Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

What Sets Boohoff Law Seattle Car Accident Lawyers Apart

After a car accident, you might feel overwhelmed and stressed. This is where our injury law firm can really help. We understand what you’re going through and will make things easier for you.

Our main goal is to take care of the complicated legal work so you can focus on getting better. We’ll listen to you, explain things clearly, and fight to get you the best result. You’re not just another case to us; we really care. With us by your side, you’ll have someone who’s looking out for you every step of the way.

Attorney Tatiana Boohoff and the team of Seattle personal injury lawyers at Boohoff Law bring years of combined experience to the task of representing victims of car accidents.

Founded more than a decade ago, Boohoff Law’s mission is to serve Seattle residents and visitors victimized by personal injury with skill, determination, and a commitment to personalized client service.

A graduate of top-ranked Boston University School of Law, Tatiana Boohoff leads a team that focuses its efforts exclusively on advocating on behalf of personal injury victims who need help recovering compensation from those whose actions did them harm.

You owe it to yourself to explore all your legal options with an experienced lawyer. Call us today to learn more! 

Seattle Car Accident Statistics

You don’t need us to tell you that car accidents can cause serious harm. Because cars are the number one form of transportation in the U.S., every one of us has pretty good odds of getting into a car accident at some point in our lives. For most of us, it’s a scary but survivable experience.

Some of us, however, are less lucky. People die in car accidents every day in our country, and many of those who survive face lives completely altered by the injuries they suffer.

Here are the latest traffic accident statistics from the Seattle Department of Transportation:

• More than 256 serious traffic accidents occurred throughout the city in 2022.
• Of those, 226 people sustained serious injuries, and 30 people died.

The most common reasons cited for causing traffic accidents in Seattle include failure to grant right of way, improper turn, disregarding traffic lights and stop signs, and speeding.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Seattle

Auto accidents happen for a host of reasons, including behavioral, environmental, and situational. A small number of car accidents are inevitable and can’t be prevented. Most of them, however, could at least be prevented, and many result from poor decisions by someone who should have done better.

Among the most common human-related causes of car accidents are:

• Alcohol and drug impairment. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), “[d]river impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs is the number one contributing factor in Washington fatal crashes and is involved in nearly half of all traffic fatalities.” Increasingly, drivers involved in fatal crashes have been found to have both drugs (typically marijuana) and alcohol in their systems.
• Driver distraction. The WTSC recently made this sobering statement about distracted driving that sums up its risks: “In Washington State, distracted driving is a factor in nearly one of every three traffic fatalities and more than one of every four serious injuries. In recent years, distraction-involved fatalities increased by 27.1 percent and serious injuries by 33.8 percent compared to the previous three years. Distraction ranks only behind impairment as a prevalent risky behavior in traffic fatalities and serious injuries.”
• Speeding. Although driver distraction overtook speeding recently as the second-most common factor in fatal car accidents in the state, speeding remains a significant cause of car accidents in the state, playing a role in more than 1 in 5 accidents resulting in a fatality or serious injury, according to WTSC crash data.
• Driver fatigue. Fatigue can have the same effects on driver performance as drug or alcohol impairment, as this tragic story from WSDOT’s blog reflects.
• Vehicle malfunctions. Sometimes, a crash happens because something went wrong with a vehicle. Some of these are typical, such as a blown tire or broken tail lights that fail to warn of a slowdown. Others are more unusual and may signal that some part of the vehicle had a dangerous defect.
• Road conditions. Drivers have an obligation to operate their vehicles in a manner appropriate for road conditions. That is not always an easy task. Wet roads, in particular, contribute to a significant number of fatal car accidents. These are just a few of the more common ways car accidents occur on Seattle-area roadways. There are lots more.

Every car accident has its own unique facts and circumstances, which is why it is critical for accident victims to retain the services of an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer with the know-how to investigate and litigate a car accident injury.

Dangerous Intersections in Seattle

Seattle’s huge volume of automobile traffic, unfortunately, creates opportunities for car accidents all across the city.  However, some areas are more prone to motor vehicle accidents than others.

These are some of the most dangerous intersections for collisions in the city, according to crash statistics reported by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).

