Did you recently suffer harm in a car accident that involved a government entity in some capacity? You might have a claim against the government if the accident was due to something that was the government’s responsibility, like a broken traffic light. Winning a claim against the government is tough, but it is possible in certain situations with the help of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer.

When Could the Government Be Liable for a Car Accident?

In countless scenarios you can hold the government liable for a car accident.

Here are just a few examples:

• Negligent Driving by a Government Employee: If a government employee drives a government-owned vehicle recklessly or carelessly while working and causes an accident, you can hold the government liable.
• Poor Road Maintenance: Local governments must maintain roads. If an accident occurs because of a pothole, unclear road signs, or other maintenance issues, the government entity in charge of road upkeep might bear responsibility.
• Malfunctioning Traffic Lights: If a traffic light is not working properly and a government entity fails to fix it in a timely manner, you can hold the government at fault for any resulting accidents.
• Poor Road Design: Sometimes, the fundamental design of a road increases accident risk. For instance, sharp turns without proper signage might increase the chance of rollovers, especially for larger vehicles. In such cases, you can hold the entity responsible for road design liable.
• Inadequate Snow or Ice Removal: If a government entity does not clear the roads effectively after a snowstorm, and this leads to an accident, you can hold them responsible for any harm or losses that result.
• Lack of Adequate Signage: The government must provide proper signage on roads to alert drivers of hazards or changes in traffic patterns. Missing or hidden signs that contribute to accidents could render the government liable.
• Faulty Government Vehicle Maintenance: If the government fails to properly maintain a vehicle, and a preventable malfunction causes an accident, you can hold the government accountable.
• Inadequate Training of Government Drivers: Government entities that directly employ drivers must train those drivers properly. Crash victims could have grounds for a government claim if an accident occurs because a government driver did not receive appropriate training.
• Construction Zone Negligence: Government entities often oversee construction zones in public spaces. You can hold the government responsible if it fails to manage an area safely and an accident happens as a result.
• Failure to Address Known Hazards: If a government entity does not take action to fix a known hazard on the road, and it leads to an accident, you can hold the government liable.

How Are Government Claims Different From Standard Car Accident Claims?

Filing a claim against a government entity after a car accident is not the same as filing a claim against another driver or their insurance company. Here are the key ways that government claims differ from standard car accident claims:

Notice Requirements

One of the first differences you’ll encounter when filing a claim against a government entity is the strict requirement to provide notice of your claim. It’s a legal requirement with a deadline that’s usually between 30 to 180 days after the accident, depending on the jurisdiction.

In your notice, you must typically include specific details about the claim, such as the accident date, location, and circumstances. You’ll usually want to include a description of the injuries and damages you’re claiming, too.

Failure to adhere to the appropriate filing deadline or to include all necessary information could result in the dismissal of your claim before it even gets started.

Special Forms

Unlike in the standard car accident claims process, where you might simply contact the insurance company, claims against government entities often require you to complete specific forms.

These forms are often detailed and require information not typically necessary in regular insurance claims, such as a precise legal theory of why the government is liable.

Correctly completing these forms is essential because any errors could delay the process or lead to the denial of your claim. This is where the help of an attorney can make all the difference. Your attorney can identify all necessary documents and forms for your claim and fill everything out while you focus on recovery.

Limited Time to Sue

If you do not settle your government claim during the administrative phase, you might decide to take your claim to court. If you do, you’ll find that the timeframe for initiating a lawsuit against a government entity is usually much shorter than it is for suing a private party.

Oftentimes, you’ll have just six months to a year to file a lawsuit against a government entity. Waiting too long to sue could mean losing your legal rights to seek compensation, no matter how strong your underlying case might be.

Caps on Damages

Another major difference is that many government entities have limits or damages caps on how much money you can recover from your accident claim. These caps can limit the amount you can recover for certain losses, such as pain and suffering, and they often apply no matter how severe your injuries are.

If the accident happens in an area with a damages cap for government claims, it could affect the amount of money you can claim for your losses. So, even if the total amount you are due exceeds the cap, you cannot recover more than the maximum amount allowable by law.

Sovereign Immunity

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that says you cannot sue the government without its consent. While many governments have waived this immunity to some extent for car accident claims, many restrictions and conditions are still in place.

For instance, the government could enjoy complete immunity for certain types of incidents or levels of negligence, which could make it more difficult for you to prove your case.

Different Investigation Processes

The government will likely investigate your claim differently than an insurance company would in a standard car accident claim. Government investigations could involve different government agencies and often take more time.

For instance, a government entity may conduct its own internal investigation rather than relying on police reports.

The government might also have different standards for what constitutes sufficient evidence to support your claim. This could lead to delays and potentially a less favorable interpretation of the facts, as the government might be more focused on defending its interests than on being scrupulously fair.

Understanding how the government will handle your claim can prepare you for what information you must provide and what to expect during the investigation.

Varied Insurance Coverage

Finally, insurance coverage for government vehicles does not always work the same way as it does for private vehicles. The government might self-insure, which means it handles claims and payouts directly rather than through an insurance provider.

This could affect how negotiations play out, the amount of compensation available, and the overall strategy for pursuing your claim.

Are There Different Procedures for Filing Claims Against Local, State, and Federal Government Entities?

Yes. When dealing with a local government entity, such as a city or town, you often have to file a claim directly with the city clerk or other local office.

In some cases, you might even need to file with the specific department responsible for the issue that led to the accident. These entities often have their own forms and deadlines, which are usually quite strict.

You typically need to file with the state’s treasury or risk management department for state government claims. The state will have its own set of forms and procedures, and the timeframe for filing a claim can differ from that of local governments.

Some states may limit how much compensation you can seek.

Filing a claim against the federal government follows a different set of rules under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). You would need to file a Standard Form 95 to start the claim process. This form asks for detailed information about the claim, and you must file it within two years of the incident. Each step of the process with the federal government is more formal and complex than filing with local or state government entities.

Whether you have a claim against a local government, the state, or the federal government, you need and deserve professional representation. A lawyer will know all the requirements and details necessary for each type of claim.

How Do I Determine Which Government Entity Is Liable for My Car Accident Claim?

To determine which government entity is liable after a car accident, you must look at several factors.

First, consider the location of the accident. The local city government might be responsible if it happened on a city street. The state’s transportation department could be liable for accidents on state roads or highways.

And you can hold the federal government at fault if the accident involved a federal government vehicle or it occurred on federal property, like a national park.

Next, look into what caused the accident. If a poorly maintained road or a malfunctioning traffic signal was the cause, the entity in charge of maintenance – often a city or state public works department – could be liable.

If the driver of a government vehicle, like a postal truck or police car, caused the accident, the specific government agency that operates the vehicle is likely responsible.

Even if you’re reasonably sure which entity to hold accountable, you should contact a lawyer for professional assistance. They can investigate who is in charge of the area or the vehicle that caused the accident. This way, you make sure you’re filing a claim against the right government body.

What Types of Evidence Do I Need to Support a Car Accident Claim Against the Government?

Solid evidence is particularly important in government liability claims.

The best way to support your claim is to work with a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can identify, preserve, and present useful evidence, such as:

• Accident scene photographs
• Police accident reports
• Witness statements
• Traffic surveillance camera footage
• Vehicle damage reports
• Medical records of your injuries
• Expert testimony on road safety
• Government vehicle maintenance records
• Weather and traffic reports from the accident date
• Road maintenance records
• Government employee driving records
• Emergency response records
• Forensic analysis of the crash site
• Road design documents
• Correspondence with government officials
• Dashcam video footage
• Copies of government policies and procedures
• Testimony from accident reconstruction specialists

Many people assume that the driver of the rear vehicle is always at fault for a rear end accident. However, that is not the case. Whether you were the driver in front, the one behind, or even a third party, here’s what you need to know about liability in rear end accidents. If you find yourself in such a situation, seeking advice from a rear-end accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities and ensure your rights are protected.

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When Is the Rear Driver at Fault for a Rear End Accident?

Establishing fault is a pivotal step after a rear end collision.

In many rear end accident cases, the rear driver bears responsibility due to one or more of the following contributing factors:

• Distracted Driving: When a driver’s attention strays from the road, whether due to texting or other distractions inside or outside the vehicle, their delayed reaction time can result in a rear end collision.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impairment from alcohol or drugs severely hampers a driver’s judgment and reflexes. If a rear driver is under the influence, their compromised ability to respond to traffic changes can result in devastating rear end collisions.
• Drowsy Driving: A drowsy driver is a danger on the road. Reduced vigilance and slower reaction times can prevent a rear driver from slowing or stopping in time to avoid rear end accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces the available time a driver has to react to the traffic ahead. A rear driver traveling too fast might not decelerate in time to keep from crashing into the vehicle ahead.
• Tailgating: Following too closely, or tailgating, leaves insufficient stopping distance between vehicles. If the front car stops abruptly, the tailgating rear driver is often at fault for not maintaining a safe distance.
• Dependence on Smart Driving Systems: Over-reliance on automated driving aids gives some drivers a false sense of security. If a rear driver trusts too heavily in these systems and fails to intervene when necessary, you can hold them liable for avoidable collisions.
• Lack of Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular vehicle maintenance, especially for brakes and tires, can impede a car’s ability to stop promptly. You can hold a rear driver with a vehicle in poor condition liable if preventable defects cause a rear end accident.
• Poor Road Conditions: While poor road conditions can contribute to an accident, the onus is on every driver to adjust their driving as necessary. You can hold a rear driver who fails to adapt their speed or following distance on a dangerous road responsible for a resulting rear end collision.

When Is the Leading Driver at Fault for a Rear End Accident?

While the rear driver is often liable in a rear end collision, the front driver’s actions can contribute to the incident.

Here are common contributing factors that can shift the responsibility to the leading driver after a rear end car accident:

• Impaired Driving: You can hold a front driver could be at fault for a rear end collision if they are drowsy, distracted, or operating their vehicle under the influence. Erratic driving behavior, such as lane weaving or unpredictable speed changes, can contribute to confusion and preventable rear end crashes.
• Sudden Deceleration: A leading driver can also cause a rear end collision if they abruptly slow down without a clear reason, especially on a highway or in free-flowing traffic. This type of sudden maneuver can cause a rear driver, who is maintaining an appropriate speed and distance, to collide with them.
• Intentional Brake Checking: Brake checking occurs when one driver deliberately slams on the brakes to intimidate or retaliate against another. Even if the rear driver is following at a safe distance, this aggressive tactic can prevent them from reacting in time to avoid rear ending the other car.
• Lack of Vehicle Maintenance: Similar to the rear driver, you can hold the front driver liable if inadequate vehicle maintenance contributes to a rear end accident. For instance, if a front vehicle’s malfunctioning brake lights prevent the rear driver from recognizing the need to stop, you can hold the leading driver at fault for the accident.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Sometimes, leading drivers merge into neighboring lanes without proper signaling or space, causing rear vehicles to collide with them. In these situations, the front driver’s failure to execute a safe lane change could render them responsible for the crash.

Useful Evidence in Rear End Accident Cases

When insurance adjusters, lawyers, and other parties investigate car accidents, their goal is to locate sufficient evidence to determine what happened and who was at fault. Depending on the circumstances, your rear end accident lawyer might use one or several of the following types of evidence to prove your case:

Photographs

Photographs capture the unspoken details of a rear end accident scene with stark clarity. Lawyers use these images to document the positions of vehicles post-collision, the extent of the damage, skidmarks on the road, traffic signals, weather conditions, and any road obstructions or defects. They provide visual context that can sway the court’s opinion of how and why a collision occurred.

Traffic Camera Footage

Modern traffic cameras capture many road incidents. Lawyers can use video footage from these cameras to establish the sequence of events leading to a collision and illustrate who was at fault. They can show the behavior of each driver before the impact, such as erratic driving, sudden stopping, or failing to signal, providing clear facts regarding the circumstances of the accident.

Vehicle Damage Reports

The pattern and extent of damage on the vehicles that collided can reveal much about the dynamics of a rear end crash. Lawyers can often leverage vehicle damage reports to infer speeds, angles of impact, and the force of the collision.

These reports can indicate whether a car was stationary or in motion at the time of the crash, making it easier to ascertain which party was at fault.

Eyewitness Testimony

People who witnessed the accident can provide useful details that neither driver recalls or thinks to mention. Lawyers frequently call upon eyewitnesses to recount their versions of events, which can corroborate or refute the accounts of the drivers. This testimony is often instrumental in piecing together the moments before and during the rear end accident.

Police Reports

After a rear end collision, law enforcement officers who respond to the scene typically compile reports that document what happened. These reports include police observations, statements from the drivers and witnesses, and sometimes officers’ opinions about who was at fault.

Lawyers often use these police reports to glean insights into the accident and to support their clients’ claims.

Cell Phone Records

In cases where distracted driving is a possible factor, lawyers often request cell phone records to determine whether a driver was texting or calling someone at the time of the accident. This evidence can indicate that a driver’s lack of attention contributed to the collision and bolster claims regarding who was at fault.

Toxicology Test Results

Toxicology tests measure the presence and concentration of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances in a person’s system. Lawyers present these results to demonstrate whether a driver was under the influence at the time of the rear end collision.

