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- The responsible motorist had a duty to exercise reasonable care while driving, so that they don’t risk harming others on the road;
- That person breached this legal duty by driving carelessly;
- The breach caused an auto collision and you were hurt; and,
- You suffered losses as a result of your injuries.
In some situations, you may not know exactly how the other driver was negligent—you only know that you’ve been seriously injured after the collision. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Every case is unique, and you shouldn’t assume you don’t have a valid claim until you’ve had the chance to meet with an experienced attorney. Contact us today to explore your legal options and understand your rights.
One of the most disputed elements of your case will be whether the driver was careless. There are many ways a driver can fail to exercise the proper care on the road, including:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Texting or taking phone calls while driving
- Aggressive driving, like tailgating or making illegal passes
- Speeding
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Neglecting to check blind spots
2024 Traffic Fatalities & Serious Injuries
3413
Serious Injuries
810
Fatalities
75.8
Increase since 2014
*wtsc.wa.gov most recent WA state traffic statistics.
If you’re able to prove the key elements of your car accident claim, you could recover the compensation you deserve for your losses. In these cases, your losses generally fall into two main categories, both rooted in the legal concept of damages:
Economic Damages
These include the costs of medical treatment for your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and ongoing therapy, as well as any income you lose from being unable to work during your recovery.
Noneconomic Damages
These refer to your subjective losses, which encompass pain and suffering, the impact on your personal relationships, and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
Estimating the right amount of compensation can be complex, but an experienced auto accident lawyer in Yakima knows exactly how to handle it. For instance, our team will request copies of all your medical bills and receipts, and if you’re self-employed, we’ll review your paystubs or profit-and-loss statements to understand the full scope of your financial losses. This helps us accurately calculate your economic damages.
When it comes to noneconomic losses, we rely on our experience. Having represented countless clients, we know how a jury evaluates claims related to pain and suffering or emotional distress. In many cases, our clients are able to secure several times the amount of their economic damages in pain and suffering compensation.
Common Car Accident Questions
What is the first thing I should do after an accident?
Contact medics if there are injuries, followed by the police. An officer will respond to the scene, create a police report, and document key details such as the date, time, and location of the accident. They’ll also gather the other driver’s information.
Should I say anything to the police or other drivers?
Keep your statements to the police and other drivers brief. Avoid admitting fault or saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility, as it could be used against you later. Even a simple apology might be misconstrued.
What should I do while I wait for the police?
While waiting for the police, take photographs of all vehicles involved, including the positions they ended up in right after the crash, if possible, before moving them. This helps document the scene accurately.
Additionally, be sure to collect insurance information from all drivers involved.
How can I prove the other driver was at fault?
Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. An experienced car accident attorney can help investigate and use this evidence to establish the other driver’s negligence.
What should I say to my insurance company after the accident?
Stick to the facts and avoid making assumptions about fault or the extent of your injuries. Anything you say could potentially impact your claim. It’s a good idea to consult with an attorney before providing a detailed statement.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. The exact amount depends on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries and the degree of fault of each party involved.
When should I contact a car accident attorney?
Contact an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. The earlier we can begin working on your case, the better your chances of a successful outcome. It’s also wise to have a lawyer with you when communicating with the insurance company, even in the early stages of your claim.
While we can’t guarantee compensation, following these steps will help avoid common pitfalls that can make obtaining compensation more difficult.
