A car accident can stay on your driving record in Washington state for several years, depending on the type of accident and any tickets or violations involved. Knowing how long a car accident stays on your record in WA is important because it can affect your insurance rates and even your ability to drive.
If you are concerned about an accident showing up on your record, our team of Bellevue car accident lawyers will explain your options for recovery. Car accidents can be complicated, especially when they involve insurance companies or serious injuries.
We know how to deal with these complexities, fight for your rights, and help you move forward. You can review your legal options today during a free case review.
How Long a Car Accident Stays on Your Driving Record in Washington State
In Washington, a car accident can stay on your official driving record for five years if it involves a collision report. If the accident caused a traffic ticket or criminal charge, parts of it could stay on your record up to 10 years or longer.
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) keeps your driving record. Insurance companies sometimes check your driving record when setting your rates, but they also keep their claim records separately.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Accident only (no ticket or criminal charge): Five years
- Accident with a traffic ticket: Five years for the accident; five years for the ticket
- Accident involving a DUI (driving under the influence), reckless driving, or serious charge: Up to 10 years or longer
How a Car Accident on Your Record Affects You
When a car accident stays on your record, it can affect your life in a few ways:
- Higher insurance premiums: Insurance companies usually charge more if they see an accident on your record.
- License issues: Too many accidents or violations can lead to a suspended license.
- Job applications: Some jobs that require driving may look at your driving record.
- Stress and confusion: Dealing with insurance companies and accident reports can be overwhelming.
Our personal injury lawyers in Bellevue can explain how your record affects your life and what you can do about it.
When and How Car Accidents Are Reported in Washington
In Washington, drivers must file an accident report within four days if:
- There was $1,000 or more in property damage, or
- Anyone was hurt or killed
If a law enforcement officer responds to the crash, they will usually file a report for you. Otherwise, it’s your responsibility. This report is what officially puts the accident on your driving record.
Even if a crash seems minor, it’s a good idea to report it. If you don’t, and problems show up later (like hidden car damage or injuries), it can be harder to prove what happened.
Can You Remove a Car Accident From Your Driving Record in Washington?
In most cases, once a car accident is on your driving record in Washington, it stays there for the full reporting period. You generally cannot “erase” or “hide” it.
However, you can:
- Challenge mistakes: If your record has errors, you can request a correction through the DOL.
- Improve your record over time: Keeping a clean driving record after an accident can help lower insurance costs.
- Work with a lawyer: If you were wrongfully blamed for an accident, a lawyer can sometimes help challenge the ticket or citation.
Even though you usually can’t erase a car accident from your Washington driving record early, you can still protect yourself moving forward.
Keeping a clean record after an accident, following traffic laws, and working with a lawyer if there’s a mistake on your record can all help you move past it. If you have questions about your record or your accident, our team is here to help.
What Happens to Your Insurance After a Car Accident?
Most insurance companies in Washington will check your driving record when you renew your policy. If they see an accident, they could:
- Raise your rates (sometimes for several years)
- Cancel your policy if they think you are too high-risk
- Offer limited coverage options
Good news: If you stay accident-free for a few years after your crash, your rates often start to go back down.
Why It’s Important to Have Legal Representation After a Crash
When an accident happens, dealing with the insurance company, your driving record, and possible legal issues can be stressful. Our car accident attorneys can:
- Investigate what happened
- Collect and protect important evidence
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Help fight unfair blame or tickets
- Make sure you aren’t stuck with expenses you didn’t cause
If your case involves a hit and run, an uninsured driver, a rideshare crash, or serious injuries, it becomes even more important to have legal help. You deserve someone who is looking out for you.
Wondering How Long a Car Accident Stays on Your Record in WA? Call Us
If you are worried about how long a car accident stays on your record in WA, or how it could affect your future, our team will guide you. At Premier Law Group, you can speak directly with an attorney about your situation.
Our lawyers have over 55 years of combined legal experience, have served thousands of clients, and have recovered over $100 million for people hurt in accidents. We’ve been proudly helping Washington residents for over 20 years.
When you work with us, we handle everything so you can focus on getting better. We talk to the insurance company for you and fight to protect your rights. We will work to get you the best possible outcome. Call today for your free case review.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.