Seattle Car Accident Lawyers
Whether you are skirting around downtown on I-5, headed toward the new SR 99 tunnel, or are trying to cross the West Seattle bridge at rush hour on a weekday, you are consistently reminded of Seattle’s traffic woes. Every morning and evening, Seattle’s main thoroughfares and bridges are crowded with commuters, and on weekends it is hardly better.
You may count yourself a skilled driver, yet crashes may still occur with so many other motorists on the road. One day, a careless driver causes a collision, and you suffer injuries or lose a loved one.
When you are suffering from car accident injuries or a fatality due to a negligent driver, it is time to contact a Seattle car accident lawyer at Menzer Law Firm. We understand how physically, emotionally, and financially trying this time can be for you and your family.
We are here to guide you through the insurance claim process and legal system in pursuit of full and fair compensation for your injuries or loss. To talk with us about how we can help you after a car crash in Seattle, contact us through our online form or call (206) 903-1818 to schedule your free initial case evaluation.
Common Causes of Seattle Car Accidents
At Menzer Law Firm, we handle car crashes that occur throughout Seattle, King County, and The State of Washington. With more than 25 years of experience, we have handled all types of crash claims, including those caused by:
- Distracted driving, including texting and talking on the phone
- Speeding
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Improper merging
- Unsafe lane changes and blind spots
- Driving the wrong way
- Following too closely
- Failing to follow traffic signs and signals
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Intoxication
It is important to determine what led to the collision that resulted in your injuries or loved one’s death.
By working with Seattle car accident attorney Menzer Law Firm, you have someone to gather evidence and determine the underlying cause of the crash.
Car Accident Injuries
No matter what type of crash you were involved in, whether you were rear-ended in Ballard or T-boned in Capitol Hill, we are here to help you recover appropriate compensation for your injuries. At Menzer Law Firm, we have experience representing individuals suffering from:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Herniated discs and other back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Dislocated joints and overextensions
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Nerve damage
- Psychological trauma
Whatever serious injuries you suffered in a Seattle car crash, we will work closely with you and your medical providers to document your physical and psychological injuries and the full impact they have had on your life and your future. We will gather the evidence we need to prove your damages and establish the compensation you deserve.
Car Accident Compensation in Seattle
Our Seattle car accident lawyers will fight for you to receive the maximum compensation for your:
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Disability
- Reduced earning capacity
- Loss of normal life
- Loss of consortium (loss of relationship with a spouse)
To achieve full and fair compensation for your injuries, we will pursue a claim with the insurance companies. Many cases can be settled in this manner. If the insurance company is not willing to settle for a fair amount, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Filing a lawsuit can serve several purposes and strengthen your claim. During litigation, we can use the discovery process to gather more information regarding the crash and the at-fault driver. This is particularly important in crashes involving commercial vehicles. Additionally, by showing an insurer that we are not afraid to take your case to court, we improve the likelihood that the insurer will take our settlement negotiations seriously.
While we are prepared to take your case to trial, our priority will be to obtain you an equitable settlement as soon as possible. We will establish the other driver’s fault and your damages, and then demand the maximum compensation from the insurer.
Fatal Car Crashes in Seattle
If your spouse, child, or parent was killed in an automobile accident in Seattle, do not hesitate to call us. Menzer Law Firm has decades of experience handling Washington wrongful death cases. Matt Menzer will carefully review your circumstances, advise you on Washington’s wrongful death law, and when possible pursue compensation for you and your family.
Is Washington a no-fault state for car insurance?
No, it’s not. Washington is an at-fault state. The party responsible for the collision is also responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Realistically, that means you pursue compensation for your medical bills and property damage from the other driver’s insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit.
What is Washington’s auto insurance requirement?
Washington law requires vehicle owners to carry bodily injury liability coverage of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 per accident, as well as at least $10,000 for property damage liability (25/50/10). These are the minimum policy limit requirements. Drivers can choose to pay for higher policy limits and other types of coverage, such as collision, comprehensive, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and underinsured/uninsured motorist (UIM).
Do motorcycle riders need to carry insurance?
Yes. It used to be that motorcyclists were exempt from the auto insurance requirements. But a new Washington law passed making all motor vehicle and motorcycle owners responsible for carrying liability insurance. Motorcyclists have to buy insurance that meets the same minimum amounts as motorists as of July 28, 2019.
Can I be partially at fault for a crash?
Yes, you can be. It isn’t an all or nothing situation. Two or more parties can be responsible for a collision, and how much you are at fault influences the amount of compensation you can receive. Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule which means that your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of relative fault. But unlike in other states, the law of Washington doesn’t bar you from receiving payment if you’re more than 50% at fault.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?
You have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
Call Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyers Today
You do not have to fight by yourself for fair and complete compensation after an auto accident. Menzer Law Firm is here to fight for you.
Let us explain how we can help. Submit your information through our online form or call us at (206) 903-1818 to schedule your free case evaluation.
