Washington Car Accident Lawyer

A motor vehicle accident can happen anytime, and you must be prepared. One of the most important matters to address is your legal rights after the accident. Are you entitled to compensation?

At Bungay Law, we have represented countless car accident victims. We can provide access to some of the best Washington car accident attorneys and protect your rights.

How can our Washington car accident lawyers help you when you get involved in a motor vehicle collision? Learn more about how we can help anyone following a car crash by reading this article and giving us a call to schedule an appointment.

Hire a Washington Car Accident Lawyer To Handle Your Claim

While it is true that you can negotiate your own claims with an insurer after an accident, relying on an experienced Washington attorney to handle your claim is always better. You may have suffered severe injuries in the collision; Thus, you should rely on us to handle the burden of solving your legal matters while you focus on your medical recovery.

At Bungay Law, we always put your needs first and will keep you in the loop through every step of the procedure to ensure you recover all the compensation you are entitled to.

Seattle Car Accident Statistics

According to a recent news report, the entire state of Washington saw a significant increase in traffic deaths. 

For example, Seattle had 30 traffic deaths during the first five months of 2022 alone, the highest during the past 16 years. Everyone should contact an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer if involved in a motor vehicle accident. 

Types of Car Accidents in Washington

There are several types of car accidents in Washington you have to watch out for.

Some of the most common types of car crashes in Washington include:

• Head-on: A head-on collision occurs when a car from an opposite direction bumps into another vehicle's frontal portion. It usually happens when someone is driving on the wrong side of the road. If the front of your vehicle bumps into another's, you have just encountered a head-on collision.
• T-Bone: A T-bone collision is one of Washington's most common types of accidents. It occurs when a vehicle strikes the side of another car. It usually happens when someone runs a red light or turns immediately without yielding.
• Rollover: A rollover accident is generally a single-car accident. It occurs when a vehicle rolls over onto its side or roof. The primary cause of this accident is when someone takes a curve too quickly and loses control of the car.
• Rear-End: A rear-end accident occurs when the front part of one car bumps into the back of another. It can happen if one car stops short and another follows too closely. 
• Side-Swipe: A side-swipe accident occurs when one car's side portion strikes the same portion of another vehicle. It usually happens when a driver tries to change lanes but fails to foresee that the spot they want to occupy is already taken by another vehicle.

These are just a few car accidents someone could be involved in. If you get involved in a motor vehicle accident, remember to seek medical care as quickly as possible before anything else.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Washington

Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons why a car accident could take place in the state of Washington.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

Alcohol and Drug Impairment

While the rates of driving under the influence have decreased during the past few decades, some people still choose to drink and drive.

Suppose someone decides to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In that case, they could be prone to making decisions that they would not ordinarily make, which could dramatically increase their chances of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.

Moreover, they could be too nauseous or ill to operate equipment when intoxicated. It may also affect their response time and decrease mobility. Accidents will most likely occur in this case.

Driver Distraction

Distracted driving is one of the most rampant causes of car accidents today. You'll have many chances to use your phone, so you must put down all your electronic devices while driving.

If you are distracted by your phone, the radio, or other people in your car, the chances of you getting involved in a motor vehicle accident can increase drastically.

Speeding

Speed limits are critical to safe driving, but many people take them for granted and perceive them as mere traffic suggestions. They are placed in various locations for many reasons, including safety.

Speeding is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents. If you decide to go beyond the speed limit and violate traffic protocols, you significantly reduce the time you can react to changing road conditions. Therefore, make sure you are always under control when driving.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue can also be a major contributing factor to motor vehicle accidents. If you feel tired or drowsy behind the wheel, you need to pull over to the side of the road and nap for a few minutes.

If you fall asleep while driving, you completely lose control of the vehicle. In turn, you could be involved in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident.

Vehicle Malfunctions

Without proper regular maintenance, issues may arise with how your vehicle operates. Your car may have manufacturing or hidden problems that could deem your vehicle unsafe to drive. In this case, you must address it quickly before it can lead to a motor vehicle collision.

Road Conditions

The conditions of the road can also be a contributing factor to motor vehicle accidents. For example, there may be ice on the road, or road visibility could be compromised due to snow, fog, or dust. Bad road construction or lack of road maintenance may cause potholes or cracks which can contribute to serious accidents.