• James Street and Sixth Avenue – This intersection, near the Harborview Medical Center’s Emergency Department, is a regular spot for crashes, and reports show that more accidents happen at this intersection than any other area.
• Boren Avenue and Pike Street – This intersection is near the Washington State Convention Center, which means there are often unfamiliar drivers and pedestrians passing through. This is a common location for both car and pedestrian collisions alike.
• Lake City Way NE and NE 103th Street – Though this intersection is outside of downtown Seattle, it is still a major thoroughfare in the northeast region of the city, and eight crashes occurred here in a single year. Lake City Way is risky in general, as many intersections along the roadway are common accident sites.
• Dexter Avenue North and Thomas Street – This intersection is in the heart of downtown, close to the Space Needle, many hotels, and other tourist attractions. Accidents commonly involve drivers visiting the area, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Aside from the above-mentioned intersections, some additional risky intersections area include:

• Rainier Avenue South and South Massachusetts Street
• Rainier Avenue South and South Henderson Street
• 15th Avenue NE and NE Pacific Street
• Corson Avenue South and South Michigan Street
• Fifth Avenue and University Street
• South Dawson Street and East Marginal Way

Other Common Seattle Locations for Auto Crashes

Intersections are not the only locations that regularly see traffic crashes. Additional areas of the city that might have increased accident risks are:

• Capitol Hill
• Belltown
• Near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Georgetown
• Ballard
• Near the campuses of the University of Washington Seattle or Seattle University

These areas are known for nightlife, student communities, tourists, and other aspects that can make crash risks higher. Such risks include heavier traffic, impaired drivers, inexperienced drivers, and more.

No matter where your accident happens, you have the same rights to compensation if someone else was responsible for causing your injuries.

Boohoff Law represents car accident victims throughout the entire Seattle area, so please do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss your specific situation and injuries.

Common Seattle Car Accident Injuries

Seattle car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries. Even low-speed impacts can cause injuries that require extensive medical treatment and a long recovery. Some of the most common types of injuries we see include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in Seattle car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, causing strain to the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and sometimes shoulder or back pain. While many cases of whiplash resolve within a few weeks, some victims may experience chronic pain or complications.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries causing long-term cognitive impairment. These injuries occur when the brain is jolted inside the skull due to the force of impact. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, memory problems, mood changes, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or coma. Seattle’s hilly terrain and busy intersections can contribute to accidents with enough force to cause TBIs.
• Broken bones: Fractures are common in Seattle car accidents, particularly in high-speed collisions or those involving pedestrians or cyclists. Common locations for fractures include the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. The severity can range from simple fractures that heal with immobilization to compound fractures requiring surgical intervention.
• Soft tissue injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can occur throughout the body and often result from the sudden impact and jerking motions during a crash. Common soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and contusions. While often less severe than bone fractures, these injuries can cause significant pain and may require physical therapy for full recovery.
• Spinal cord injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are particularly severe and can have life-altering consequences. Seattle’s mix of highway and urban driving conditions can contribute to accidents with enough force to cause spinal injuries.
• Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, twisted metal, or loose objects in the car can cause cuts and lacerations during an accident. While many of these injuries are minor, some can be severe enough to require stitches or even cause significant blood loss. Deep cuts may also leave permanent scars.
• Internal injuries: The force of impact in a car accident can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. These can include internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs. Seattle’s varying road conditions, from busy downtown streets to high-speed freeways, can contribute to accidents severe enough to cause these dangerous injuries.
• Psychological trauma: While not a physical injury, the psychological impact of a car accident can be significant. Many accident victims in Seattle experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a crash. These conditions can affect a person’s ability to drive, work, or engage in daily activities, and may require professional mental health treatment.

The specific injuries in any given accident can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of collision, vehicle safety features, use of seat belts, and individual circumstances. 

What Types of Compensation Can A Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Obtain?

A Seattle car accident lawyer from our firm can potentially help you obtain several types of compensation after a car accident, including:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for current and future medical treatments, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any other healthcare costs related to your injuries.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery or medical appointments.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term or permanently.
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged personal property.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you previously enjoyed.
• Disability or disfigurement: Additional compensation if you suffer permanent disability or visible scarring.
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm, though these are less common.
• Wrongful death damages: If a family member died in the accident, compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Reimbursement for costs like transportation to medical appointments or hiring help for household tasks you can’t perform due to injuries.

