injury attorney will conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness testimonies. In Spokane, they might also work with local experts to reconstruct the motor vehicle accident scene if necessary.
3. Dealing with the Insurance Company
   • Whether it’s your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, their goal is to minimize payouts. A personal injury lawyer negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf to prevent them from pressuring you into accepting a low settlement. With a profound understanding of insurance company tactics, skilled car accident lawyers can counter them effectively.
4. Filing a Personal Injury Claim and Following the Legal Process
   • If negotiations with the insurance company don’t result in a fair settlement, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and handle all legal paperwork, complying with Spokane and Washington state regulations.
5. Negotiating Settlements
   • Car accident lawyers employ excellent negotiation skills with the goal of settling the car accident case without going to court, leveraging gathered evidence and legal knowledge to pursue the best possible settlement for their clients.
6. Trial Representation
   • In car accident cases, if a settlement cannot be reached, it could go to trial, where your personal injury attorney represents you by presenting evidence and arguments to the court as they seek a favorable judgment.

Navigating the Legal Process in Spokane

As a seasoned Spokane personal injury attorney can attest, Spokane, like other areas of Washington, follows specific legal procedures for personal injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents. Understanding these processes is crucial for a successful outcome.

Spokane’s Legal Framework

Spokane operates under Washington state’s personal injury laws, which include:

• Statute of Limitations: In Washington, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Working with a personal injury law firm will help you take all legal actions within this timeframe.
• Comparative Fault Rule: Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault in the accident. A lawyer helps minimize your fault percentage to maximize compensation.

Local Regulations and Considerations

Spokane has unique local regulations that may impact car accident claims. These include specific traffic laws and local court procedures. An experienced Spokane injury attorney will be well-versed in these nuances and how they affect your case.

What Types of Damages Can Victims of Car Accidents Pursue in and around Spokane Washington?

As experienced Washington car accident attorneys know, car accidents can cause serious personal injury requiring extensive medical treatment. In addition to accumulating medical bills, victims may suffer significant losses such as their income due to an inability to work, and pain and suffering. A Spokane personal injury attorney can pursue compensation through the legal system for all these damages, including:

• Medical Costs: These costs include treatment from medical professionals, hospital stays, surgeries, medication costs, rehabilitation therapy, and future medical treatments related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your earning capacity in the future, a car accident lawyer in Spokane can help recover financial compensation.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by a car accident can be hard to quantify, but experienced car accident lawyers can help negotiate a fair settlement for these damages.
• Property Damage: In addition to bodily injuries, car accidents often result in vehicle damage. A Spokane injury attorney can help recover compensation for vehicle repair or replacement costs.

Personal Injury Lawyers Explain the Elements of Negligence in Washington State

To build a strong personal injury claim to seek compensation, your auto accident attorney must prove that the defendant’s negligence caused your serious injuries. Washington follows a “pure comparative fault” system, which means even if you were partially at fault, you could potentially still receive compensation.

Per Washington law (RCW 4.22.005), contributory fault applies, meaning a percentage of fault can be assigned to the other party and the injured party in an accident, based on their actions or omissions, including negligent or reckless acts or omissions toward a person or property.

In cases involving multiple parties who share fault, how much compensation the claimant receives would be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a claimant is found to be 20% at fault and the other party is 80% at fault, the claimant’s maximum compensation will be reduced by 20% accordingly.

As we mentioned, Washington’s pure comparative negligence system allows you to seek compensation even if predominantly at fault. However, your awarded damages will be proportionally reduced based on your assigned level of fault.

Knowledgeable and experienced Spokane personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of comparative negligence, which involves the analysis of evidence, witness testimony, and expert opinions. When pursuing compensation for your personal injuries caused by a vehicle crash, seeking the assistance of experienced personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

The Four Elements of Negligence

1. Duty: Your car accident attorney must prove that the defendant owed a duty to act with reasonable care toward others on the road.
2. Breach of Duty: Accident attorneys must show how the defendant breached this duty through their actions or inaction.
3. Causation: Personal injury lawyers must demonstrate that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages: Finally, your personal injury lawyers must prove the damages you suffered due to the accident, including medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.