A positive result could be a damning piece of evidence, often irrefutably establishing a driver’s liability for the accident.

Dash Cam Footage

Dash cameras have become increasingly common and can provide indisputable evidence of the events leading up to a collision. Lawyers can use dash cam footage to show the court exactly what happened, potentially capturing negligent behavior like tailgating or abrupt lane changes that could prove liability.

Expert Testimony

Expert witnesses bring a layer of analytical depth to a rear end accident case. These professionals, with expertise in fields like medicine, accident reconstruction, or automotive engineering, offer informed opinions based on the available evidence.

Lawyers rely on expert testimony to translate complex data into understandable insights that can establish fault and the extent of damages.

How Much Can I Get for a Rear End Accident Claim?

If you suffer harm in a rear end accident, you could file a claim against the other driver’s insurance policy to recover monetary compensation.

Depending on the circumstances of your rear end accident claim, you could demand compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses resulting from the accident
• Incidental, out-of-pocket costs, like medical travel expenses
• Income losses from any time you miss at work while you recover
• Projected losses in lifetime earning capacity resulting from the crash
• Subjective losses like pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life

The amount of money you can get for each of these categories varies considerably depending on your unique situation.

These factors will influence how much you recover for your losses in a rear end accident claim:

• The severity of any injuries you sustained
• The total medical expenses you incurred
• Your long-term medical care requirements
• The need for rehabilitation or therapy
• Any loss of income due to your injuries
• Any future losses of earning capacity
• The extent of any damage to your vehicle
• How long it takes you to recover
• Your age and overall health before the accident
• How the accident affects your quality of life
• The degree of pain and suffering you endured
• Whether you experience psychological trauma, such as PTSD
• How your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse
• Whether you have pre-existing medical conditions
• The clarity of liability in the accident
• The insurance coverage of the at-fault driver
• The credibility of the available evidence
• Whether any witnesses saw the collision
• Aggravating circumstances, such as DUI

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Rear End Accident Case?

Yes. Even if you’re pretty sure the other driver is at fault, you should still hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you.

• Investigating the accident to identify liable parties and useful evidence
• Exploring all possible sources of compensation to maximize your payout
• Reviewing and analyzing police and accident reports
• Consulting medical professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries
• Gathering and organizing medical records and bills related to your injury
• Calculating the total costs of your medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Demonstrating how much your injuries affect your ability to work
• Interviewing witnesses who were present at the scene of the accident
• Arranging expert testimony to support your claim
• Advising you on the legal options and strategies available for your case
• Filing all necessary paperwork for insurance claims and court proceedings
• Handling communications with all other parties relevant to your case
• Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
• Advocating for you during settlement negotiations to reach a fair agreement
• Preparing for trial if a satisfactory settlement is not possible
• Drafting and filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
• Representing you in all legal proceedings and hearings

Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are quickly eclipsing cab companies for individuals’ transportation needs. Many individuals rely upon these ridesharing companies for transportation around large urban areas to go to and from work and for recreational activities.

However, with many Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road comes the possibility of severe accidents and injuries.

Because ridesharing vehicles are a relatively new concept, there is not a significant amount of case law about how to handle these accidents from a personal injury perspective. Consequently, if you suffer injuries in a rideshare accident, consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney as quickly as possible.

Your attorney can review the circumstances of your accident with you and evaluate potential insurance options for your case. Your lawyer can file a claim with the insurance company on your behalf and aggressively negotiate with insurance company settlement adjusters. Finally, if the insurance company does not make you a fair monetary settlement offer, then your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties.

Every step of the way, your lawyer will aggressively advocate for your legal interests and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve to recover for your injuries.

Your lawyer can also represent you at all legal proceedings in court, introduce evidence, and pursue a favorable jury verdict or binding arbitration award in your case.

For example, an accident victim might need to consult their primary care doctor, visit a medical specialist, undergo surgery, and attend follow-up physical therapy appointments, depending upon the nature and extent of their injuries.

By completing a prescribed medical treatment regimen, a rideshare accident victim significantly heightens their chances of achieving a full recovery. Additionally, they show the insurance company that their injuries are real and that they deserve favorable monetary recovery for them.

In the meantime, an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer can begin advocating for your legal rights and interests. Specifically, your attorney may begin gathering important documents in your case, including police investigation reports, medical treatment bills, and medical records.

Upon receiving this documentation, your lawyer can assemble the necessary documents into a complete settlement demand package for the insurance company to review.

How Do Rideshare Accidents Typically Happen?

Like other motor vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents typically happen when people drive recklessly and negligently. Sometimes, it is the Uber or Lyft driver, but a third-party driver may also cause or contribute to a rideshare accident.

Some of the most common types of driver negligence that occur include disobeying traffic regulations, engaging in distracted driving, exhibiting road rage, and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

First, some car accidents happen when drivers fail to follow various road rules.

Common driving violations that may lead to an accident include:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way at a traffic intersection.
• Speeding.
• Tailgating other vehicles.
• Failing to use mirrors.
• Failing to use turn signals at the appropriate times.

Accidents may also happen when drivers fail to use lane change warnings, backup cameras, and other technological devices on their vehicles.

Additionally, traffic accidents may happen when drivers fail to watch the road attentively. With the many electronic devices in today’s vehicles, it is very easy for drivers to become distracted and take their eyes off the road.

Some of the most common driver distractions include cellular phones and tablets, GPS navigation systems, loud music playing in the vehicle, and other vehicle passengers.

A distracted driver may comb their hair, apply makeup, eat, or drink while attempting to drive at the same time. All these activities may cause a driver to lose their focus and bring about a serious accident.

Rideshare accidents may also happen when a driver exhibits various types of road rage or reckless driving. Some drivers become upset when other traffic moves too slowly. Such a driver might resort to tailgating other vehicles, aggressively honking their horn, weaving through traffic without using a turn signal, or passing other vehicles in a no-passing zone.

All these reckless driving maneuvers may cause severe and forceful collisions that injure other people.

Finally, some rideshare accidents directly result from drinking and driving. An intoxicated rideshare driver puts rideshare passengers at significant risk.

Drunk drivers frequently experience various mental and physical symptoms that prevent them from operating their vehicles carefully and safely. For example, a drunk driver may suffer from delayed concentration, impaired reflexes, delayed reaction time, lack of coordination, and an inability to judge distances. Similarly, they may experience physical symptoms like blurred vision or dizziness.

If you sustained injuries in a rideshare accident that a negligent driver caused, talk with a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer in your area as quickly as possible. Your attorney can evaluate all your legal options so that you can make intelligent and informed decisions about how to proceed with your case.

How Does Insurance Coverage Work in a Rideshare Accident?

The insurance policy or policies that might apply in a rideshare accident depend upon several factors, including the jurisdiction where your accident happened, the time when the accident happened, and the type of ridesharing vehicle you were in at the time of the collision.

For example, if your rideshare accident occurred in a no-fault state like Florida, you first turn to your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage. PIP coverage compensates accident victims for various out-of-pocket losses, including medical expenses and lost income.

In general, an Uber corporate policy of $1 million per accident and $1 million in the aggregate is in effect the moment the Uber driver accepts a ride fare using their smartphone. Their policy limits stay effective until the Uber driver drops off the passenger at their destination.

The $1 million policy limits apply to both underinsured and uninsured motor vehicle accidents.

In an underinsured accident scenario, the at-fault driver who causes the accident has some liability coverage. However, if it will not fully compensate the accident victim for all their damages and losses, the injured accident victim will turn to the at-fault driver’s policy, exhaust their policy limits, and then file an underinsured motorist claim with the proper carrier.

In an uninsured motorist accident scenario, the driver who caused the accident does not have any motor vehicle coverage, or they may have fled the accident scene. In that situation, the accident victim can turn to the uninsured motorist policy for financial coverage.

In rideshare access scenarios where the Uber driver has not accepted a ride fare but does have the app on their smartphone activated, the applicable policy limits in the event of an accident are $50,000 per individual, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

In some cases, Uber drivers cause rideshare accidents because of their own negligence. In those situations, the Uber driver’s individual liability insurance policy may provide the coverage necessary to compensate accident victims for their injuries.

The applicable limits of coverage in Lyft vehicle accidents are slightly different. In cases where the Lyft driver has activated the app on their smartphone, and they are waiting to accept a fare, the Lyft corporate policy may cover a motor vehicle crash.

Under that policy, the coverage limits are $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damages. However, if a Lyft driver does not have their smartphone app running and a collision happens, then their individual policy steps into play.

If a passenger is in the Lyft vehicle, and the driver is proceeding with a passenger to a destination, then $1 million of Lyft coverage applies, and it remains in effect until the driver reaches the passenger’s destination. Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage apply during this time.

Suppose you recently suffered injuries in a rideshare accident. In that case, you need to have an attorney on your side who can determine the applicable insurance policy or policies, as well as the applicable coverage limits.

Your attorney can file a claim under the appropriate policy on your behalf and begin pursuing the financial compensation you need for your accident-related losses.

Filing a Claim or Lawsuit for Monetary Compensation

As part of a rideshare accident, injured passengers may be eligible to receive various types of monetary compensation. In a third-party claim, the accident victim must establish that the Uber driver or another driver violated their legal duty of care by acting unreasonably.

For example, a driver might have violated one or more traffic laws or operated their vehicle while intoxicated or distracted. As a direct result of the driver’s negligence, both the accident and the claimed injuries must have occurred.

To recover third-party damages in a rideshare accident case, your car accident lawyer can file a claim with the appropriate insurance company on your behalf.

In any situation, an attorney will need to negotiate these claims aggressively. Insurance companies will offer the lowest amount of compensation they possibly can get away with offering. Insurance company adjusters take this approach to save their insurance companies significant money.

To increase a settlement offer, your lawyer can highlight the various strengths of your case, downplay any weaknesses, or threaten the insurance company with litigation.

If your case proceeds to litigation, settlement negotiations may continue. If the matter does not settle by the end of litigation, you may take your case to a civil jury trial, and the jury will decide the issue of monetary damages. Similarly, you can pursue alternative dispute resolution (ADR), for example, binding arbitration or mediation.

The monetary damages that rideshare accident victims may recover will vary significantly from case to case, depending upon the circumstances. Generally, the more serious an accident victim’s injuries, the higher their likelihood of recovering a favorable monetary damage award.

Possible types of monetary compensation for a rideshare accident include payment of medical expenses, lost income, and loss of earning capacity. Accident victims may also pursue compensation for their intangible losses, such as inconvenience, mental distress, past and future pain and suffering, lost quality of life, loss of use of a body part, and loss of spousal consortium.

Your attorney will do everything possible to maximize your monetary settlement or litigation award, enabling you to become whole again after your accident.

Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered injuries in a recent rideshare accident, you must file your lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations time frame. After entering an appearance in your case, your attorney will aggressively fight for your legal rights and interests and work to pursue the monetary compensation you truly deserve for your injuries.

Uber and Lyft know how to defend against accident claims and limit liability whenever possible. Never take on their corporate insurance companies alone – seek professional legal representation from a personal injury attorney with experience handling rideshare claims. Consultations are free.

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Car accidents can lead to debilitating injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and other serious complications. Moreover, if you suffered injuries in a car crash and go to file a claim with an insurance company, you will quickly find out that the insurance company, even your own, is not on your side. Consequently, you need a skilled car accident attorney to advocate for you every step of the way.

Unlike many lawyers who charge hourly fees, most car accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer will not collect a fee unless they recover favorable monetary compensation for their client through settlement or litigation. If they do not recover any monetary damages for their client, they will not collect an attorney fee.

The amount of an attorney’s fee depends upon the specific percentage stated in the lawyer’s contingency fee agreement, or CFA. According to the CFA terms, at the end of the car accident case, a lawyer will collect a certain percentage of the accident victim’s gross settlement award, jury trial verdict amount, or binding arbitration award.

Generally, a lawyer’s contingency fee percentage will increase if they take the case to a civil jury trial or binding arbitration hearing rather than settle it out of court.

When retaining a car accident attorney to represent you, you should ask questions about the CFA and the percentage the lawyer will receive under the circumstances.

Once you sign a CFA and your attorney enters an appearance in your case, they can begin aggressively advocating for you and your legal interests. Specifically, your lawyer can file a car accident claim with the appropriate insurance company, negotiate with insurance company adjusters for favorable settlement compensation, or, if necessary, file a lawsuit in court and efficiently litigate your case to a resolution.

Your attorney can address all of your legal concerns, handle the legal process for you, and work to maximize the monetary damage award that you receive for all of your accident-related injuries and losses.

Who Causes Most Car Accidents?

Most car crashes result from the negligent and reckless behavior of other drivers. For example, some car crashes happen when other drivers violate traffic laws, especially regarding speed limits, turn signal use, and right-of-way laws. A driver might also cause an accident by failing to use their rearview or sideview mirrors while driving or when backing out of a parking space in a parking garage or parking lot.

Car accidents also frequently result from distracted driving. A driver behaves distractedly when they do not watch the road in front of them attentively but instead focus on someone or something in their vehicle.

