Auto Accident Injury in Bellingham, WA

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Bellingham? 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 Bellingham, WA that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Bellingham, 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. The Washington Traffic Safety Annual Report for 2020 held surprises considering the notable decrease in traffic. While the amount of traffic dropped 15%, serious injuries increased by a staggering 42.6%. In response to an increase in traffic deaths in recent years, the state government created an initiative called Target Zero. The goal is to reduce the number of severe crashes to 0 in cities like Bellingham by 2030.

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 reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

You’ll want to file your report with the Bellingham Police as soon as you can after the accident. If it becomes apparent that the damages can exceed $1,000, the state requires that you complete a Motor Vehicle Collision Report. Obtaining a copy later requires a modest fee, but you cannot request another party’s version. The information that you provide to authorities should remain private.

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

The CDC reports that vehicle crash deaths in Washington cost over $930 million in 2018. According to the National Safety Council, accidents with evident or disabling injuries cost $28,500 and $98,400 on average. Crash data through June 2021 showed 285 crashes within the city limits of Bellingham with 71 injuries. Depending on the severity, this means locals incurred $2 million to $6.9 million in damages in just the first half of the year.

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 Bellingham

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.

Washington courts do consider contributory negligence while assigning liability, however. Current law states that a defendant can be held responsible for a percentage of the accident. If your fault exceeds the other party, that can bar you from compensation in a Bellingham courtroom.

Statute of Limitations in Bellingham

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. Bellingham residents should file legal action for an auto accident within 3 years of the date of the incident. Some exceptions may exist, especially if you discovered injuries after the statute of limitations.

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 Bellingham, 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!