Remember to schedule a free consultation with our lawyers at Bungay Law if you get involved in a motor vehicle collision. We can discuss a few remedies to claim the compensation you deserve, especially if you are not the at-fault party.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

You might feel fine following a motor vehicle accident however, you should still see a doctor immediately as you might have sustained unnoticeable injuries.

Some of the most common injuries that anyone may sustain in a motor vehicle accident include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)

You could be diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury if you strike your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Traumatic brain injuries can vary significantly in terms of severity.

Some of the most common TBI’s suffered include concussion, cerebral contusion, skull fracture, or brain bleed.

Spinal Cord Injuries

You may also suffer a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle accident. In a collision, your chest could rapidly collide with your knees, placing a lot of stress on your spinal column. You could suffer a penetrating injury to the back, which could lead to a spinal cord injury.

Some spinal cord injuries can lead to permanent complications, so see a doctor as soon as possible.

Burns

During the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, debris, such as flammable materials and exposed wires, could cause a severe burn injury. Chemical burns have also been experienced from airbag deployment.

Some burns can even lead to permanent sensory damage and physical disfigurement, so prioritize having your burn injuries treated by a medical professional.

Bone Fractures

Car accidents are also among the most common causes of bone fractures. You might suffer different types of bone fractures, such as a wrist fracture, a rib fracture, or a hip fracture.

Some bone fractures could even require surgery, so you must always be checked by medical professionals immediately.

Soft Tissues Injuries

You may also suffer various soft tissue injuries if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. For example, your seat belt can place great pressure on your abdomen, which could damage some of your internal organs. You may experience soft tissue injuries to your neck and/or back as well. Soft tissue injuries can sometimes be minor and require simple care like chiropractic and massage therapy. These injuries are still debilitating and worthy of a claim. 

A consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether the damages you sustained are worthy of filing a claim against the at fault party. 

What To Do After a Car Accident

If you get involved in a car accident, there are several critical steps that you need to take. They include:

• Always call 911 and ask the authorities to come to the scene, regardless of how minor you think the accident is.
• If you can do so safely, take pictures of the incident using your phone or camera.
• Be honest with the police officers about what happened from your perspective once they arrive at the scene.
• Always see a doctor after a motor vehicle accident to ensure none of your injuries are overlooked.
• Schedule a free consultation with our firm to see if you qualify for compensation and whether you can file additional damages against the at-fault party.

If you remember to perform these steps after an accident and contact us later on, you can ensure your rights are protected.

Time Limit for Car Crash Claims in Washington

Washington State has a three year Statute of Limitations for auto collision claims. It would help if you spoke with our team as quickly as possible to make sure your statute is protected. 

Damages Available in a Car Accident Claim

There are several damages you can recover following a car accident. Some of them include the following:

Economic Damages

After a devastating accident, we can recover economic damages that improve your financial standing and overall quality of life. For example, we can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. That way, you have enough money to pay your medical bills and repair or replace your car.

Non-Economic Damages

We may also be able to recover non-economic damages on your behalf. Suppose you have endured significant emotional distress; In that case, we can pursue additional compensation on your behalf.

Punitive Damages

Not every car accident will qualify for punitive damages. However, if the circumstances of the accident were atrocious, we could win additional compensation on your behalf. Let us review your case to see if you can claim punitive damages.

Washington’s Car Insurance Requirements

In the State of Washington, you are required to secure car insurance to operate a motor vehicle legally. The minimal policy limits required required in this State are as follows:

• $25,000 for one injured person in an accident;
• $50,000 for the injuries of everyone involved in the accident; and 
• $10,000 to cover potential property damage in the accident.

Anyone who does not meet these requirements may be guilty of operating a motor vehicle without having adequate insurance.

We Know How To Recover Damages

At Bungay Law, we have a vast and deep knowledge of how to recover damages from the insurance company and the other parties involved. We also understand how costly car accidents can be, so do not settle for anything less than your case is worth. Instead, let a Seattle car accident attorney review your motor vehicle accident and see if you qualify for multiple types of compensation.

Contact Our Washington Car Accident Attorney at Bungay Law Today

If you get involved in a car accident in Seattle, seek medical care immediately.

Rely on Seattle car accident attorneys from Bungay Law to represent you. We will vigorously defend your rights and put you in the best position possible to recover all the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Seattle car accident lawyers today to schedule a case consultation.