For example, drivers may become distracted when they fiddle with an electronic device, such as a cellular phone, tablet, or GPS navigation system. Other vehicle occupants may also prove distracting for drivers, especially if they make a lot of noise or engage in horseplay or roughhousing. In addition, drivers may become distracted when they apply makeup, comb their hair, or otherwise take their eyes off the road while behind the wheel.

Another common cause of traffic accidents is road rage or aggressive driving. Drivers frequently drive aggressively to move ahead of other vehicular traffic and arrive at their final destination sooner.

Common reckless driving maneuvers include:

• Failing to use turn signals.
• Aggressively weaving around traffic.
• Tailgating other vehicles.
• Speeding.
• Cutting off other vehicles in traffic, especially at highway exits and merge lanes.

When a driver engages in these reckless driving maneuvers, they may inadvertently cause a single-vehicle crash or initiate a multi-vehicle pileup.

Finally, motor vehicle accidents may happen when drivers are intoxicated while behind the wheel. Drug and alcohol intoxication can lead to various physical and mental symptoms that affect a driver’s ability to drive safely and carefully. An intoxicated driver may experience multiple physical symptoms, including blurred vision and dizziness. As a result, they may not see another vehicle or a pedestrian in the vicinity.

Similarly, an intoxicated driver may experience various mental symptoms, including limited concentration, inability to judge distances, delayed reaction time, and delayed reflexes. Consequently, even if they see another vehicle or pedestrian, they may be unable to react in time to avoid a collision.

You are not alone if you suffer injuries from another driver’s reckless behavior in a car crash. Your personal injury attorney can explore all of your legal options and begin pursuing the favorable settlement compensation you deserve by filing a timely claim with the appropriate insurance company on your behalf.

What Are the Most Likely Car Crash Injuries?

Drivers and passengers in car accidents frequently stand to suffer severe injuries, depending upon the accident circumstances. The more forceful a collision, the higher the chances that an accident victim will suffer permanent and debilitating injuries.

Head-on collisions, where the front of one vehicle hits the front of an oncoming vehicle, are the most likely to cause permanent injuries and fatalities. However, other accidents may result in equally serious injuries that necessitate long-term medical treatment and care.

The injuries that a car crash victim suffers will usually depend on the amount of force involved, the type of accident that happens, how their body moves at the time of the accident, and whether a part of their body strikes a part of the vehicle, for instance, the steering wheel, window, door, or headrest.

Common accident-related injuries include soft tissue muscular contusions, traumatic head and brain injuries, rib fractures, eye injuries, mouth and teeth injuries, bone fractures, spinal cord damage, complete and incomplete paralysis injuries, internal bleeding, internal organ damage, open cuts, and lacerations, bruises from airbag deployment or seatbelts, and death.

After suffering one or more of these injuries in a car crash, your top priority should be immediately obtaining the medical treatment you need.

Suppose you follow up at a hospital emergency room or urgent care facility. In that case, you need to complete your medical treatment regimen, undergo the necessary medical procedures, and attend all physical therapy sessions per the treating medical provider’s recommendation.

By failing to treat consistently for your injuries or discharging yourself prematurely from treatment, you seriously jeopardize your health and the strength of your personal injury claim.

When accident victims are not treated continuously for their injuries, or if they self-discharge from treatment, the insurance company may become skeptical about the seriousness of their injuries and refuse to compensate them fairly and reasonably. However, if you complete all of your medical treatment, you show the insurance company that your injuries are severe and that they deserve significant monetary compensation.

Your car accident lawyer can begin working on your case when you are treated for your injuries. Specifically, they may begin gathering your medical treatment records, police reports, medical bills, lost-wage documentation from your employer, and other documentation to file a claim on your behalf as quickly as possible.

Filing the Proper Insurance Claim After a Car Accident

The type of insurance claim you file following a car accident will frequently depend upon the jurisdiction where your accident happened. For example, the state of Florida follows no-fault insurance laws when it comes to motor vehicle crashes. Therefore, in most instances, Florida accident victims will need to file a personal injury protection or PIP claim with their own insurance company.

As part of a PIP claim, accident victims may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost earnings. Since PIP claims are not fault-based, it does not matter how or who caused the accident. Accident victims may still recover some monetary compensation. However, accident victims in these jurisdictions may file a third-party personal injury claim if they suffer a permanent or disabling injury in their accident.

In-fault-based jurisdictions like Washington state, accident victims typically need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company from the onset.

Accident victims must typically satisfy a legal burden of proof to recover monetary damages as part of a third-party personal injury claim. Specifically, they must show that the other driver behaved in a reckless, careless, or negligent manner under the circumstances and that, as a result, the accident and their injuries both occurred.

Recovering Damages in a Third-party Personal Injury Claim for Negligence

If you can file a third-party personal injury claim seeking monetary damages, you may be entitled to recover additional compensation for your losses. Specifically, you can recover compensation for your medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket losses.

Additionally, you can recover compensation for your intangible losses. Those damages may compensate accident victims for their loss of spousal consortium, lifelong disability or disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental distress, inconvenience, lost quality of life, loss of the ability to use a body part, and long-term care costs.

Since every third-party personal injury case differs, not all accident victims can recover the same types and amounts of monetary damages. A car accident attorney in your case can determine your eligibility for filing a third-party claim or lawsuit.

If you move forward, your lawyer can aggressively negotiate with insurance company representatives on your behalf or, if necessary, litigate your case to a conclusion in court. If your case must proceed to litigation, your lawyer can represent you at all legal proceedings and advocate aggressively for your legal interests.

Talk with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Right Away

If you sustained injuries in a car accident case, time is of the essence. Therefore, consult a local personal injury attorney as quickly as possible. Your lawyer will explain how their contingency fee arrangement works, and you should ask them any questions you may have.

After you sign a CFA, your lawyer can begin aggressively advocating on your behalf by filing the appropriate claim, negotiating with insurance company representatives, and pursuing the compensation you need and deserve for your car accident losses.

In your initial consultation with a car accident attorney, expect a thorough discussion of your case. You’ll share details about the incident, injuries, and any communication with insurance companies.

The attorney will assess your claim, explain legal options, and outline potential strategies. They’ll also discuss their fee structure and how they can assist you in pursuing compensation. This meeting provides a valuable opportunity to establish trust and determine if the attorney is the right fit for your needs. Bring any relevant documents, such as accident reports and medical records, to help facilitate the discussion.

Do not delay in beginning the claim process. The sooner you start, the sooner you might receive the compensation you need.

Car accidents are inherently complex. They occur in a variety of circumstances and often happen when you least expect them. Accidents undoubtedly affect all parties involved, and the impacts can even extend to adversely affect victims’ families and friends.

After an accident, one of the most important questions to answer is, “Who is at fault?” Determining who is at fault will make a big difference in the course and outcome of any motor vehicle accident case. However, identifying who is at fault is not always a question that is easily answered. Even in the most seemingly straightforward scenarios, determining who is at fault can be tricky. In addition, auto accidents always involve a human element. Accidents are often traumatic experiences that can leave those involved deeply scarred.

After an accident, you may remember past events differently, become forgetful, gloss over important details, or develop aggressive or defensive behaviors. Given all the complexities and devastation associated with a serious car accident, how do you tell who is at fault in an accident?

In the aftermath of a serious car accident, seeking the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer becomes crucial to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate the complex legal landscape.

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How Do You Prove Fault in a Car Accident?

Proving that the other party involved in the accident is just as important as it is for your insurance company. Even if you think you may be at fault in an accident, it’s important to talk to a personal injury attorney. There may be factors that make the case more complicated than it seems. Additionally, even if you are at fault, you may still be entitled to seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim.

There is no straightforward equation for how fault is determined. So, how do you determine who is at fault after a car wreck?

Personal Statements

Personal statements are one of the most important factors that insurance companies rely on when they determine fault. After all, you and the other driver were actually there when the accident occurred. However, as mentioned, determining who is at fault is not always clear-cut.

Drivers may have experienced the accident differently. One or both of the drivers may not have seen it at all, or, worse, one of the drivers may choose to lie about the accident. While the drivers’ statements are important after a car accident, they are not the only evidence an insurance company will consider.

Physical Evidence

Physical evidence is often more reliable than personal statements. Unlike human recollection, photos and videos do not hide the truth. Gather physical evidence at the scene of the accident if you are able, and it is safe to do so. If disputed or conflicting information arises, physical evidence can help reconcile any differences and clarify important details. Evidence that may help prove fault after an accident includes:

• Accident scene photographs
• Video surveillance
• Physical evidence, including skid marks, broken signs, or groove marks
• Repair receipts

Immediately following an accident, gather any evidence you can. The best way to document evidence at the scene is to take pictures or videos. Be sure to document the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any other property damage at the scene.

Witness Testimony

Witness testimony can help, but typically will only operate to fill in the gaps between the physical evidence. In most cases, a witness will not realize that an accident is occurring until after it actually happens, or witnesses will not observe the events leading up to the accident.

Additionally, by nature, human memories are not always complete, or accurate. You should always identify any possible witnesses who may provide information and obtain their contact information. Potential witnesses include:

• Passengers
• Other nearby drivers on the road
• Visitors to nearby businesses
• Police officers

Accident Reconstruction

Sometimes it’s difficult to determine what happened in an accident, even after talking to the parties and evaluating the physical evidence. When appropriate, an attorney may rely on an accident reconstruction specialist to determine how the accident occurred. These specialists are highly skilled, and their reconstructions are typically highly reliable. A personal injury attorney may help injured victims determine whether their case might benefit from an accident reconstruction expert.

Common Car Accident Scenarios

Beyond physical evidence and witness testimony, there are some scenarios where the fault in a car accident is almost always assumed. Certain scenarios present straightforward determinations of causation. Additionally, previous statistics may show that one party is likely at fault. Some common straightforward at-fault accident scenarios include:

Rear-end Accidents

Rear-end accidents are one of the most straightforward types of accidents. These accidents happen when the front end of one vehicle hits the rear end of another vehicle. Washington law requires all drivers to drive in a manner that is “reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”
Generally, if a vehicle makes contact with the vehicle in front of them, it is clear that they failed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle they were following.
Common reasons for rear-end accidents include:

• Following too close
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Road rage

Accidents at Intersections

Accidents at intersections usually happen when one driver fails to yield the right-of-way. For instance, a driver may run a stoplight or recklessly make a left turn in front of another vehicle. The at-fault party is typically the driver that does not yield the right-of-way. However, this is not always the case. For example, a driver turning left in front of another vehicle may not be at fault if the oncoming traffic was traveling at excessive speeds. In that case, it may have been impossible for the turning driver to accurately gauge the amount of time they had to turn.

Head-on Accidents

Head-on accidents happen when one vehicle is traveling against the normal flow of traffic and collides with another. For example, a driver may drive the wrong way on a one-way road or a passing vehicle may fail to merge back into their in time. In these cases, it is hard to find an argument against the wrong-way driver being at fault.

Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lot accidents happen all the time. However because there are far fewer directional devices in parking lots than on the road, these accidents can make it difficult to determine fault. In these scenarios, blame will likely be attributed to a driver backing out of a spot or acting carelessly. If the insurance company can not make a clear determination of fault, they may split fault equally among both drivers involved.

Drunk Driving, Road Rage, and Distracted Driving

Driver negligence is a major factor in proving fault, and it is a major problem on the roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30 people die every day in the United States in a drunk driving accident. In one year alone, nearly 3,200 people died as a result of a distracted driver.

Driver negligence can quickly lead to an accident and can have serious consequences. If a driver is found guilty of a crime at the time of the accident, they will likely be financially responsible for any resulting damages. In addition, they may face criminal charges (including manslaughter). Oftentimes, in circumstances involving a violation of law, responsible parties may be required to pay punitive damages.

Was I at Fault?

Maybe not. Fault is not always simple, even in the most straightforward cases. As accidents are almost always unexpected, drivers almost never know the full circumstances surrounding the collision. Do not assume you were at fault until the insurance company has completed a full investigation. Even then, you may still file a claim—the insurance company isn’t always correct. These factors may complicate fault:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Medical conditions
• Poor road conditions

Never admit fault after an accident, even if you are certain you caused the accident. Maybe you’re wrong, and you didn’t cause it after all. A car accident lawyer can help you determine what your legal options are and make sure that you don’t get assigned more fault than you deserve in your car accident claim.

Other Potential at Fault Parties

Sometimes, accidents only involve two drivers. Other times, they may involve multiple vehicles and drivers. If an accident involves more than two vehicles, a commercial driver, or poor road conditions, there may be more than one party who is at fault. Third-party persons that may hold responsibility include:

• Business owners: If your accident involved another person on the job, their employer may share some, or be responsible for all financial liability after an accident.
• The government: State and city entities have a legal duty to maintain public streets and ensure they are safe of hazards. If your accident is the result of poor road conditions, damaged or missing road devices, or otherwise negligent conditions, the government may be responsible. Government entities may be fully liable, regardless of which driver supposedly caused the crash.
• Your employer: If you are on the job at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to file a worker’s compensation claim. Employees may be eligible for benefits, even if they are at fault. If you are on the job and the other driver is at fault, you may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim in addition to a personal injury claim.

