Auto Accident Injury in Spokane, WA

Unfortunately, accidents are all too common in Spokane. With its mix of highway traffic, dense intersections, and challenging winter weather, collisions happen every day. Victims often find themselves dealing with painful injuries, missed work, and reluctant insurance adjusters.

The good news is that you don’t have to navigate this process alone. A skilled Spokane car accident attorney can help you understand your rights under Washington state law, gather evidence, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Spokane, Washington

In 2023, Spokane County reported a total of 4,618 car accidents, marking a decrease from previous years. However, the severity of these accidents remains a concern. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of fatal and serious injury crashes in Spokane County rose by 66%, from 28 deaths and 107 serious injuries in 2019 to 38 deaths and 183 serious injuries in 2022.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

The moments immediately following a car crash can be disorienting, but taking the right steps can protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. Whether the collision happened on I-90, North Division Street, or near Gonzaga University, here’s what you need to do after an accident in Spokane.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

After a car accident in Spokane, your health should be your top priority—even if you feel okay. Many injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away. Delaying treatment not only puts your well-being at risk but may also complicate your ability to recover damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance.

File a Police Report

Filing a police report after a car accident in Spokane is a critical step—both legally and strategically. Washington law requires that any crash involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage of $1,000 or more be reported to law enforcement immediately (RCW 46.52.030). If police respond to the scene, they will file an official report. If they do not, you are responsible for submitting a collision report yourself within four days via the Washington State Patrol’s online portal.

If the accident occurs within Spokane city limits, call 911 and request police assistance. The Spokane Police Department will send an officer to assess the scene, speak with involved parties, and file a crash report.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

Start by collecting the following information from all other drivers involved:

• Full names, phone numbers, and current addresses
• Driver’s license numbers and issuing states
• Vehicle makes, models, colors, and license plate numbers
• Insurance providers, policy numbers, and contact information

Next, use your phone to take detailed photos and video of the accident scene. Include:

• Damage to all vehicles from multiple angles
• The position of vehicles before they are moved
• Traffic signs, signals, and road markings
• Skid marks, debris, and any weather or road conditions
• Visible injuries to yourself or your passengers

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

Injuries from car accidents commonly include whiplash, back and neck trauma, broken bones, head injuries, and soft tissue damage. These may require immediate treatment and long-term care, sometimes forcing victims to take extended time off work or adjust their lifestyle permanently. Even if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses may be substantial.

In Spokane, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Auto Accident Laws in Washington

Liability Laws for Spokane

Washington is a pure comparative negligence state, meaning more than one party can share responsibility for a crash. Under RCW 4.22.005, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re awarded $50,000 but found to be 25% responsible, your final recovery would be $37,500.

Importantly, there is no threshold limit in Washington. Even if you’re found 99% at fault, you’re still eligible to recover the remaining 1% of damages. However, this also means that the other driver’s insurance company may try to shift blame onto you to reduce their payout.

Statute of Limitations in Spokane

Washington law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit related to a motor vehicle collision (RCW 4.16.080). If you fail to file within this period, your case may be dismissed entirely, no matter how serious your injuries are.

This three-year deadline applies whether you are filing against a private driver, a business, or a government entity. If your claim involves a city- or state-owned vehicle, you must also follow special notice procedures

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Spokane, WA

An experienced Spokane auto accident lawyer will know how to build a strong claim, gather critical evidence, and navigate Washington’s complex pure comparative fault laws. They’ll deal directly with the insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement—one that reflects the full impact of your injuries, not just what insurers are willing to pay.

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 you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to speak with an experienced lawyer in Washington!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.