A Seattle car accident lawyer from Boohoff Law can assess the specifics of your case to determine which types of compensation you may be eligible for and work to maximize your recovery. 

What Factors Can Affect My Seattle Car Accident Claim Compensation?

After a car accident, many people wonder how much compensation they should expect. Should you expect the maximum payout allowed by the other driver’s insurance policy? Will the insurance company pay for all of your medical bills?

Your car accident claim has a number of unique elements. Several factors can influence the compensation you receive.

• The limits of the insurance policy. Some drivers carry much higher-value insurance policies than others. If your injuries and financial damages exceed the amount of the other driver’s policy, you may need to turn to your underinsured motorist policy to help get the funds you need.
• The severity of your injuries. Some injuries carry much more significant costs than others. How much your injuries limit you. Often, insurance companies calculate pain and suffering based on the limitations caused by your injuries. If you return to work soon after your accident, for example, you may receive less compensation for pain and suffering than if your injuries prevent you from going back to your everyday activities.
• The financial damages you suffered as a result of the accident. Financial damages can include property damage, lost time at work, and lost earning potential due to an inability to return to your previous job. Whether or not you contributed to the accident.
• If you contributed to the accident, it may reduce the compensation you receive by a corresponding percentage. For example, if you contributed 10 percent to the accident, your compensation may drop by 10 percent.

Our attorneys will work diligently to establish liability on the proper responsible parties and defend you against attempts to unjustly blame you for the car crash and your and your injuries. You can also count on us to fully assess and document the extent of your injuries and losses to help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle Car Accidents

After a car accident, you may find yourself with a wide range of questions. What happens next? What should you expect from the legal process?

Most people suffer through the aftermath of a car accident at some point in their lives, but not everyone knows what they should do about it. If you have questions about your car accident, these answers can help you move forward.

What Information Should I Collect at the Scene of My Car Accident?

As soon as you get into a car accident, you need to start working to protect yourself. If you need medical attention, seek it first.

If you can move safely around the scene of the auto accident you can collect several pieces of vital information from the scene of your accident, such as:

• A copy of the police report.
• Contact information for the other driver, including the driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number. You may also copy down their driver’s license number.
• Contact information for any witnesses at the scene of the accident.
• Photos of the accident scene. Snapping a photo on your phone of relevant information, including the other party’s driver’s license, can help ensure that you have a record of relevant information in a place you can easily access later.

Don’t worry if you are unable to collect evidence yourself. Many car crash victims are too hurt to do this. If you contact our law firm immediately after your accident, we can go to work gathering this evidence for you! 

Do I Need a Lawyer After My Car Accident?

After a car crash, many people decide to try to handle their car accident claims on their own. If you suffered severe injuries or significant property damage in your accident, however, calling a lawyer can help prevent you from missing out on the funds you need after your accident.

Our Seattle car accident attorneys can help you in several different ways:

• Providing a better understanding of exactly what funds you deserve for your car accident, based on your injuries, your pain and suffering, and your losses due to the accident.
• Helping to prove that you did not cause or help cause the car accident. The insurance company’s lawyer may attempt to prove that you contributed to the car accident, which will reduce the funds the company owes you for your injuries.
• Offering valuable legal advice throughout the process, from what you can post on your social media accounts about the accident and your injuries to when you should accept the settlement offered by the insurance company.

If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Check Shortly After the Accident, Should I Take It?

NO! In many cases, the other driver’s insurance company will offer to send you a settlement check soon after the accident. Often, however, this check reflects only a percentage of the funds you deserve for your injuries.

Insurance companies often hurry to issue a settlement offer after an accident with significant injuries. Before accepting the check, especially if that acceptance includes signing paperwork relieving the insurance company of future responsibility, consult with an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at our law firm.

A lawyer can help evaluate your injuries and the financial damages associated with your accident to determine whether the check offered by the insurance company will adequately cover your financial needs after the accident.

What Happens If I Have Negative Equity in My Car?

You owe more on your car than its current value. If the insurance company totals your car after the accident, will the insurance company pay the negative equity in your vehicle? Often, it depends.