In some cases, there will be more than one party at fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can help injured victims understand which parties may be responsible, so you can make your claims accordingly.

Recovering Damages After an Accident

Fault will be the biggest factor in determining the types of damages you may be entitled to recover after an accident. When a car accident leaves you injured, you deserve fair and just compensation for your injuries. The amount of compensation will depend on the unique circumstances of the accident as well as your state’s negligence laws.

The Role of Insurance Companies

In no-fault states, such as Florida, compensation for a car accident victim will not come from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Rather, if you live in a no-fault state, you can likely recover compensation through your own insurance company in the form of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. If you live in a state that uses a modified comparative negligence rule, injured drivers can still recover compensation even if they were partially at fault in a car accident. Some states also follow a pure contributory negligence rule, in which you cannot recover anything. However, these states are in the minority.

Your attorney can help you understand how your state’s laws and your car insurance coverage may affect the compensation you receive in your particular case and will work to get you the best outcome.

You’re Not Alone

As you can tell, fault is an important factor after a motor vehicle accident. But it is also one of the most complex aspects of a claim to prove. Protect yourself and your rights after an accident.

An experienced car accident attorney regularly helps injured victims gather evidence and prove fault after an accident. They can also negotiate with the other driver’s or your own insurer if an insurance adjuster determines that your damages and accident-related expenses are lower than what you really deserve. Even if an insurance company has determined fault, you may still prove that other parties contributed to the accident. If you have questions or need help with your car accident case, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today.

After a car accident, you may have serious injuries. At the least, you may feel confused as to what to do. Depending on your injuries, you should take steps to secure the scene of the accident. In many cases, the Department of Transportation recommends moving vehicles to the side of the road if they are running.

Of course, you must take care that other drivers, especially rubberneckers, do not hit you or the vehicles involved and cause more damage. If you have already been in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact an auto accident attorney to discuss the injuries and damages of your case. At Boohoff Law, we have been assisting people after car crashes for years, with a history of getting their clients favorable results.

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What to Do After a Car Accident if You Can Safely Move

If your injuries are such that you can move safely, first call 911, then check on the other driver and your passengers. Move your vehicle out of the way, if you can, and put on your hazard lights. Set up emergency cones or flares if you have them. Always be aware of other drivers. They will look to see what happened instead of paying attention to what is in front of them.

Get Contact Information and Photos

Exchange insurance information and other relevant items from the other driver, including their full name, contact information, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license, and the other driver’s insurance card. Also, write down the other driver’s license plate number and the color and make of their vehicle. If there are multiple drivers involved, write down or take pictures of their driver’s license numbers as well. Give the other driver or drivers the same information for yourself.

You’ll want to take pictures of the accident scene if you are able to. When you take pictures:

• Get distance pictures showing skid marks;
• Get pictures showing both motor vehicles from multiple angles;
• Take close-up pictures of the damage to your vehicle; and
• Take close-up pictures of the damage to the other vehicle.

While you are taking close-up pictures, don’t take them so close that others can’t tell what they are looking at. Photos need context. For example, when you take a picture of a dent in a fender, take it far enough away to show the entire fender yet close enough to show the vehicle damage.

While the police or accident investigators will also take pictures, it is better if you have your own documentation. You may also wish to write down the name and badge number of any officials you speak to. If the police are unable to come to your location, you can also go to the nearest police station to file an accident report. This report will contain details about the accident, including weather and traffic conditions, the condition of the injured, and their identities, and may prove valuable in the insurance claims process.

Once you take pictures, if the vehicles are movable, move them out of traffic if you can do it safely. If your vehicle moves, but the other driver’s vehicle will not move, leave both vehicles where they are.

Get Additional Documentation

If you can get the following documentation, it could help your case down the line:

• All of the police officers’ names and badge numbers, even those you did not speak with. If you need to file an accident injury lawsuit, your attorney may call the police officers as witnesses. Getting their information helps save time when an attorney locates witnesses to help you.
• Find out where you get a copy of the police report. Insurance companies use police reports to determine fault — but so do courts and attorneys. Accident attorneys also review police reports to help create a picture of what might have caused the accident and may not come to the same conclusions as the insurance company or the police.
• Speak with witnesses to the accident. Because an accident happens unexpectedly and often quickly, you may not see everything that happened or may not remember it. Witnesses often fill in the blanks. Write down what witnesses have to say, including their names and phone numbers.

When it’s safe to leave the scene of the accident, you may choose to call roadside assistance if your insurance policy offers it. They may be able to provide you with a tow, transportation, and even a rental car for a time if your vehicle is undrivable.

What to Do After a Car Accident If You Have Serious Injuries

If your injuries are too severe for you to move, and you have another person with you who is not seriously injured, ask the other person to gather information. Do not allow anyone to move your vehicle. If you cannot safely move because of injuries and can talk, and a witness or the other driver checks on you, make sure someone calls 911 if you can’t do it yourself. Always stay still if you believe you have broken bones or other internal injuries. You could do more damage if you try to move, especially if you injured your back, neck, or head.

Always Get Medical Attention

Even if you believe you are not injured, it is advisable to get checked out by the emergency room or your doctor. Because of the adrenaline surge and other factors, injuries may not show up for hours or even days later. In some cases, such as concussions, symptoms may not show up for days, weeks, or months. Remember that the cost of medical treatment can likely be recuperated through a personal injury claim or your insurance coverage.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Different states have different legalities regarding who is obligated to pay for damages in an accident. Washington, for example, is a fault state when it comes to financial responsibility for car accidents. This means the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is also responsible for any damage resulting from the accident. If the other driver’s coverage is not enough to cover all of the damages you are entitled to, the other driver did not carry insurance, or your supplemental underinsured motorist coverage is insufficient, you may need to file a lawsuit against the other driver to collect full compensation for your damages.

On the other hand, Florida is one of a handful of no-fault states. If you live in a no-fault state, you can turn to your own insurance policy for coverage.

Regardless of where you live, you should report the accident to your insurance company of the accident and that you are making a claim. If you can’t notify your insurance company, a loved one may do so for you. However, only give the insurance company your name, policy number, the location and time of the accident, and your attorney’s contact information. If the other driver’s insurance company or attorney contacts you, refer them to your attorney.

An insurance adjuster will then evaluate your claim, but it’s likely that this initial estimate will be far less than what you actually deserve. An insurance company is in business to make money. Even your own insurance professional may not have your best interests in mind—it has its bottom line in mind. An insurance company will often pay you just enough to make you “go away.” That amount may not cover all of your medical bills that are related to the accident or all of the repairs needed to your vehicle—or its replacement value.

An auto accident lawyer can help you understand your car insurance claim and help you get as much value as possible out of your policy. If you get an attorney involved in the auto insurance claim, the insurance company is more likely to give you a better settlement offer since the likelihood of going to court is higher than if you were to try to settle with the insurance company yourself.

Avoid Implicating Yourself

Your immediate emotions after an accident can be overwhelming, but try to remain calm. Even if you believe you were at fault, never admit liability at the scene. There may be factors you aren’t aware of that contributed to the accident.

You should avoid discussing the accident with anyone and giving away information that could be used against you. While it’s okay to exchange basic information with the other driver, do not get into a detailed discussion about the accident. You should especially avoid discussing fault or specifics with the other driver’s insurance company without consulting with an attorney.

You should also avoid posting about the accident on social media or anywhere public. Anything you post about the accident on social media can be used against you. It’s best to refrain from discussing the accident or posting photos until all legal and insurance matters have been resolved.

Obtain Medical Records

You will need copies of your medical records and invoices showing your injuries and the cost of your medical care. If you suffered serious injuries in an accident and you expect long-term or permanent injuries, you will need medical documentation showing that. You might be entitled to more than reimbursement for past medical costs associated with the accident.

Serious injuries often require additional medical care, including but not limited to physical, cognitive, occupational, and psychological therapy. Physical injuries that take a long time to heal or that never heal often cause depression and other psychological issues in injured people.

Additionally, those who feel they are a burden on family members or friends may also suffer from anxiety and/or depression. Additionally, you may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of a vehicle accident. PTSD could cause anxiety if you try to drive or even if you ride as a passenger in the car, among other issues.

Some people may need extended therapy to help with those feelings of anxiety or depression. If you have trouble getting medical records for all of your injuries, let your car accident lawyer know. He or she may help you get copies of your records.

If You Are a Witness to an Accident

If you saw the accident happen and the drivers ask you what you saw, give the same account to anyone who asks. The police will also ask you what happened for the accident report, as they are required to write down witness information. Sometimes people cannot be “bothered” with giving a statement because they don’t want to get involved. However, your statement may help a driver get the compensation he or she is entitled to if both drivers have conflicting accounts.

How to Avoid Car Accidents

According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 10 million cars occur annually in the United States. Accidents are difficult to avoid, mostly because they are unexpected. Lower the chances of being in an accident by driving defensively. This means that you always pay attention to the road.

If you notice another accident, slow down and turn your emergency flashers on. When other drivers see your emergency flashers, they know to slow down sooner than they otherwise would have slowed down. The flashers also alert other drivers that there is a problem ahead.

Stay Alert and Stay Safe

If you are distracted, and you cause an accident, not only may the police charge you, but you could find yourself serving time in jail or even paying punitive damages to the person you injured. Paying attention not only helps you avoid accidents that already happened, but it also prevents you from being injured should you cause an accident. If you come upon the scene of an accident and are not watching in front of you, you could contribute to additional damage and injuries if you hit other vehicles involved in the accident, or you could cause additional injuries if you hit first responders.

Taking a defensive driving course is another way to help avoid accidents. The course will teach you how to avoid sudden accidents in front of you, objects in the road, and other people whose actions may cause you to wreck. Some insurance companies offer a discount on your insurance if you take driving classes.

Prepare for an Accident

Being prepared for an accident may also save your or another person’s life. Always keep an extra blanket, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and water in your vehicle. If you should get into an accident and suffer minor injuries, you can clean and cover visible injuries to prevent open wounds from becoming infected. The extra blankets help those injured and are feeling cold because of shock or because it’s cold outside. Even in the summer when it’s hot enough, you should always have an extra blanket with you.

You should also carry emergency triangles, cones, or flares to set out on the road after the accident. These bright orange devices warn people about an obstruction ahead and will hopefully keep them from running into you or your vehicle. The first aid kit should contain supplies to clean minor cuts and bandages to cover minor wounds to prevent infection. If a piece of metal cuts you, always go to the hospital for a tetanus shot, unless you’ve recently had one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene?

If you find yourself in an accident where the other driver is uninsured or commits a hit-and-run, the first step is to call the police and file a report. This provides official documentation of the incident which can be crucial when making a claim. Next, contact your insurance company and notify them about the situation. Depending on your policy, you might have coverage under “uninsured motorist” or “underinsured motorist” provisions.

This can compensate you for injuries or damages caused by a driver without adequate insurance. Document any evidence from the scene, including photos, witness statements, and any possible details of the fleeing vehicle. If the driver fled the scene, any bit of information (like a partial license plate number or car description) can be helpful in tracking them down.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company?

Probably not. It’s tempting to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company, especially when faced with mounting bills and financial stress. However, initial offers can often be lower than what is fair or what you might be entitled to. Before accepting, evaluate the full extent of your damages — both physical and property. Consider future medical treatments, lost wages, and other long-term impacts of the accident. Consulting an attorney is vital. They can provide insight into the fairness of the offer and negotiate on your behalf. Remember, once you accept a settlement, it’s usually final, and you can’t go back later and ask for more if you realize the funds don’t cover your needs.

Can I claim compensation if the accident was partly my fault?

The ability to claim compensation when you’re partially at fault varies depending on where you live due to different negligence systems. In Washington, the system of “pure comparative negligence” applies. This means that if you are involved in a car accident, you can recover damages even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.

Unlike some other states, there’s no threshold of fault that bars recovery. Even if you’re found to be 90% at fault, you can theoretically recover 10% of your damages. However, it’s essential to consult with an attorney familiar with Washington’s negligence laws to understand how they might apply to your specific situation and who can work to maximize the outcome of your car insurance claim.

How long after an accident can I file a claim or lawsuit?

The timeframe within which you can file a claim or lawsuit is governed by a legal principle called the “statute of limitations,” and it varies based on your jurisdiction and the nature of the claim. For personal injury claims in Washington, this is three years from when the accident occurred.

It’s critical to act promptly after an accident to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines. If you fail to file within the set period, you could lose your right to pursue compensation permanently. Always check with local legal professionals like those at Boohoff Law to know the specific timeframes applicable in your area.

Should I keep a record of expenses related to the accident?

Yes, maintaining a comprehensive record of all expenses related to the accident is paramount. This includes obvious costs like medical bills and car repair invoices, but also less evident expenses like transportation to medical appointments, over-the-counter medication, and even wages lost due to missed work. Having a detailed account can be invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies or if you need to go to court.

Additionally, it’s not just about bills and receipts; consider maintaining a diary detailing your physical and emotional health post-accident, which can provide insight into the accident’s impact on your daily life. This can be helpful in cases where you’re seeking compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress.

Don’t Take Chances After a Car Accident. Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today.

