Auto Accident Injury in Yakima, WA
Washington is a fault-based state, which means the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damage. But state law also follows a comparative fault model, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. Knowing how these rules work is essential if you want to recover the full value of your claim.
This guide will walk you through what to do after a crash in Yakima, explain the laws that apply, and help you understand your rights when pursuing a personal injury claim. With the right steps—and the right help—you can begin to put the pieces back together and move forward with confidence.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Yakima, Washington
In 2023, Yakima experienced a notable decline in serious and fatal traffic accidents. According to the Yakima Police Department, there were only three fatal crashes, down from eight in 2022, and 23 serious injury crashes, a significant decrease from the previous year.
This improvement coincided with increased traffic enforcement efforts. The Yakima Police Department reported a 37% increase in traffic citations and a 26% rise in DUI arrests in 2023 compared to 2022. These measures likely contributed to the reduction in severe accidents.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident in Yakima, knowing what to do in the moments that follow is essential. Whether the crash happens on I-82, Summitview Avenue, or a rural back road, your actions can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen any future claim for damages.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
After a car accident in Yakima, your first priority should be your health—even if you feel okay immediately following the crash. Many injuries, such as concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Delaying medical care can not only worsen your condition, but also undermine your ability to seek compensation later on.
Washington is a fault-based insurance state, which means the at-fault driver is responsible for covering your medical bills. However, to hold them accountable, you must show a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report after a car accident in Yakima is not only helpful—it may be legally required. In Washington, RCW 46.52.030 mandates that you report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. This applies whether the crash occurred on a city street, county road, or state highway.
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, begin collecting the following right after the accident:
- Driver and Vehicle Information
- Full names, phone numbers, and addresses of all involved parties
- Driver’s license numbers and issuing states
- Insurance providers and active policy numbers
- Vehicle makes, models, license plate numbers, and VINs
- Photos and Videos
- Damage to each vehicle involved, from multiple angles
- Roadway layout, traffic signs, skid marks, and weather conditions
- Any visible injuries and overall views of the crash site
- Debris, road hazards, or any contributing environmental factors
- Witness Contact Info
- Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash
- Ask witnesses if they’re willing to provide a statement
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
In Washington, you can pursue both economic and non-economic damages if another driver caused your injuries. Common recoverable damages include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for time missed from work and any permanent reduction in your ability to earn income.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and reimbursement for damaged personal items.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, and trauma caused by the accident.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Travel to medical appointments, home health care services, and any other expenses directly related to the injury.
Auto Accident Laws in Washington
Liability Laws for Yakima
Washington uses a pure comparative negligence rule (RCW 4.22.005), which means:
- You can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for the accident
- Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
- Even if you are 99% at fault, you may still recover 1% of your damages
Statute of Limitations in Yakima
Under RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for most car accident-related claims in Washington is:
- 3 years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims
- 3 years from the date of the accident for property damage claims (such as vehicle repairs or total loss)
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Yakima, WA
A Yakima personal injury attorney can help you gather critical documentation, prove the full extent of your damages, and defend you against unfair fault claims. They’ll guide you through Washington’s legal system, meet all filing deadlines, and work to recover every dollar you’re owed—whether through negotiation or litigation.
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.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch 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.
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