Washington operates under a tort system, meaning fault must be determined after a crash, and the driver who is responsible—fully or partially—must pay for the damages. If you were injured in a Yakima crash, speaking with a Yakima car accident lawyer may be the most important step to protect your rights.
How Washington’s Tort System Affects Your Injury Claim
Under the tort system, fault is assigned based on the evidence. For example:
- If another driver is found 80% at fault, their insurance must pay 80% of your damages.
- If fault is shared, compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
In many cases, the process is straightforward. But when serious injuries occur—such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or wrongful death—insurance companies become far more difficult to deal with. This is when working with a Top Yakima Car Accident Lawyer, like Kapuza Lighty, becomes essential.
Washington Auto Insurance Requirements & Policy Limits
All Yakima drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage
These limits are intended to cover the costs of the other party injured in a crash. But what happens when:
- Your medical bills exceed $25,000?
- The at-fault driver has only minimum coverage?
- You require ongoing treatment, surgeries, or rehabilitation?
These situations are common, and that’s when insurance companies start resisting full payment.
Why PIP and UIM Coverage Are Important in Washington
Washington allows—but does not require—drivers to purchase PIP (Personal Injury Protection). PIP pays for your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. It is often the first line of financial support for injured Yakima drivers.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is another key protection. It covers you when the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are too low to pay your full damages.
A skilled Yakima accident injury lawyer can help you determine:
- Which policies apply
- Whether PIP or UIM can be used
- How to maximize your insurance recovery
When Insurance Isn’t Enough: Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Insurance companies are only obligated to pay up to the at-fault driver’s limits. If your damages exceed those limits, your next option is to sue the at-fault driver.
However, drivers who carry low limits typically do not have significant assets. This is why having additional coverage—and having a lawyer review all available insurance policies—is so critical.
A Yakima car accident lawyer will explore every avenue to make sure you receive full compensation.
Why You Need a Yakima Car Accident Lawyer After a Crash
If you were injured in a Yakima crash and received medical treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent injuries or disability
- Property damage
Insurance companies rarely offer fair compensation for these damages without pressure. Their first offer is typically far below what your claim is worth. A Yakima car accident lawyer can ensure your case is taken seriously.
Serving Accident Victims Throughout Yakima and Eastern Washington
Kapuza Lighty PLLC represents injury victims across:
- Yakima County
- Grant County
- Benton County
- Kittitas County
- All of Eastern Washington
Our attorneys understand how insurers operate and how to build a strong personal injury case to maximize your settlement or verdict.
Speak With a Top Yakima Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a Yakima car accident, don’t deal with the insurance company alone. You deserve full compensation—not the low settlement insurers are hoping you accept.
Call (509) 866-4166 or contact us online today.
Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on your health and recovery.