If you have further questions following a car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer at Boohoff Law for more information. Our legal professionals can help you navigate the insurance claim process, investigate the accident to help improve your chances of maximizing financial recovery, and protect you from insurance adjusters and those who may try to undermine your rights.

As a passenger with injuries, you may file a car accident claim through the driver’s insurance or a third party’s insurer. You can also sue anyone whose negligence contributed to the accident.

A car accident lawyer will explain the steps to take after the accident. They will provide advice specific to your unique circumstances. If you elect, a lawyer can even pursue the compensation you deserve for injuries and other damages.

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How You File a Car Accident Claim Depends on Several Factors

No single blueprint will lay out how a passenger in a car accident should file a claim. There are merely too many differences between each action to give catch-all advice.

Some of the factors that will determine how you pursue compensation as an injured passenger are:

Insurance Rules in the State Where the Car Accident Happened

Each state handles car accident insurance claims differently. To understand your options for seeking compensation, you must understand the insurance rules in the state where the accident happened.

States fall into one of two primary categories:

• No-fault auto insurance states: In no-fault auto insurance states (like Florida), every motorist is entitled to compensation from their own insurer, even if they cause the accident. An injured passenger in a no-fault state may file a claim with the insurer for the driver whose vehicle they were riding in, even if another motorist caused the collision.
• Fault-based auto insurance states: In fault-based states (like Washington), the insurer for the at-fault motorist generally must cover a passenger’s medical bills and other covered losses.

There are variations of each of these categories. Your lawyer will explain all relevant insurance rules in your state, as these rules may affect how you file a car accident claim.

The Insurance Status of All Drivers Involved in Your Accident

Every motorist chooses their insurance coverage, and some motorists choose (illegally) to drive without insurance. The details of liable parties’ insurance policies will affect how a passenger pursues compensation.

For example, assume that:

• A liable motorist has no insurance: More than 12 percent of American motorists drive without insurance at any given time. If an uninsured motorist caused your accident and other insurance options do not cover your losses, you may sue the uninsured motorist.
• A liable motorist purchased more than the minimum insurance: If an at-fault motorist purchased insurance beyond the state’s mandated coverage limits, this can be positive for all parties. You may collect all the compensation you need through insurance, so you will not have to file a lawsuit.

These are just two examples of how insurance-specific factors can influence your approach to seeking compensation.

The Amount of Insurance Coverage You’re Entitled To

Whether you file a lawsuit will boil down to a few straightforward questions:

1. What is the total cost of your accident-related losses?
2. Will insurance coverage pay for the cost of your accident-related losses?

If the amount of insurance coverage you receive covers your accident-related losses, you may not have to file a lawsuit. Therefore, the total value of your insurance coverage will determine your post-accident legal strategy.

The Nature and Severity of Your Injuries

Injuries are a key focus when calculating the cost of a car accident. The more significant your injuries are, the more expensive your damages.

Therefore, as you determine how to seek compensation as the passenger in a car accident, you must consider:

• The specific injuries you suffered
• The nature and severity of your injury symptoms
• Whether any injuries are disabling
• How the healing process goes (and how long it takes)
• The severity of pain resulting from your injuries
• The current and future cost of treating your injuries

Your lawyer will work with medical professionals to evaluate your injuries and care needs.

The Total Cost of Your Accident-Related Damages

Your lawyer will answer one critical question: How much does my client’s accident-related damages cost?

Your lawyer will:

1. Calculate the cost of both economic and non-economic losses from your accident
2. Project the cost of any future losses you’re going to experience (like the cost of rehabilitation)
3. Determine the most appropriate way to seek compensation based on the cost of your accident-related losses

The total cost of your losses will be vital to your lawyer’s legal strategy. If the best offer from a liable insurer does not cover your total losses, your attorney may proceed with a lawsuit.

However You Seek a Financial Recovery, a Lawyer Can Lead the Fight

Whether your case ends with an insurance settlement or proceeds to court, a lawyer can be a priceless asset to you.

Passengers hire a car accident lawyer because of:

• Time constraints: Those involved in car accidents often have little time to spare. You may not have the time or capacity to pay enough attention to your claim or lawsuit, but a lawyer can. While you focus on recovering and overseeing your personal and professional obligations, your lawyer will work toward your financial recovery.
• Physical and mental limitations: Injuries from your accident—including mental health struggles—may prevent you from handling your claim effectively. Your health, claim, or both may suffer if you’re trying to handle the process while injured.
• Unfamiliarity with insurance claims or lawsuits: The typical car accident victim does not understand the demands of insurance claims and lawsuits. Rather than diving straight into the chase for compensation, you may have to learn about the process. A lawyer, on the other hand, will proceed without hesitation.
• A lawyer’s substantial experience and training: Lawyers spend many of their working hours negotiating with insurers and trying court cases. Don’t underestimate the benefit of a lawyer’s relevant experience. A car accident lawyer can anticipate the challenges ahead and respond quickly to the demands of your claim or lawsuit.
• A law firm’s personnel: When you hire a car accident lawyer, you get the support of an entire firm. Your lawyer will come with paralegals, investigators, and possibly third-party experts. This legal team will be better positioned to present a stronger case than you.
• A law firm’s financial support: Car accident law firms provide substantial financial support for their clients’ cases. A law firm will handle your entire case without presenting a bill to you. Instead, your firm will only receive a fee if they secure a financial recovery for you.

Car accident victims experience more than enough stress when involved in a collision. Claims and lawsuits can be immensely stressful and may be more than you can take on right now. Your health and case for compensation may benefit from your decision to hire a lawyer.

What Car Accident Lawyers Can Do For Injured Passengers

Before hiring a lawyer, know what to expect from them. Your attorney will:

Oversee Paperwork, Communications, and Every Other Detail of Your Case

Car accident lawyers take complete command over their client’s fight for financial recovery.

Therefore, expect your lawyer to:

• Draft and file your claim or lawsuit
• Proofread all paperwork to ensure accuracy and completion, reducing the likelihood that insurers will deny your claim(s)
• Review and respond to all correspondence from insurers
• Interact directly with insurers, which will prevent them from violating your rights

Your physical recovery should come first right now. With a lawyer leading your case, you won’t have to worry about a single detail of your claim or lawsuit.

Document Damages from Your Car Accident

You are seeking compensation because your accident has caused you harm, and your lawyer will pursue compensation reflecting that harm.

An attorney may document your accident-related damages using:

• Images of injuries
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Testimony from mental health experts
• Testimony from doctors
• Invoices for property expenses

Your lawyer will present this documentation as they negotiate with liable insurers. If your case goes to court, your lawyer will present the documentation to the judge and jury.

Establish Fault (and Financial Liability) for Your Car Accident

Fault is a key consideration when a passenger suffers injuries. Your lawyer will determine who owes you compensation.

As your lawyer investigates your car accident, they will obtain witness accounts, video footage, and other evidence indicating fault.

Negotiate a Settlement with Insurers

An insurer is likely responsible for your accident-related damages.

Your lawyer will negotiate with liable insurers, overcoming specific challenges like:

• Denials of your insurance claim(s)
• Undervaluation of your damages
• Lowball settlement offers
• Delays in the resolution of your claim

Insurance companies sometimes refuse to pay claimants fairly, which is the most financially beneficial decision for the corporation. However, your lawyer will hold insurers to the policies they’ve issued—policies that may entitle you to compensation.

File a Lawsuit and Go to Trial (If Necessary)

Most car accident cases settle, and yours may too. However, a law firm must always be willing to proceed to trial on their client’s behalf. If a law firm will not take your case to trial, it may not negotiate from a position of strength.

Many injury firms have proven their willingness to go to trial. As you research attorneys who may lead your car accident case, review their case results and ask directly: Will you take my case to trial if it is the right decision for me?

Recoverable Damages You May Receive Compensation For

The cost of each car accident victim’s damages can vary drastically. The severity of your injuries will be one of several factors determining your claim’s value.

Your lawyer will complete a personalized evaluation of your accident-related losses and may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses: If you receive emergency care, hospital services, medication, or other medical services after your accident, your attorney will total your medical expenses. You should be free to receive all the care you need because you’re confident a lawyer will obtain coverage for that care.
• Pain and suffering: Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other forms of pain and suffering may entitle you to compensation.
• Lost income and other professional damages: If your car accident leads to lost income, missed bonuses, diminished earning power, or any other professional harm, your lawyer will seek fair compensation for these damages.
• Property expenses: If your personal property suffered damage during the car accident, your lawyer will include those property expenses in your case.

An attorney will speak with you, medical professionals, and other experts to diagnose and value your damages.

When looking for a lawyer, find a team that:

• Has significant case results
• Has positive reviews from former clients
• Offers a contingency fee structure
• Shows respect and personal care during your free consultation

Choosing the right lawyer can lead to victory in your case.

Hire an Attorney as Soon as Possible Today

There is no immediate or out-of-pocket cost for you to hire a lawyer. Therefore, there is no reason to wait any longer to retain an attorney. Your lawyer may have a limited time to file your case and gather evidence, and time is of the essence in your case. Act immediately to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney near you and discuss possible representation of your car accident claim.

The statute of limitations in a car accident claim varies from state to state. For example, car accident victims in Florida generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, if someone passes away from injuries suffered in a car accident, their loved ones typically have two years to file a lawsuit.

Accident victims need a car accident lawyer who can meet these deadlines, as doing so will determine whether the victim will receive the compensation they deserve for accident-related damages.

Examples of Car Accident Statutes of Limitations in Different States

While most states have time limits between two and three years, these statutes vary from state to state and can range from one to six years. If you suffer injuries in a car accident or lose a loved one to a fatal accident, you should quickly determine the statute of limitations in your state.

Some examples of state-by-state statutes of limitations include:

• Washington State: Three years
• California: Two years
• Tennessee: One year
• New York: Three years
• Texas: Two years
• Missouri: Five years
• Pennsylvania: Two years
• Illinois: Two years

If you must file a lawsuit against a municipality (such as a city), you may face an even shorter filing deadline. No matter how long the law gives you to take legal action, always begin the process by contacting a car accident attorney immediately.

What Is the Significance of the Statute of Limitations?

When pursuing justice for a car accident, few things are more important than the statute of limitations, because:

States and Courts Take These Deadlines Seriously

Statutes of limitations are not optional. The legal code in each state dictates these deadlines, so the filing deadline is a matter of law.

While there are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, most car accident victims must file their cases within the statute of limitations.

You May Not File a Lawsuit if the Statute of Limitations Expires

There is a strong chance that you cannot file a lawsuit once the statute of limitations expires. You should never assume that your case will fit one of the rare exceptions to which the statutes of limitations do not apply.

Odds are, you’ll have to file your injury or wrongful death lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires if you want to pursue maximum compensation for your accident.

If You Can’t File a Lawsuit, You May Lose All Leverage

You may obtain compensation for a car accident if you:

1. Negotiate an insurance settlement
2. File a lawsuit and negotiate a settlement as part of the legal process
3. File a lawsuit, take the case to trial, and convince a jury to award you compensation

The goal is to have an insurance company pay the compensation you deserve. When a car accident victim does not receive a fair settlement offer from an insurer, they can file a lawsuit. By filing a lawsuit, you notify the insurance company that you will take legal action to achieve a fair financial recovery.

If you cannot file a lawsuit because the statute of limitations expires, you will lose critical leverage in negotiations with an insurer. Without the potential of filing a lawsuit, the insurance company may adopt a take it or leave it approach to negotiations—and you can do nothing about it.

Missing the Filing Deadline Could Mean Missing Out on Compensation You Badly Need

You now know that if you do not file your lawsuit by the statute of limitations, you may:

1. Lose negotiating power with insurers
2. Lose your ability to file a lawsuit
3. Have to accept the best settlement the insurer offers (if it offers a settlement at all)

You may not receive the compensation you deserve when you accept the insurer’s best offer without legal recourse (i.e., filing a lawsuit).

This can mean:

• The money you receive from an insurer will not pay the cost of your damages
• You will have to pay out of pocket for accident-related damages
• You may face significant financial and psychological stress because you did not file your lawsuit in time

The point is this: Act quickly to retain a lawyer so they can file your case before the statute of limitations expires.

You May Need to Report Injuries and File a Claim Immediately After Your Accident

You may face one or more deadlines in addition to the statute of limitations.

For example, you may need to:

1. File an insurance claim within a short time after your accident
2. Report any injuries resulting from the accident (to an insurance company or other parties)

Some time may have already passed since you were in a car accident. You should not wait any longer to report your accident, document your injuries, and file any lawsuit you must pursue. Hiring an attorney is the surest way to address these essential tasks.

You Must Receive Complete Medical Care and Document Your Injuries

Even though time might have passed since the accident, it’s never too late to get medical treatment—even if you have already received some treatment.