How Personal Injury Lawyers Help with Insurance Claims

One of the most challenging aspects of personal injury cases, including a car accident claim, is dealing with insurance companies. Personal injury lawyers make the process smoother by

1. Understanding Insurance Coverage and Policies
   • Personal injury lawyers interpret complex insurance policies, identifying what coverage applies to your case to utilize all available benefits.
2. Communicating with Insurers
   • By handling all communications with the insurance company, lawyers prevent you from making statements that could harm your claim to help you seek maximum compensation.
3. Appealing Denied Claims
   • If the insurance company denies your personal injury claim, a lawyer can file an appeal, providing additional evidence and arguments to reverse the decision.

Evidence Gathering and Accident Reconstruction

A critical part of a car accident claim is evidence. A lawyer will:

• Collect and Preserve Evidence: This includes photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
• Work with Experts: In complex cases, personal injury lawyers may employ accident reconstruction experts to provide detailed analysis and testimony.
• Subpoena Records: Lawyers can subpoena phone records, surveillance footage, and other documents that might be relevant to the case.

Negotiating Settlements

Settlement negotiation is where a lawyer’s skills become invaluable. A seasoned Spokane car accident lawyer will:

• Assess Damages: Calculate the full extent of your damages, considering current and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Leverage Evidence: Use the gathered evidence to demonstrate the strength of your case to the insurance company.
• Counter Offers: Present counter-offers and negotiate terms that reflect your best interests.

Court Representation in and around Spokane, WA

Enlisting the services of a legal professional is especially critical if your case goes to trial. Should your case require a trial, your Spokane personal injury lawyer will:

• Prepare Your Case: Develop a comprehensive legal strategy, gathering additional evidence and preparing witnesses.
• Represent You in Court: Present your case to the judge and jury, leveraging their knowledge of Spokane’s court systems and procedures.

Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Crash in and around Spokane, Washington

After a car crash, taking specific steps to protect yourself and your potential personal injury claim is vital:

1. Call 911: If anyone has sustained significant injuries in the accident, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
2. Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved and any visible injuries.
3. Gather Information: Collect names, contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. If any witnesses were present, ask for their contact information.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured, seeking medical care after an accident is critical for treating and documenting any hidden or delayed injuries promptly. And you never know if your injuries will require ongoing medical care.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: Seeking legal representation from experienced personal injury lawyers in Spokane can greatly benefit your case and allow you to focus on your healing while you lawyer pursues compensation on your behalf.

Wrongful Death in a Car Accident Case in and around Spokane, WA

When a car accident tragically results in a wrongful death, a knowledgeable Spokane personal injury attorney and law firm can provide critical support to a bereaved family. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the complexities of your wrongful death claim, advocating for your rights as a family member and pursuing compensation for your loss. A skilled attorney will investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident and gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies to build a strong case.

Moreover, personal injury attorneys help families understand their legal options, clarify the differences between wrongful death claims and other personal injury cases, and guide them through the accompanying emotional and legal challenges, including:

• Calculating damages, which may encompass medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral costs
• Lost income
• Loss of companionship

By negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing the family in court, a Spokane auto accident attorney seeks to secure fair compensation for the devastating impact of the accident and death on the surviving family members.

You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers. Contact Albrecht Law Firm & Secure Legal Representation for Your Car Accident Claim

Have you or a loved one suffered an injury or permanent disability in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence?  Has another driver’s negligence resulted in the death of a loved one? If you’ve been searching online for “car accident injury lawyers near me,” or “car injury law firms,” your search is over.

At Albrecht Law, we understand that the aftermath of a serious car crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused. You likely have many questions about your legal options. That’s why we offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights and guide you through the complex claims process.

During your consultation, we’ll listen to the details of your car accident, assess your case, and give you honest, straightforward advice tailored to your unique situation. We want to help you make informed decisions and offer you the support you need to move forward with confidence.

Don’t wait to speak to a legal professional and start your journey toward justice and compensation. Contact Albrecht Law today at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. We proudly serve clients throughout Eastern Washington, including Grant County, Adams County, and Spokane County.

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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/