Auto Accident Injury in Everett, WA

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Everett? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Everett, WA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Everett, Washington

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. Crash data from the last decade reports an average of 110,941 auto crashes in Washington each year. Even with the decreased traffic due to the pandemic, the Department of Transportation still recorded 2,300 incidents in Everett.

In response to highway traffic deaths in recent years, the state government created a program called Target Zero. The stated goal is to reduce fatalities and injuries to zero by focusing priorities and resources toward this effort.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

After submitting your report to the Everett Police Department, you should receive a case number within 72 hours. For insurance or civil litigation purposes, you will want to obtain a copy and keep it close. These documents remain confidential, so although you may wish to see what others reported, that is not possible. If it’s evident that the accident caused more than $5,000 in damages, or any injuries, the authorities ask that citizens call 911 right away.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

While the amount depends on your circumstances, you may consider comparing national averages to local data. For example, the National Safety Council reports that the average cost for motor vehicle accidents with injuries is $336,000. Taking 407 car crashes that led to injuries in 2020 into consideration, that’s potentially $136.7 million in damages.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Washington

Liability Laws for Everett

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. 

The Washington State Department of Licensing lists minimums for insurance policies that range from $10,000 to $50,000. These amounts have designations to cover bodily injury, death, or destruction of property. These numbers, however, may not provide enough reimbursement in the aftermath of an accident. Contacting an attorney in Everett may be the only way to receive the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations in Everett

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. If you’re from Everett and experienced an auto accident, you have up to 3 years to file a civil lawsuit. While some exceptions exist, the best course of action to protect your interests is to contact an Everett attorney as soon as possible.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Everett, WA

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Washington state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!