Kent Car Accident Lawyer

You may suffer an injury in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence. At this point, you may not be responsible for any crash-related losses. A Washington personal injury lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation from an at-fault party. 

At Puget Law Group (PLG), our personal injury lawyers have an outstanding track record. We can connect you with a Kent personal injury lawyer who can help you pursue the most compensation possible from anyone responsible for your collision. To get started, contact us today. 

Auto Insurance in Washington

There is a mandatory insurance requirement for drivers in Washington State. It is against the law to drive a car without liability coverage. Insurance is paramount since it may help you get compensation if someone crashes their car into yours. 

Following an auto accident caused by another driver, you can report your collision to your insurance provider. Next, your insurer can reach out to the at-fault motorist’s insurance company. Together, these businesses can work to settle your claim. 

Just because you and an at-fault driver have auto insurance does not guarantee you will receive compensation after your collision. The liable motorist’s insurer may do everything in its power to avoid paying you damages. With help from a car accident attorney in Kent, WA, you can receive legal representation as you deal with an at-fault motorist or their insurer. 

Car Accident Liability

Hiring a Kent car accident lawyer who has delivered great case results may be beneficial. Your attorney can review the facts surrounding your auto crash. They can help you figure out who is at fault. 

A driver may be liable for your collision. For example, a motorist may drive through a red light and slam their vehicle into yours. In this situation, you may suffer an injury, damage to your car, and other losses — and the other driver may be held accountable for them.

There are instances where a trucking company, auto parts manufacturer, or other parties may be responsible for your crash. No matter who is liable, you must consider the burden of proof. It is your responsibility to gather evidence to support your claim so you can prove an at-fault party was negligent. 

Auto Crash Negligence

A Kent car accident attorney and their legal team can teach you about negligence and how it relates to your case. To secure damages from an at-fault party, you must prove the four elements of negligence were present at the time of your collision. These are:

• Duty of Care: An at-fault party had a legal obligation to avoid reckless and careless acts that could endanger you and others. 
• Breach of Duty of Care: The party ignored their obligation and put you and others in danger. 
• Causation: Since the party violated their duty of care, they caused your crash.
• Damages: You are dealing with economic or non-economic losses as a result of the party’s actions. 

At PLG, we understand the elements of negligence. A car accident lawyer in Kent can evaluate your case, determine if these elements were present, and help you submit a claim right away. For more information, reach out to us. 

Car Accident Claim Statute of Limitations

Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.16.080, you may have a maximum of three years from the date of your auto crash to seek damages. It may be in your best interests to file your claim as soon as you can following your collision. If you wait too long, you may be solely responsible for all of your accident-related losses. 

A car accident attorney in Kent can help you determine if you have a valid claim. If so, they can work with you to submit your claim before your window to do so lapses. They may also encourage you to ask for economic and non-economic compensation. 

Economic damages may be awarded for your medical bills, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses. You may receive non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and other subjective harm. An attorney can help you calculate your losses and request a reasonable amount of damages. 

Contributory Fault in an Auto Accident Case

There are rules in place relating to contributory fault in Washington State. You may share the responsibility for your auto accident with someone else. Regardless, you still have the opportunity to seek damages, even if you are 99% at fault for your collision. 

With contributory fault, the damages you receive may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, a judge or jury may say you are 10% liable for your collision. If this happens, you may get 90% of the compensation you originally requested. 

Your attorney will look for ways to show you were in no way at fault for your accident. They may use medical records, accident scene photos and videos, and other forms of evidence in your argument. If you have a strong body of proof, the defendant in your case may be inclined to offer a fair settlement. 

Auto Collision Case Settlement

Your attorney can answer frequently asked questions and many others about auto accident settlements. The defendant in your case may propose a settlement at any point before your case goes to trial. If you accept a settlement, you can close your case but may get only a portion of the damages you initially requested. 

If you receive a settlement offer, you do not have to approve it. You may want to discuss the proposal with your attorney. This gives you an opportunity to share concerns and questions you have about the offer and what can happen if you accept or decline it. 

Your lawyer may urge you to reject a settlement if it does not provide you with sufficient compensation to cover all of your losses. They will not decide on a settlement on your behalf. You have the final say on an offer, and if you believe it is fair, can accept the proposal and get compensation without having to go to trial. 

Partner with a Kent Car Accident Lawyer

The legal team at PLG will work hard to help you get justice. A Kent car accident attorney is available to review your case. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.