Every car accident victim should:

• Receive a full-body exam: Some injuries suffered during car accidents do not present immediate or obvious symptoms, with whiplash being one of those injuries. Receiving a complete exam will ensure you are aware of all your accident-related injuries, even those that aren’t causing detectable symptoms.
• Explain all diagnosed and undiagnosed symptoms to a doctor: You should voice all your concerns to a doctor, including any symptoms you’ve been experiencing since the accident. This way, the doctor can provide diagnoses and treatment plans for all of your accident-related injuries.
• Request imaging: Medical images are, in many cases, the more irrefutable proof of accident-related injuries. Ask your doctor whether X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging services can show your injuries.
• Receive copies of all diagnoses and images: Documenting your injuries, symptoms, and medical care is pivotal to building a solid case. Request copies of all diagnoses, bills, and medical images for accident-related care.
• Follow the doctor’s orders: If you do not follow your doctor’s advice, the insurance company or other liable parties may use your disobedience against you. These parties may claim that you’re not as injured as you say or that you made your injuries unnecessarily worse if you don’t rest and recover per the doctor’s orders.

An attorney can ensure you make other smart actions after your collision.

How Can I Ensure That the Statute of Limitations Does Not Expire in My Car Accident Claim?

Even healthy people cannot easily keep track of an insurance claim or lawsuit. When you’re recovering from injuries or grieving a loved one’s passing, fighting for fair compensation grows more challenging, if not impossible.

Many car accident victims hire a trusted car accident lawyer to:

• File their insurance claim or lawsuit before any deadlines expire, including the statute of limitations
• Provide personalized legal advice
• Protect them from insurance companies and other parties whose agenda may not align with the accident victim’s
• Fulfill all of the obligations of the claim or lawsuit
• Fight for the entire financial recovery the victim is entitled to

When you speak with prospective lawyers, your car accident lawyer will explain how long you have to file a lawsuit. More importantly, your lawyer will prepare all necessary documentation and file your claim as quickly as possible.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help With My Claim?

Car accident attorneys share a common goal: ensuring their client’s full financial recovery. Though the details of each case are unique, car accident lawyers also provide a similar range of duties for clients, including:

Pursuing Evidence From the Car Accident

Evidence is, in many cases, the foundation of a winning claim or lawsuit.

Your attorney will seek any evidence that can help your case, which may include:

• Eyewitness accounts of the car accident
• Experts’ reconstructions of the accident
• Video of the accident
• Photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage that proves how the vehicles collided

A police report can also support your case for compensation. An attorney will move quickly to obtain all relevant evidence and incorporate that evidence into your claim or lawsuit.

Leading Communications (Which Means Protecting the Client)

Car accident lawyers manage case-related communications for their clients and do so because:

• Lawyers want to manage every detail of the case, ensuring that the case is cohesive.
• Whenever a car accident victim speaks with an insurance company or defense lawyer, they risk saying something that may hurt their case.

Hire a lawyer so you can focus on recovery rather than your claim. By overseeing all communications, a lawyer will ease your mind and allow you to focus elsewhere.

Negotiating with the Insurance Company

Once they have identified and calculated your damages, your lawyer will begin negotiating for your financial recovery. Car accident lawyers typically negotiate with insurance companies, though in some cases, they negotiate with a lawyer representing a liable party (such as an uninsured motorist or vehicle manufacturer).

Starting a Trial if Necessary

While most car accident claims end with a settlement in the victim’s pocket, some go to trial. If settlement negotiations come to a standstill and your lawyer believes that a trial is in your best interest, they’ll discuss moving forward to the courtroom.

Damages Car Accident Lawyers Often Seek Compensation For

Most car accident victims who hire a lawyer do so because their accident-related damages are costly, and they know a lawyer can secure a just financial recovery for them. Your attorney will fight for a financial recovery that compensates you for all your damages, which may include:

Pain and Suffering

Car accident victims sometimes experience:

• Traumatic memories of the collision, which may qualify as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Chronic pain
• Lost quality of life

Every accident victim has different emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. Your lawyer will evaluate your symptoms and determine the monetary cost of your pain and suffering.

Professional Damages

Injuries from a car accident may cause you to lose:

• Income
• Promotion opportunities
• Performance bonuses
• Earning power
• Benefits

Such professional damages should be part of your car accident claim.

Vehicle Damage and Other Property-Related Costs

Your lawyer will gather invoices for bodywork, replacement parts, and other vehicle repairs. They will also consider the cost of temporary transportation and other property-related damages from your accident.

Healthcare Costs

Your attorney should seek full compensation for your accident-related medical bills. Regardless of your injuries, you should not have to pay out of pocket or suffer rising health insurance premiums for injuries you are not responsible for.

If you’ve suffered any other damages or faced a loved one’s wrongful death because of a car accident, your attorney will consider all your damages when leading your claim.

Hire Your Lawyer Before the Statute of Limitations Expires

Your case may have a strict filing deadline, so don’t wait to hire your personal injury lawyer. Seek a legal consultation immediately to begin your case within the timeframe the law allows.

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Intersections are common accident sites, as high volumes of traffic bottleneck through them. Many fatal or injury-causing accidents happen at hectic intersections.

Because of their frequency, many insurance claims and lawsuits focus on intersection accidents. When an accident happens, you must allow a car accident lawyer to diagnose liability, evaluate your damages, and fight for a fair financial recovery.

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These are just a few of the most common reasons for intersection accidents. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in this type of collision, an attorney can fight for your financial recovery.

You must have a legal professional assess what happened and determine the cause of your accident. The question of who is at fault for your accident will determine how you file an insurance claim and who you seek compensation from.

Conditions That May Make an Intersection Unusually Dangerous

Not all intersections are the same, and some are significantly more dangerous than others.

An intersection may pose an abnormally high accident risk if:

• It has a high traffic volume: Intersections that many motorists use may have more total accidents than less busy intersections. This may merely be a numbers game—the more vehicles that pass through, the more statistically likely an accident becomes. However, busy intersections may also cause frustration for drivers, making them more likely to rush or make dangerous driving decisions.
• Many pedestrians frequent the intersection: Intersections, where motorists and pedestrians interact closely and frequently, may pose a high risk of vehicle-on-pedestrian collisions. This accident type can be especially serious, as pedestrians have little physical protection from larger, heavier motor vehicles.
• It has blindspots: Intersections with visual obstructions, such as hedges, awkward traffic signals, or trees, may be notorious for being accident sites. A municipality must take all necessary action to remove visual hazards and reduce the risk of intersection accidents.
• It has confusing signals: If an intersection’s traffic signals are unclear, outdated, inappropriate, or otherwise hazardous, the defective signals pose an unacceptable risk of contributing to accidents.
• It has poor lighting: Poorly lit intersections can endanger motorists and pedestrians, especially at night.

Someone (or some institution) can prevent or fix each of these hazards. A municipality can remove visual obstructions and update traffic signals. A motorist can exercise patience and caution at a high-volume intersection. Pedestrians can do the same.

When an intersection accident happens, one of the first priorities is identifying the cause and establishing liability.

Who Is Liable for an Intersection Accident?

Your lawyer can diagnose liability for your accident once they’ve gathered all relevant facts and evidence.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Motorists, whose negligence is the most common cause of intersection accidents (and traffic accidents in general)
• Municipalities, who may be responsible for defective traffic signals and certain other hazards present at an intersection
• Motor vehicle manufacturers and sellers, who may be liable if a defective vehicle leads to an intersection collision
• Pedestrians, who may cause an intersection accident by entering traffic when they should not

Car accident lawyers make no assumptions about liability. Instead, they gather and review evidence and make a factual determination about who caused the accident. This is the approach your own lawyer should take, too.

Injuries That Can Result From Intersection Accidents

There are no injuries specifically associated with intersection accidents. There are, however, injuries common among auto accident victims, which include:

Whiplash

Whiplash happens when someone’s neck and head move rapidly back and forth in a whip-like motion. Though many associate whiplash with rear-end accidents, it may also result from other accidents.

Whiplash symptoms may not appear just after your accident, so seek out a medical provider as soon as possible.

Broken Bones

Broken bones can cause immense immediate pain and may result in lingering symptoms if broken bones do not heal properly.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are especially serious, as your brain plays a vital role in your bodily function and daily life. Some traumatic brain injuries never heal.

Your attorney may work with neurological specialists to diagnose brain injuries, develop a treatment plan, and determine the cost of necessary treatment for your brain injury.

Injuries That Affect Your Outward Appearance

Some accident-related injuries can affect your appearance, causing pain and potentially affecting your self-esteem and identity.

Such injuries include:

• Cuts (including severe lacerations)
• Burns
• Severe scrapes
• Amputation injuries
• Eye injuries
• Severely broken bones

Injuries that have a visual effect can cause immense pain and suffering. Your lawyer will consider the pain and suffering such injuries have caused you. They will also determine the cost of any procedures you will undergo to restore your pre-accident appearance.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Other Back Injuries

Broken vertebrae, sprains, herniated or bulging discs, and other back injuries can be immensely painful. A spinal cord injury may paralyze you, resulting in millions of dollars in lifelong care costs.

Other Damages That an Intersection Accident Victim May Suffer

Any injury from an intersection accident can cause both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Your attorney will tally your accident-related medical expenses. The type and severity of your injuries will determine the cost of your intersection accident case.
• Pain and suffering: Accident victims who experience lasting physical pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or other forms of pain and suffering can seek compensation for these damages. Your lawyer will also consider the cost of any treatment you seek for these damages.
• Property expenses: If an intersection accident caused damage to your vehicle, phone, clothing, or other property, your lawyer will include these property costs as they calculate a settlement target.
• Lost income: Injuries may cause you to lose your income, whether you earn a salary or hourly wages. In addition to basic income, you may lose the opportunity to earn performance bonuses and promotions.
• Diminished earning power: If you can eventually return to work, you may only earn a percentage of the amount you earned pre-accident. Disabling injuries may prevent you from working full-time hours or may cause you to change careers.

Your attorney will evaluate your damages one by one. Before entering settlement negotiations, your attorney will have a detailed record of your damages and their values.

Damages in a Fatal Intersection Accident Case

Thousands of intersection accidents each year are fatal. When a collision tragically claims one or more victims’ lives, the victim’s loved ones may take legal action against liable parties.

A wrongful death lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Your pain and suffering, including grief
• Any pain and suffering the decedent experienced before passing away
• The loss of a spouse’s companionship, comfort, and intimacy
• The loss of a parent’s guidance and support
• The loss of the decedent’s contributions to their household
• The loss of the decedent’s income, which their household may rely upon
• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills for end-of-life care and other post-accident medical treatment

The legal process is the last thing you want to focus on after a wrongful death. An attorney can lead a lawsuit—a necessary step to obtain justice and restore the damages you’ve suffered—while you focus on your mental health and loved ones.

What Should a Victim Do After an Intersection Accident?

Every intersection accident victim should take measures to protect their health and any financial recovery they plan to pursue.

Protect your health by:

1. Accepting or seeking medical treatment, which may mean going to the doctor now that you’ve (likely) left the accident scene
2. Asking the in-charge medical professional to provide a written, detailed diagnosis of your injuries
3. Obtaining a copy of any diagnoses, bills, and other medical documentation related to your accident-related injuries

If you take these steps, you add value to any case your lawyer will make. Your lawyer will use documentation of your injuries, symptoms, and medical treatment, and you can hand this documentation over when your lawyer takes over your case.

Take Steps to Protect Your Financial Recovery

To obtain a financial recovery, you must think proactively.

Protect any potential financial recovery by:

• Hiring an attorney as soon as possible, as they’ll take over the insurance process and start legal proceedings if necessary
• Refusing to provide on-the-record statements to insurers until you’ve retained an attorney
• Documenting the physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms of accident-related injuries
• Refraining from engaging in any strenuous activity, as insurers or other liable parties may use this to claim you aren’t as injured as you claim

Hire an attorney to shepherd you through the process ahead, protecting your rights and allowing you to focus on your health.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Will Fight for Your Financial Recovery

Car accident lawyers take on several roles for their clients, from advisor to negotiator to litigator when necessary.

Your attorney will:

• Lead all case-relate communications, including those with insurance companies
• Secure evidence from your accident as quickly as possible
• Document your accident-related damages, including future damages
• Calculate a fair settlement value
• Negotiate a settlement with liable insurers (or other liable parties)
• Complete any necessary trial

Once you hire a lawyer to lead your intersection accident case, you can return your attention to your health and daily life. Your attorney or their legal team will contact you if they need you to do anything.

Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer Before Your Case’s Filing Deadline Expires

Most intersection accident cases come with strict filing deadlines. If you don’t allow your attorney enough time to file your case, you may forfeit your right to pursue financial recovery. This can leave you financially devastated, as it may force you to accept a lowball settlement or bear all accident-related costs on your own.

Consulting a personal injury attorney costs nothing, and there is no obligation to hire the firm following your meeting. You can learn about your rights and promptly begin the legal process soon after you consult the right law firm.

If you are partly to blame for your accident, you may still receive compensation for your damages. Many states have comparative negligence statutes that account for circumstances just like yours.

While rules about comparative negligence vary from state to state, many states adopt a common approach. In these states, so long as you have 49 percent or less of the share of fault for an accident, you can pursue compensation for your accident-related losses with the help of a skilled car accident lawyer.

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Your State’s Statutes Are Critical in Determining If You Can Receive Compensation

Comparative negligence statutes exist in many states, but not all of them. If your state adopts a comparative negligence statute, you can collect compensation equivalent to the other party’s share of fault for the accident.