A Seattle car accident attorney can help you file a claim that includes the negative equity in your car; however, you do not have any guarantee that the insurance company will pay for those damages.

Depending on the severity of the accident and your injuries, you may still owe the additional equity on your vehicle. In some cases, you can roll this negative equity into your new car loan.

How Can I Protect Myself After an Auto Accident in Seattle?

After a car accident, you may need to take a number of important steps to protect your rights. Some of these steps begin at the scene of the accident. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after your accident.

Many Seattle injury victims suffer serious injuries that do not show symptoms immediately. Even if you believe yourself uninjured, visit a doctor for evaluation as soon as possible. If you can, gather evidence at the scene of the accident.

Photograph the vehicles, especially any damage to them, and the accident scene.

Collect contact information for witnesses. All of this information can help prove who caused the accident and get you the compensation you deserve.

Report the accident to the police and receive a police report. If you do not need to leave the scene of the accident to seek medical attention, wait for the police to arrive and issue a statement about the accident.

Do everything your doctor requires throughout your recovery process. If you ignore doctors’ orders and make your injuries worse, it can decrease the compensation you can receive.

Consult a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Working with a lawyer can more effectively protect your rights throughout the legal process after your accident. Keep track of all of your records. Start a file immediately after the accident. Put all of your medical information, photos from the accident scene, and witness statements in that file.

The more information you have, the better you can protect your rights after an accident. Avoid discussing the accident unnecessarily. Do not allow other people’s versions of events to color your perceptions or make accusations against anyone involved in the accident. Issue a statement to the police at the accident scene if requested, then wait to discuss the accident until you can talk to your lawyer.

Do I Have to Give the Insurance Company a Statement About the Accident?

Legally, you may need to issue a statement to the other party’s insurance company about the accident. That does not, however, mean that you have to issue a statement immediately. To protect yourself, contact a Seattle auto accident attorney before you issue your statement about the accident.

Your lawyer can help you more carefully word your statement, avoid admissions of fault, and provide all relevant information about the accident to the insurance company. If possible, you should write down your own statement of events as soon as possible after the accident. The longer you wait, the more events will fade in your mind. You may find your version of events influenced by other witnesses, statements made by your doctor, and even the questions asked by the insurance company.

Write down your statement as soon as possible, then go over it with your lawyer to ensure that you have an accurate version of what occurred during the accident.

Do I Have to Admit Fault?

If you aren’t sure if you contributed to your car accident, or believe that you may have contributed to the accident, you should still avoid immediately admitting fault if at all possible. In the wake of an accident, it is often unclear exactly who or what caused or contributed to the accident.

An admission of fault can work against you as you attempt to claim compensation for your injuries and property damage. You should also avoid any statements about your injuries or your physical status after the accident. If you believe that you contributed to the accident, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

An auto accident lawyer at Boohoff Law can help you decide how to phrase any statements you make about the accident as well as helping you determine what you should and shouldn’t say.

How Long Do I Have to File an Accident Claim?

In Seattle and throughout the state, you have three years after your accident to file a claim. Ideally, however, you want to file your accident claim as soon as possible. The longer you wait to file an accident claim, the harder you will find it to locate evidence.

Not only that, events may fade in your mind and the minds of your witnesses. If you discovered injuries well after an accident, including traumatic brain injury or another injury that took weeks or months to show up after the accident, you may have three years after identifying that injury to file your claim.

Is Washington a No-Fault State?

In no-fault states, each party carries a personal injury protection policy that covers the first $10,000 of injuries and lost time at work after a car accident. Washington, however, does not have a no-fault law.

Instead, Washington uses comparative fault law: the fault of each party involved in the accident factors into who pays for the accident and who bears financial liability for the other party’s injuries and lost time at work after the accident.

How Does the Insurance Company Determine Fault After a Seattle Car Accident?

After a car accident, many insurance companies will carefully examine the accident to determine fault, including assigning financial liability. The insurance company will likely evaluate a number of factors, including the police report from the accident. 

If fault in your accident remains unclear, working with an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure that you do not end up taking the fall for an accident you did not cause. By working with an attorney, you can protect your rights throughout the process.