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Average Car Accident Settlement Amount in Washington State

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Being in a car accident can cause different kinds of problems in your life, including injuries and car repairs. You might lose your main mode of transportation if you’re in a serious wreck, or you might miss out on wages if you have to take time off from work to recover. These issues and expenses can be more difficult to handle if the car accident wasn’t even your fault. If another party was responsible for the accident, you can seek financial compensation through legal means. An experienced Washington car accident lawyer can help raise your chance of getting the compensation you deserve through a settlement.

How Common Are Car Accidents in Washington?

From minor fender benders to serious wrecks, car accidents occur throughout Washington state. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) shows that there were 103,160 crashes overall in 2022. Out of these crashes, 700 were fatal, and 2,644 included suspected serious injuries. Around 72,891 of these crashes had no apparent injury.

Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that over half of all fatal car crashes in 2022 involved drug or alcohol impairment. Even if you’re a careful driver, keep in mind that you’re at risk of sharing the road with impaired drivers. If you’ve been in a car accident that someone else was responsible for, a Washington car accident attorney can help.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Washington State

Knowing what to do immediately after you’re in a car accident is important for practical, medical, and legal purposes.

The steps to take right away include moving to a safe area and checking if anyone else has any injuries. Depending on injury severity, you might need to call for medical help.

Your next steps should involve calling the police to check the scene of the accident and exchanging information with other parties who were involved. Ask the other driver or drivers for their driver’s license and car insurance information.

When you have the information needed, use your phone to take photos of the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles involved in the crash and the area around the crash site. Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can to start the claims process.

Your last step involves calling a Washington car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you begin the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. With help from a Washington auto accident attorney, you can work on getting financial compensation to help cover car repairs, medical bills, and other expenses.

Average Car Accident Settlements in WA

How much compensation can a car accident attorney in WA help you get? This depends on a wide range of factors, such as medical bill amounts, car repair bills, and whether or not you’ve lost any income. Your case can get even more complicated if you have injuries that will affect your ability to continue working.

The average car accident settlement amount in Washington is difficult to determine. Past settlements have ranged to hundred thousands, but these vary considerably. Your Washington car accident attorney can ensure that you seek the right amount of financial compensation for any losses or expenses you’ve experienced.

How to Begin Pursuing a Settlement in WA

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Washington state, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Washington has a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits, meaning you have a limited window of time to pursue a settlement.

Consider contacting a Washington auto accident attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire settlement process. They will begin by thoroughly reviewing the details of your accident, including police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to determine the strength of your case.

If your attorney believes you have a valid personal injury claim, they will explain the settlement process in detail, outlining the potential legal strategies and likely outcomes. They will handle all communication and negotiation with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, working tirelessly to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

How to Know the Amount of Your Car Accident Settlement

Car accident settlements are calculated with these key considerations:

Severity of Injuries: This is the most significant factor. The extent and severity of injuries directly impact medical expenses, recovery time, potential long-term effects, and consequently, the settlement amount.
Medical Expenses: One of the most significant factors in determining a car accident settlement is the medical bills incurred as a result of the accident. This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and future medical care.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If the accident caused you to miss work, you are entitled to compensation for lost wages. If the injuries have impacted your ability to earn a living in the future, the settlement may also include compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any other personal property damaged in the accident, will be factored into the settlement.
Insurance Coverage: Washington requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance. However, if the at-fault driver has minimal coverage or no insurance, the settlement may be limited unless you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

While every case is unique, it’s important to thoroughly document all expenses and injuries to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Importance of a Car Accident Attorney for Obtaining a Settlement

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, repairs, and insurance companies. While it might be tempting to handle a claim independently, securing a fair settlement often necessitates a skilled car accident attorney.

Washington auto accident lawyers possess an in-depth understanding of the state’s legal complexities and insurance practices. They can effectively represent your interests, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. These legal professionals meticulously investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence such as police reports, witness testimonies, and medical records, and reconstruct the events to establish liability.

By presenting a comprehensive and compelling case, they demonstrate the other party’s negligence and maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable settlement that covers medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Essentially, an experienced attorney acts as your advocate, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and fighting to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you need help from Washington auto accident lawyers, call Craig Swapp & Associates right away or contact us by answering our online form for a free consultation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp

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“I was concerned with all the paperwork”

Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.

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Spokane, WA

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My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.

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Spokane, WA

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I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.

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Salt Lake City, UT

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I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.

J. Rohas,

Caldwell, ID

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My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.

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West Jordan, UT

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