Here’s an example illustrating how comparative negligence statutes generally work:

• A motorist is speeding, driving 15 miles per hour over the speed limit on the highway.
• As they approach the vehicle in front of them and prepare to pass, the motorist in front stops suddenly for no apparent reason.
• The speeding motorist swerves to avoid striking the vehicle in front but clips the side of the vehicle’s rear bumper.

In this case, the lawyer for the speeding motorist might argue that the collision might not have happened if the other motorist did not brake suddenly. Depending on how experts assess liability, they may deem the speeding motorist partially responsible for the collision.

Contributory Negligence Statutes Bar Any Liable Party from Suing for Damages

In states that use a contributory negligence framework, someone cannot seek compensation from another party if they contributed to an accident. Even if authorities deemed you responsible for 1 percent of an accident, you cannot file a lawsuit against the party who was 99 percent responsible for the accident.

Some States Have a Unique Twist on Contributory Negligence or Comparative Negligence

If you review a list detailing how each state handles car accident cases, you’ll see contributory negligence and comparative fault. You will also see terms like modified comparative negligence and modified comparative fault.

Each state sets the rules for handling fault and liability in car accident cases.

The list of approaches includes:

• Pure comparative negligence
• Pure comparative fault
• Pure contributory negligence
• Modified comparative negligence

Rather than getting too deep into the details of each specific statute type, speak with an attorney who handles car accident cases in your area. They can explain the statutes and rules for shared-fault car accidents in your city and state.

Laws Related to Fault, Liability, and Car Accidents Are Always Changing

States regularly change their laws regarding how accident victims can (or can’t) seek compensation when multiple parties share fault.

Laws change because:

• States realize there is a specific issue in their law that requires a change
• States want to reduce the amount of car accident-related lawsuits
• Lawmakers face pressure from specific groups to alter the law

For example, in 2023, Florida adopted a modified comparative negligence system after years of using a pure comparative negligence framework. The new framework mandates that someone can only seek compensation from another liable party if the plaintiff is responsible for 50 percent or less of the accident.

Car accident lawyers pay close attention to fault-related laws and changes to those laws. Such statutory changes have immense ramifications for attorneys and their clients.

Evidence That Can Help Determine Fault for a Car Accident

Whether a car accident lawyer, insurance company, arbitrator, judge, or jury is determining the share of fault for an accident, there are many resources they can rely on.

One may assess liability by:

• Reviewing the police report: The police report documenting the accident may contain direct or implied statements about who is at fault for the accident. The officer’s description of the accident may alone speak to a fault.
• Interviewing witnesses: Witnesses are often neutral third parties who offer valuable perspectives on how or why an accident happened. A witness may indicate who was at fault (or most at fault) by describing how the accident occurred. A witness may also testify to events before or after the accident, such as seeing a motorist drinking before driving or hearing a motorist admit to causing the accident.
• Getting expert opinions about fault: Experts may testify about who they believe caused the car accident. An expert may also reconstruct a collision using digital or physical means, which establish that someone else caused the collision.
• Obtaining video footage of the accident: In most cases, video footage is among the most substantial evidence you can have in a car accident case. The footage may show how the accident happened, which may help prove who is most at fault.
• Reviewing statements from those involved in the accident: The motorists involved in the collision may make statements after the accident, perhaps to the other motorist, bystanders, a police officer, or insurance representatives. If a motorist admits to behaviors that caused the accident, those statements may help determine fault.
• Considering any other evidence that speaks to a fault: If there is any other evidence that helps establish who is at fault for the accident, insurance companies, lawyers, and other parties will consider that evidence.

Each accident has a unique story, and the fault is a crucial piece of the story. Your attorney will retell the story of your accident, highlighting the parties most responsible.

Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents have many causes, and fault stems directly from the cause of each collision. Some of the parties who cause car accidents include:

Motor Vehicle Drivers

Motorists are the most common cause of car accidents and may cause a collision by:

• Running red lights
• Running stop signs or yield signs
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Failing to use turn signals
• Changing lanes or braking abruptly
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while Engaging in any other dangerous driving acts

If a motorist caused your accident, their insurer may cover your damages, or they may be personally liable for your damages.

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers

When motor vehicle manufacturers make defective products, fail to issue necessary warning labels, or contribute to accidents in any other way, they must pay for damages that result from their negligence.

Municipalities

When dangerous road conditions cause (or contribute) to an accident, the municipality responsible for those road conditions may have to pay victims’ damages.

A municipality is generally responsible for:

• Placing work crews in dangerous positions
• Failing to repair roads with potholes, cracks, uneven pavement, or other defects that can cause an accident
• Downed or absent signage (such as a stop sign)
• Defective traffic signals
• Barriers placed too close to the roadway
• Any other road conditions that contribute to an accident

Suing a municipality comes with unique rules and deadlines, so don’t wait to hire a car accident attorney.

Pedestrians

If a pedestrian contributes to an accident, they may be liable for victims’ damages. For example, a pedestrian who jaywalks and causes a motorist to swerve and strike another vehicle may be solely responsible for the collision.

Other parties can be liable for accidents, especially knowing multiple parties can be at fault for a car accident. For example, an establishment that overserves a drunk driver may share liability with the driver for any resulting accident.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Some of the most valuable advice to follow after a car accident includes:

• Wait to make any on-the-record statements: Anything you say to insurance representatives, others involved in your accident, or bystanders can go against you in the claims or legal processes. Refrain from speaking to those involved in your accident, and hire a car accident lawyer before making any recorded statements.
• Rely on a lawyer: Car accident lawyers represent crash victims day in and day out. You cannot put a value on such an experience. If you want to present the strongest case for compensation, you’ll consider hiring a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
• Get as much medical care as you need: You must seek medical treatment after a car accident. You cannot seek compensation for injuries if you do not prove your injuries, and you cannot prove your injuries without going to the doctor.

Once you hire an attorney, they can guide you through the claims and legal processes. Your attorney can even refer you to medical providers, get copies of all case-related medical documents, and ensure you’re recovering.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Fight for Your Financial Recovery

A car accident lawyer will take your case out of your hands, ensuring your focus remains on your recovery.

Your lawyer’s duties will include:

• Protecting your rights, which starts with managing all communications with insurance companies
• Assisting you in making any record statements, including written statements
• Obtaining any evidence that benefits your car accident case
• Calculating the value of your accident-related damages
• Securing all available documentation of your damages
• Negotiating a settlement
• Taking your case to trial, if necessary

Most of these steps (aside from trial) are necessary in most car accident cases. However, lawyers customize their services and strategies to suit each case and client.

What if I Decide Not to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

You’ll handle the above-listed responsibilities independently if you do not hire a car accident lawyer. You may file a weak insurance claim or lawsuit if you skip any of those steps (perhaps because you lack time, energy, or resources).

For most car accident victims, filing a lawsuit is not a realistic expectation—unless they have a lawyer leading their case. If you do not have the credible threat of filing a lawsuit, an insurance company may not extend a fair settlement offer.

If you insist on leading your case, you may also:

• Worsen your injuries due to the physical stress of leading your case
• Experience severe psychological distress due to the cognitive demands of your case
• Have difficulty putting together a winning claim
• Suffer due to your inexperience in negotiations and other aspects of a claim or lawsuit

It’s praiseworthy to accept help from a car accident lawyer.

What Damages Should I Expect From a Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit?

Damages for car accident victims often include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Diminished earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Mental health treatment costs
• Temporary transportation costs

You should hire a lawyer if you lost a loved one in a car accident. That lawyer will speak with you about the harm you’ve suffered and fight for a fair financial recovery. This can be true even if someone points part of the blame at your deceased family member.

Hire Your Car Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible

If you wait too long to hire a lawyer, you may miss the filing deadline for your case. Hire a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as you can, as you may need significant compensation to cover your losses—compensation that no insurance company will provide without a fight.

In most car accident cases, determining liability is fairly simple. The first question is which driver caused the accident, as the insurance laws in a state may require the at-fault motorist’s insurer to cover their victims’ medical bills and property expenses.

What happens when someone in a car accident does not own the vehicle they were driving? If you are in a car accident in a friend’s car, the friend’s insurance will generally cover your and any third party’s losses—but not always. You will need to consult a car accident lawyer to know for sure.

The Car Owner’s Insurance Typically Covers Accident-Related Losses

Auto insurance policies, in reality, apply to the vehicle just as much as the driver. So long as the friend involved in the accident is not a regular user of the vehicle, the vehicle owner’s auto insurance should cover the friend’s medical bills (and certain other damages).

The car owner’s insurance generally serves as the first financial line of defense for accident-related losses. This includes both losses suffered by the car owner (such as property damage), the friend, and any third parties who suffer injuries, property damages, and other losses because of the collision.

Determining Liability When You Are in an Accident in a Friend’s Car

Each state has different approaches to auto insurance, specifically determining whose insurer must pay for whose accident-related losses. Therefore, your attorney will need to establish liability; in doing so, they determine who must pay for your accident-related losses.

If You Caused the Accident in a Friend’s Vehicle

If you are the person who caused the car accident while driving a friend’s vehicle, the friend’s auto insurance may cover your losses (and any third party’s losses). However, if you have your own auto insurance, it may serve as a backup form of financial support for you or any third party harmed by the accident.

If a Friend Caused the Accident in Your Vehicle

If you are the vehicle owner and a friend who you let borrow the vehicle caused an accident (or was the victim of an accident), your auto insurance may cover damages. This can affect your auto insurance premiums, and a lawyer can explain any options that may shift liability to your friend.

If you did not give your friend permission to borrow the vehicle, this can affect liability for the accident. The friend’s auto insurer may have to cover accident-related losses, the injured party can try to hold the friend personally liable for any harm they caused.

If a Third Party Caused the Accident

If a third party caused the collision involving you or your friend, you can hold that third party’s insurer liable for accident-related losses. You can hold the third party liable for any losses exceeding their auto policy’s coverage limits.

States handle auto insurance claims differently, with the two primary insurance approaches being:

1. No-fault insurance laws
2. Fault-based insurance laws

Your attorney will consider the insurance laws in your state as they develop a comprehensive strategy for pursuing compensation for you or protecting you from others’ attempts to hold you liable.

Key Considerations That Can Make Your Car Accident Case More Challenging

Accidents where a vehicle owner is not the driver require personal injury lawyers to address several critical questions, including:

• Who caused the accident?
• Did a hazard other than motorist negligence (such as a vehicle defect) contribute to the collision?
• What is the insurance status of the vehicle drivers and owners?
• What are the insurance-specific laws in the state, and do those laws place the financial burden on the at-fault motorist?
• Do victims’ accident-related losses exceed the coverages provided through insurance?

These questions are usually impossible to answer on your own. You need to hire a car accident lawyer to lead your case.

Advice for Car Owners Whose Friend Causes an Accident in Their Vehicle

If you are the owner of the vehicle in the accident but weren’t driving the vehicle at the time of the collision, you must protect your financial interests. Depending on the details of the accident and the state in which your accident happened, you may stand to gain or lose much from an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Consider that:

You May Deserve Compensation for Vehicle Repairs

You deserve fair compensation to repair or replace your vehicle. Though your friend may have been behind the wheel, your vehicle took the direct impact of the collision.

A personal injury lawyer will work to secure fair compensation for:

• Vehicle repairs
• Replacement of a totaled vehicle
• Money to cover temporary transportation
• Any other accident-related losses you suffer as a result of the accident

A lawyer will review the circumstances of the accident, evaluate your damages, and propose a strategy specific to your needs.

Can an Injured Party Hold You Liable for the Accident?

As the vehicle’s owner, you may be liable if your friend caused the accident. If a third party’s accident-related damages exceed the insurance coverage provided by your policy and any auto policy your friend has, the third party may sue you for financial damages.

State laws vary when it comes to liability for car accidents. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can spare you from direct liability for an accident you did not cause.

A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Provide Comprehensive Legal Services

Regardless of whether your friend caused their accident or not, you may face financial liability or deserve compensation for yourself. Hiring a personal injury lawyer will allow you to avoid the complexities of insurance claims or a lawsuit, as they’ll efficiently evaluate your circumstances and provide clear, detailed advice.

Advice for Those Involved in an Accident While Driving Their Friend’s Car

If you were driving a friend’s car and were in an accident, consider that:

By One Means or Another, Someone Should Cover Your Losses

You can pursue compensation for medical bills, income losses, and other accident-related damages in many ways.

You may secure compensation from:

• A third party’s insurer
• Your friend’s auto insurer
• Your own auto insurer
• A third party or your friend, who you may hold financially liable for your damages

Even if a third party’s damages exceed insurance coverage, they may sue the vehicle owner for damages.

Your Friend’s Negligence May Have Harmed You

If a defect in the vehicle caused or contributed to the accident, you may hold your friend personally liable for your accident-related damages.

For example, a vehicle owner who fails to replace worn-out brakes exposes their friend to danger, especially if they don’t inform the friend of the defective brakes before allowing them to borrow the car.

