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Car accidents and collisions are the primary cause of catastrophic injuries and wrongful death in Spokane. Every day, people are killed and injured on our roads. Men, women, and children walking, riding, biking, or driving to school or work; children crossing the street; and families setting out on long trips may never return home. Each year, thousands of people in Spokane will spend weeks in the hospital after severe crashes. Many will never be able to live, work, or play like they did before. However, the help of an experienced attorney can help the recovery process after a car accident in Spokane, WA.

What kind of Spokane auto accident were you involved in?

Infograph of road users

Car Crash Statistics for Washington State

According to 2019 statistics published by the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation Crash Data Portal:

  • Fatal car crashes killed 513 people.
  • King County led with the most crashes in the state.
  • The month of July saw the most fatal crashes.
  • 45,524 accidents overall occurred in the state.
  • Data shows that car crashes involving lane departure and intersections are particularly perilous.

Common Injuries in Car Crashes

Injuries from a Spokane auto accident can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening and life-changing injuries that can result in permanent disability.

An auto accident injuries can include:

Why, then, do some people drive in a careless or otherwise negligent manner? Presumably, it’s not because their intent is to cause harm to others or themselves. Yet through deliberate speeding, driving under the influence, or paying closer attention to their phone than to the road, they behave in ways that reveal their indifference, whether or not they like what that says about them. They have chosen unsafe driving behaviors.

Car accidents are preventable. Safe driving is no accident. But safe driving does not just happen. The civil justice system is in place to hold accountable those responsible for car crashes. By enforcing the traffic safety rules, Sweetser Law Office does our part to keep people safe on the road every day. We invite you to join us in our quest to make our roadways a little safer from car crashes in Spokane.

Infograph of high risk behavior by drivers

The Impact of Car Accidents in Washington

Statistics cannot tell the full story. The physical, psychological, emotional, financial, and societal loss for every person killed or injured in car crashes is enormous. Car accident injuries leave behind shattered families. More than half the people killed in traffic crashes are healthy adults between 15 to 44 years of age – often the breadwinners in a family. Their presence and contributions are greatly needed by their family and community. The loss of even one family member, co-worker, or friend as the result of another’s negligence is devastating. That’s why Sweetser Law Office is dedicated to enforcing the traffic safety rules that protect the community, because every life counts.

At Sweetser Law Office, we put a face behind the figures. Behind each statistic there is a story of a mother or father, daughter or son, sister or brother, grandchild, friend, colleague or classmate whose life was transformed in an instant. We know of the shock that can shatter a seemingly ordinary day with disbelief, denial, panic and rage. Our Spokane car accident lawyers see whole families left with the overwhelming realization that life will never be the same. Those affected can often struggle to come to terms with a new reality, one comprised of intolerable grief and loss. There are times that no amount of compensation from the responsible driver can make sense of the senseless. Sometimes no words can adequately convey the profound feeling of helplessness, even years later, that an auto accident can leave behind.

Car accident stories and experiences do not discriminate. Victims come from low-, middle- and high-income, no matter the race, color, creed, or religion, from rural to urban area, from residents to tourists, adults and children alike. Their stories serve as a painful reminder of dreams unrealized, hopes unfilled, and the enormous suffering that could have been avoided.

What to Do After a Car Accident

In the wake of an accident, the following tips apply:

  • Move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic if it safe to do so and you are physically able.
  • Call 911 if you or anyone in your vehicle is injured. Ensure you get medical care.
  • Notify the police. Obtaining a police report is commonly crucial to your claim. Do not admit fault to anyone.
  • Get all contact information on all drivers in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license, and vehicle identification numbers.
  • Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
  • Take pictures of the accident, including damage, the scene, signs, signals, and anything else in the vicinity that may be critical.
  • Call your insurance company and notify them of the accident.
  • Call Sweetser Law Office for a free consultation.

Determining Liability in a Car Accident

Liability is determined in an auto accident after a thorough analysis of all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the event. These include police reports, witness statements, photos and other documentation gathered at the time of the accident, and more. Where claims are made to an insurer, the insurer will investigate all evidence presented to them. If they determine that their policyholder is at fault, they are required to offer a settlement. After accepting such an offer, you will have to sign an agreement that you will no longer pursue any further payout from them.

Insurers are notorious for trying to limit their payouts through fast, lowball settlements. This is why you should turn to an attorney from our personal injury law firm who can make an independent investigation. Insurers generally offer fair settlements when they know an attorney is onboard who will fight for your best interests.

Comparative Negligence in Washington State

Comparative negligence is another factor in car accident liability. This means that your degree of fault in the accident will reduce what you receive in compensation. For example, if it is determined that you were 20 percent at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that amount. Thus, if you were awarded $10,000 in compensation, you would only receive $8,000.

How to Recover Compensation

If you believe that you were harmed due to another's negligence, then don't waste another moment. You need the help of a skilled Spokane car accident attorney who can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. The insurance company will do everything in their power to pay the least amount to you. This is why an attorney is vital to your car accident case-you need someone who will fight fiercely on your behalf and who knows their way around the territory.

We have over three decades worth of experience winning maximum financial recovery for the victims of Spokane. Contact us today at (509) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation.

Related Reading:

Check out our blog for some additional information about car accident injuries and lawsuits!

  • Cold Weather Driving Tips - Cold weather should influence the way you drive; be prepared for this winter by reading up on some of our expert driving tips!
  • How to Deal with Uninsured/Underinsured Collisions - Being involved in a car accident is hard enough, but being involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have the proper insurance coverage can be a nightmare. Luckily, we're here to back you up.
  • Dealing with Fatal Car Accidents - If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you don't have to navigate this time alone. Our car accident lawyers in Spokane are prepared to guide you through the process.

Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Reviews

To see why clients choose our Washington law firm when they need the best car accident lawyers in Spokane, visit our car accident lawyer reviews.

Common Questions About Car Accidents in Spokane, WA:

When should I get an attorney for my car accident? While you always have the option of representing yourself in your personal injury claim, keep in mind that if you are dealing with extensive medical bills/treatment or a complicated case in which you are expected to provide evidence or communicate with the other party's insurance, it can be helpful to have an experienced Spokane car accident lawyer representing you. In addition, if you were forced to miss work because of your accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover adequate compensation.

Are car accident settlements taxable? Whether or not your settlement money is taxable will depend mostly on what type of loss you are being awarded compensation for. In general, compensation that is meant to reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses like medical bills are not taxable. However, to get more specific information about tax laws and your settlement, you should contact a professional tax adviser.

What is the average car accident settlement? The amount of compensation you may receive for your accident will depend largely on how severe your injuries are and what forms of treatment are required for you to make a recovery. To get a better idea of what compensation you may be entitled to, contact our law firm in Spokane!

When am I required to report a car accident? Washington state requires individuals to report car accidents to the Department of Transportation any time there is a death, injury, or property damage in excess of $700. Normally a police officer will make the report on your behalf, but if not, it is your responsibility to report the auto accident. This can be done online and should be done within 4 days of the auto accident.