Experienced Seattle Car Accident Lawyers You Can Trust
Whether you are skirting around downtown on I-5, headed toward the new SR 99 tunnel or 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 any 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.
If you are suffering from car accident injuries or a fatality due to a negligent driver, it is time to contact Menzer Law. 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.
Common Causes Of Seattle Car Accidents
At Menzer Law, we handle car crashes that occur throughout Seattle, King County and the state of Washington. With more than 30 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
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper merging
- Unsafe lane changes and failure to check blind spots
- Driving the wrong way
- Following too closely
- Failure 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. When you work with our firm, you will have an experienced advocate gathering evidence and determining the underlying cause of the crash.
Car Accident Injuries
No matter what type of crash you were involved in, we are here to help you recover appropriate compensation for your injuries. 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
We will work closely with you and your medical providers to document your physical and psychological injuries and the full impact they are having on your life and will have on your future. We will gather the evidence we need to prove your damages and establish the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Compensation For Your Losses
Our attorney 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. We have decades of experience representing plaintiffs in wrongful death cases. Attorney 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Accidents
Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we receive from clients.
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 Washington law passed making all motor vehicle and motorcycle owners responsible for carrying liability insurance. Since July 28, 2019, motorcyclists have had to buy insurance that meets the same minimum amounts as motorists.
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. At Menzer Law, we are 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.