You May Need to Speak with Your Own Auto Insurer (but Only After Hiring a Lawyer)

Your own auto insurers may need to know about your accident and may even need to provide compensation to you or others affected by the accident. Always have an attorney provide this notice, as they should carefully handle any and all insurance communications, even with your provider.

Giving an insurer recorded statements can hurt your case if you:

• Misremember the facts of the accident
• Unintentionally admit to causing the accident
• Make any other errors that shed a poor light on you (or your friend)

An attorney can prepare you to make any necessary recorded statements. Your lawyer may even arrange for you to submit a carefully crafted written statement without risk of misinterpretation.

A Personal Injury Attorney May Be of Great Use to You

You may benefit greatly from hiring a personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will seek any compensation you deserve while protecting you from unfair financial liability for the accident.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Will Help You

Personal injury lawyers generally seek compensation for accident victims. Knowing that car accidents can cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, your attorney may face a tall task.

Personal injury lawyers serve their car accident victim clients by:

Evaluating All Options for Seeking Compensation, Including Insurance Claims and Lawsuits

Your role in the accident (or lack thereof, if you’re the vehicle owner) may largely determine your options for seeking compensation. Your state’s laws regarding liability and auto insurance coverage will also be relevant.

An experienced personal injury lawyer in your area may be a trove of information about insurance laws. They will combine their existing knowledge with the details of your case (including specific insurance policies) to advise the right strategy.

Initiate Any Claim(s) or Lawsuit You Choose to Pursue

Once you and your lawyer have identified a strategy for seeking compensation, your lawyer will execute that strategy. They must act quickly because your case likely has a filing deadline for lawsuits (and similar deadlines for insurance claims).

Gather All Accident-Related Evidence

Your attorney will pursue any evidence that can benefit your case, which may include:

• Witness accounts of the collision
• Video footage of the collision
• Expert opinions about who is at fault for the accident
• Any statements related to whether you allowed your friend to borrow the car (or, as the friend, whether the owner allowed you to borrow the car)

Evidence is unique to each car accident case. Your lawyer may work with experienced accident investigators to build a strong, evidence-based case for compensation.

Document Your Accident-Related Damages (and Calculate a Fair Settlement)

A client’s damages are always the central focus for car accident lawyers. Your attorney will secure any medical images, doctors’ records, medical bills, invoices for property-related services (like vehicle repairs), and other proof of your damages.

Negotiate a Settlement

Your lawyer will negotiate with insurers or other parties who owe you compensation for a car accident.

Negotiations may require your lawyer to:

• Present evidence of liability for the car accident
• Detail specific aspects of insurance policies that prove you’re entitled to compensation
• Present and question experts who have insight into liability or your damages
• Present documentation of your damages to support their calculation of how much your damages cost

Most civil cases settle, but the goal is to settle for the entire amount of compensation you deserve. Your lawyer should fearlessly advocate for you during settlement talks.

Complete Any Necessary Trial

If settlement negotiations in your case prove difficult, your attorney should prepare for trial. If you must go to trial, you need a lawyer who will represent you in court.

Recoverable Damages an Attorney Can Seek Compensation For

A lawyer will seek compensation for any damages you suffer in the car accident, which may include:

• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Diminished earning power
• Treatment for pain and suffering
• Temporary transportation
• Medical expenses

Your attorney will consider both existing and future damages as they set the bar for settlement negotiations.

Call an Attorney Today to Discuss How They Can Serve You

A free consultation will allow you to ask a law firm about their services and to understand if a personal injury lawyer is the resource you need. Don’t wait, as a lawyer may need to meet a deadline for filing your case.

Request A Free Consultation Today!

Seattle’s main traffic arteries throughout the city are where car accidents most often happen. These streets are also the most common sites for fatal accidents, including pedestrian accidents.

Specific streets noted for their high volume of traffic accidents include Lake City Way, Aurora Avenue North, and Rainier Avenue South. However, car accidents can occur on any street in Seattle when motorists, pedestrians, the city, or others’ negligence results in a collision.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need legal assistance, consider reaching out to a Seattle car accident lawyer to protect your rights and seek compensation.

Request A Free Consultation Today!

The Most Dangerous Areas for Motorists and Pedestrians Traveling in Seattle

Several areas and roadways should place you on high alert as a pedestrian or motorist, including:

High-Traffic Roadways

The likelihood of a motor vehicle accident is, in many cases, little more than a numbers game. The more vehicles that travel on a given road, the more likely that road will see an accident.

High-traffic roadways may also:

• Leave motorists little room to navigate, and bumper-to-bumper traffic is a risk factor for accidents.
• Enrage, panic, or compromise motorists in other ways that increase the risk of an accident.
• Wear down through the heavy flow of vehicles, causing potholes, cracks in the pavement, and other hazards that increase the risk of an accident.

When an accident happens on a busy road, other motorists may not stop in time to avoid secondary collisions. High-traffic roads may pose a higher likelihood of multi-vehicle, chain-reaction accidents.

High-Speed Roadways

When Seattle has reduced speed limits on its arterial roads, researchers have discovered lower rates of accident-related injuries. This finding reinforces what we already know to be true: Speeding contributes to both the frequency and severity of auto accidents.

Roadways with high speed limits, including but not limited to highways, may see more total accidents than roads with lower speed limits.

Roads with Narrow Shoulders

As a city that has embraced environmentally-friendly means of travel, bicyclists, scooter riders, and motorists are often nearby. Embracing non-motorized travel requires that Seattle provide safe bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and other conditions to keep bicyclists, walkers, and scooter riders safe.

If a roadway does not provide enough room for non-motorists to travel safely, it may pose a high risk of pedestrian accidents.

Impoverished Areas of the City

93 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents occur on arterial streets. The source that reported this finding also reported that areas with high poverty rates (increasingly common in Seattle) may pose a high accident risk, especially collisions between motorists and pedestrians.

Those in impoverished areas may be more likely to be walking or biking on or near the street, as they may lack their own motor vehicle. More pedestrians near a roadway generally mean a higher risk of a pedestrian accident.

Roads Lacking Adequate Traffic Signals or Signage

Roads that do not have adequate signage put motorists and pedestrians in danger.

Danger can arise when a road or intersection lacks:

• Stop signs
• Yield signs
• Traffic signals
• Pedestrian crossing signals
• Lane markings

Signs that fall or traffic lights that don’t work present significant threats to motorist and pedestrian safety.

Dilapidated Roadways

Seattle’s streets rank among the most flawed in the nation, as the city’s residents and visitors must regularly dodge potholes and other blemishes.

Uneven pavement, potholes, cracks, and other road-related hazards can cause accidents when:

• The blemish causes the motorist to lose control of their vehicle, striking another vehicle, pedestrian, or fixed object as a consequence.
• The motorist swerves to avoid running into a road-related hazard but hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or object as a result.

The City of Seattle or another responsible party may be financially liable when substandard road conditions contribute to a collision.

Roads Under Construction

Streets in Seattle undergoing substantial construction may be safer in the long term.

During construction, however, these streets may have increased hazards, including:

• Heavy equipment
• Concrete barriers
• Traffic cones and barrels
• Work crews
• Confusing signage

Unsafe construction zones pose a safety risk to motorists, workers, and anyone else near the construction site.

Car Accidents Can Happen Anywhere in Seattle

While a car accident may be more likely to occur on an arterial road, at an intersection, and in certain other high-risk areas of Seattle, auto accidents happen every day all across the city.

Regardless of where you are driving, walking, or riding in Seattle, you may be involved in an accident because:

A Motorist Acts Carelessly

Motorists cause most accidents, and collisions in Seattle often result from a motorist:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Changing lanes recklessly
• Stopping abruptly
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while drunk, under the influence of drugs, or impaired in any other way
• Running stop signs, yield signs, or traffic lights

If a motorist hit your vehicle or struck you as a pedestrian, the motorist’s insurer may be liable for your accident-related damages. You may even hold the motorist personally liable if you pursue a lawsuit.

A Pedestrian Causes a Collision

Pedestrians in Seattle do not have the strongest reputation for predictability and have undoubtedly caused many accidents in the Emerald City. A pedestrian who darts into the roadway for no apparent reason, jaywalks, veers out of the bike lane, or does anything else that disrupts traffic may cause a collision.

A motorist may strike the pedestrian, swerve and hit another vehicle, or swerve and hit a fixed object. In any of these cases, the pedestrian may be liable for causing the accident. If the pedestrian lacks insurance or financial means, you may receive compensation through your own auto insurer.

Road Defects Cause an Accident

The City of Seattle may be liable if hazardous road conditions cause an accident.

Such conditions may include:

• Dangerously positioned work zones or crews
• Potholes
• Unmarked lanes
• Cracks in the road
• Uneven pavement
• Out-of-service traffic lights
• Downed traffic signs

Municipalities, including Seattle, must keep roads and traffic infrastructure in good condition. If you’ve driven in Seattle, you know the city does not always live up to this mandate. If your accident resulted from unsafe road conditions, the city may need to cover your damages.

A Vehicle Malfunctions

If a defective vehicle is the cause of an accident, liable parties can include:

• The vehicle manufacturer
• The seller of a secondhand vehicle
• The vehicle owner
• An automotive technician who caused the defect
• An automotive technician who should have identified and fixed a defect but failed to do so

Countless vehicles on Seattle’s roads contain defects that will eventually wreak havoc. When such a defect injures you, an attorney can identify liable parties and see fair compensation for your damages.

How Can a Car Accident Victim Seek Compensation for Their Damages in Seattle?

The two primary ways to seek compensation after a Seattle car accident are:

1. Filing an insurance claim
2. Filing a lawsuit

In many cases, a car accident victim will file an insurance claim, engage in negotiations, and file a lawsuit because the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement. A car accident lawyer can review your circumstances and pursue a claim or lawsuit.

Why Would a Car Accident Victim Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

There are several reasons why car accident victims in Seattle and elsewhere hire lawyers to fight for their financial recovery.

Some of the common reasons why you might hire a car accident lawyer include:

• Protecting your physical and mental health (and avoiding new injuries): Lawyers encourage their clients to focus on recovery. This is possible because an attorney will manage every aspect of your claim or lawsuit. If you try to handle your own case, you may experience significant stress that worsens injuries and creates new complications.
• Avoiding potentially traumatic details of your accident: In addition to the general stress you might face when handling your case, specific accident details may repeatedly trigger trauma. If you allow a lawyer to lead your claim or lawsuit, you may allow psychological and emotional wounds to heal.
• Accepting a law firm’s financial support: Injury firms represent their clients on contingency. The firm pays for all case-related costs, and the lawyer only receives a fee if they obtain compensation for the client. This arrangement means there is no direct cost to the client.
• Relying on a lawyer’s training and experience in car accident cases: Even if you have handled an insurance claim in the past, each claim presents new challenges. Especially if you have significant injuries, relying on a lawyer’s experience, knowledge, and training is highly beneficial.

Many car accident victims hire an attorney for a combination of reasons rather than a single one. A capable firm will explain the value they offer and should make your decision easy.

What Car Accident Lawyers Do for Car Accident Victims in Seattle

The right attorney will oversee every detail of your insurance claim or lawsuit, which may require them to:

Obtain All Relevant Evidence of Liability

Lawyers must establish liability for an accident to determine who owes whom compensation.

Your attorney may determine and document liability using:

• Your account of the accident
• Eyewitness accounts of the accident
• A law enforcement officer’s report
• Video footage of the collision
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Expert testimony about who is liable for the collision

Injury lawyers secure evidence of liability as quickly as possible. The fact that some evidence may only be available for a limited time (video footage and eyewitness accounts being prime examples) should motivate you to hire a lawyer as soon as possible.

Document and Calculate Your Accident-Related Damages

Before negotiating a settlement, your lawyer will document and calculate your accident-related losses.

Useful documentation may include:

• All accident-related medical records and bills
• Invoices for property repair and replacement
• Expert testimony about your injuries, mental health symptoms, and other damages
• Proof of any income you have lost because of the car accident in Seattle

Your lawyer will work to prove each of your accident-related losses in the greatest possible detail.

Negotiate a Settlement

Settlements are the preferred way to resolve car accident claims and lawsuits. Your attorney will review settlement offers with you and continue negotiating until they receive a fair offer.

Take Your Case to Trial

If your attorney does not receive a fair offer from insurers, they may file a lawsuit on your behalf. Your lawyer will discuss this possibility if your claim or lawsuit reaches a crossroads between accepting the best settlement offer and going to court.

These are the big-picture responsibilities a car accident lawyer typically handles. Your attorney will also lead communications, draft and submit paperwork, provide routine case updates, and advise you on every aspect of the claim or lawsuit.

Recoverable Damages in a Seattle Car Accident Case

Your recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Vehicle repairs (or replacement of a totaled vehicle)
• Replacement of damaged property (like your phone or clothing)
• Lost income
• Diminished earning power
• Pain and suffering (and related treatment expenses)

Each car accident victim has different injuries, mental health symptoms, and property costs. Your attorney will evaluate your losses and calculate the value of a fair settlement.

Don’t Wait to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Serving Seattle

Your lawyer likely faces a timeline for filing a claim or lawsuit. Don’t wait to hire a personal injury attorney and allow them to fight for your financial recovery in Seattle.