You drive your car safely and expect other motorists to do the same. Regardless, a driver takes their eyes off the road, slams their vehicle into yours, and causes you to suffer an injury. In the days following your collision, discuss the incident with a Bellevue car accident lawyer who can help you hold this motorist accountable for their actions.

The Premier Law Group legal team has more than 55 years of combined experience. Let a Bellevue personal injury lawyer from our team assist you with your auto accident recovery and pursue compensation on your behalf. Schedule a consultation with us. 

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident

It is easy to panic and lash out at the other driver in the moments after your auto accident. Keep in mind that what you say and do at this time could help or hurt your chances of recovering compensation from any liable parties. Here are some of the things you can do to deal with your accident’s aftermath without compromising your case against any at-fault parties:

  • Call for help. Dial 911 to bring medical personnel and police officers to the accident scene to assist you and others involved in the incident.
  • Seek medical care. Resist the urge to “tough it out” and, instead, let medical professionals evaluate and treat your injuries.
  • Speak to the police. Tell police officers about the events leading up to your accident and what happened during the incident. They can include the information you provide in their accident report.
  • Get the other driver’s information. Collect this motorist’s insurance and driver’s license information, as you will need it if you want to get compensatory damages from them.

Premier Law Group offers free Washington law guidebooks and other legal resources. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of submitting an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. Meet with a Bellevue car accident attorney from our team.

What to Expect If You Submit a Car Accident Claim

If you notify your insurance company about your auto accident, you could receive compensation for your losses. Ideally, your insurer contacts the other motorist’s insurance company and finds you are not at fault. If the liable motorist has sufficient insurance coverage, their insurer could provide compensation you can use to recover financially from the incident.

Unfortunately, an insurer or insurance adjuster could dispute your claim even if you provide evidence to show you should not be found to be at fault. Either party could contest your claim in the hopes that you will give up on it. If a dispute of your insurance claim is successful, a liable motorist’s insurer will not have to provide you with compensation.

As you go through the insurance claims process, have a car accident lawyer in Bellevue serve as your legal advocate and representative. Your attorney can provide you with a Washington accident claim calculator and other legal tools. They can determine if a car accident lawsuit is warranted.

Who Can You Sue for a Motor Vehicle Accident?

The other driver involved in a car accident is often liable. For instance, a motorist commits reckless driving by traveling faster than the posted speed limit and does not have enough time to stop their vehicle before they crash into yours. As the accident victim, you can hold this driver responsible for any losses you face due to the incident.

There are times when a car manufacturer, mechanic, government entity, or another third party is at fault for a crash. To figure out who is liable for your auto collision, consult with a car accident attorney in Bellevue. Your lawyer can examine the facts of your accident, identify any liable parties, and help you seek damages accordingly.

Your lawyer will look for ways to help you achieve the optimal case results. As part of their efforts, they can gather evidence on your behalf. Your body of proof could compel a judge or jury to award you maximum damages.

Evidence You Can Use in a Motor Vehicle Crash Case

Many factors can affect the value of your personal injury case, including the evidence you have to support your argument. If you have compelling evidence, it may be clear to a judge or jury that you deserve 100% of the damages you are requesting. Evidence you can use in your case can include:

  • Photos and videos of the auto collision scene and your injuries
  • Medical records
  • Police reports
  • Witness statements

If you have sufficient proof, it can become exceedingly difficult for a liable party to disprove your argument against them. For example, you have physical evidence from your auto collision that prompts the at-fault motorist to offer fair compensation. If you receive a reasonable settlement proposal, you can accept it and close your case without having to go to trial.

Damages You Can Recover in a Bellevue Car Accident Lawsuit

A judge or jury could award economic and non–economic damages. What you receive for compensation depends on the losses you incur, the strength of your argument, and other factors. Here are common reasons why a judge or jury offers damages in auto collision cases.

Car Repairs or Replacement

You cannot drive your car because it was damaged or destroyed in a collision. The party responsible for the crash could claim you are liable for the costs of your auto repairs and similar property damage relating to the incident. Your lawyer understands the financial impact of car repair or replacement expenses and can account for them in your damages request.

Medical Expenses

The cost of treatment for spinal cord injuries and others you suffer in an auto crash can be expensive. Meanwhile, the financial compensation an insurer offers for your medical treatment may be insufficient. Your lawyer knows the legal process, and they will commit the time and resources required to help you recover a fair settlement for your medical costs.    

Loss of Income

Traumatic brain injuries and other severe trauma can impact auto collision victims long into the future. As you cope with your injury’s aftermath, you could be forced to miss work for an extended period of time. Your attorney can review your pay stubs and include your current and future lost wages as they ask for damages from any liable parties.

Pain and Suffering

An auto collision can affect you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. The pain and suffering you experience can damage your relationships with family and friends and make it tough to enjoy your life. If you are dealing with pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and similar trauma, your lawyer can request damages for them in your lawsuit.

For those interested in pursuing personal injury claims based on auto crashes, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) limits the amount of time you have to do so. Per RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for injury lawsuits is three years. Allow a lawyer to file your lawsuit, and they can put you in a strong position to secure maximum compensation.

Our Bellevue Car Accident Lawyers Take Care of Your Legal Matters So You Can Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being

It can be challenging to prove negligence in an auto crash case. If a motorist engages in distracted driving, speeds through traffic signals, or commits other negligent acts that lead to your collision and injuries, you could sue them. With help from a Bellevue personal injury attorney, you can boost your chances of receiving full damages.

Premier Law Group has lawyers on staff who have a track record of success with personal injury claims. Give us the opportunity to assist you with your personal injury lawsuit, and we can provide you with legal advice and guidance throughout your litigation. Contact us today to get started.