What to Do After a Car Accident in Washington?

After a collision, how you handle the aftermath can affect your claim. Here’s what our attorneys recommend:

• Seek immediate medical care even if injuries seem minor.
• Report the accident to law enforcement and obtain a police report.
• Document the scene with photos, witness information, and accident details.
• Preserve evidence — medical records, bills, and repair estimates.
• Contact a car accident attorney before speaking with insurers.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame to avoid paying fair compensation. A skilled lawyer can protect your rights and level the playing field.

As trusted Washington personal injury attorneys, we focus on motor vehicle accidents and help accident victims from Seattle to Kent, Tacoma, Renton, Everett, and across the state. Whether your claim involves a rear-end crash, head-on collision, rollover accident, or uninsured motorist dispute, we handle every aspect of your case with care and skill.

Types of Car Accidents

There are five main types of collisions:

1. Rear-End

The most common type of car accident often occurs when a following vehicle cannot stop before striking the vehicle ahead of it.

2. Head-On

Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. These accidents can be caused by distracted driving, speeding, or swerving into oncoming traffic.

3. T-Bone

A T-bone collision occurs when one vehicle strikes another vehicle perpendicularly at its side, shaped like a “T” from the point of impact.

4. Sideswipe

Sideswipe collisions occur when two cars next to one another brush against each other as they move past each other in opposite directions. These accidents are usually caused by improper lane changes or failing to pay attention to traffic on both sides while changing lanes at high speeds.

5. Rollover

Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips over on its side or roof due to the force of impact in a collision or as a result of an unusually sharp turn taken while traveling at high speeds.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

• Distracted Driving
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
• Speeding
• Reckless Driving
• Driver Fatigue

What To Do After a Car Accident

1.  Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s important to see a doctor immediately following an accident. Some injuries may not be apparent until several days or weeks after the accident occurred.

2. Contact the Police

You should always contact the police after an accident, even if the damage seems minor. They will be able to assess the scene of the accident and document any details that could be relevant in a potential court case.

3. Gather evidence

Take photos of the accident scene, exchange contact and insurance information with all parties involved, and gather any additional evidence that could be used to support your case.

4. Contact an Attorney

An experienced attorney can help you navigate complicated legal proceedings associated with car accidents, protect your rights, and pursue a fair settlement through an insurance claim.

We Are Here For You

How An Attorney Can Help

If you have been involved in a car accident, the attorneys at Multani Law Group can help. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping Seattle-area residents seek the compensation they deserve after a serious car accident.

We understand that no amount of financial recovery can erase the pain and suffering caused by an unexpected car crash, but we strive to help our clients obtain maximum compensation. Our skilled attorneys will work with you every step of the way, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case.

If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Multani Law Group in Burien, Washington, for a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Seattle, Washington. Our team is dedicated to helping victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.

Multani Law Group: Your Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Seattle. Let us take care of your legal needs so you can focus on the future. Contact us now for a free consultation.

FAQ

What Should I Do After an Accident?

After a car accident, it is important to remain calm and call the police. Take pictures of the scene and exchange contact information with any other drivers involved in the incident. Seek medical attention if necessary, and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the incident.

What Are the Consequences of Not Having Insurance?

In Washington State, it is illegal to drive without valid auto insurance or proof of financial responsibility. If you are cited for driving without insurance, you may face stiff fines and penalties, as well as possible suspension or revocation of your license.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

The best way to protect yourself after a hit-and-run accident is to take down the license plate number or description of the vehicle that left the scene. Also, be sure to call 911 and report the incident immediately, even if you were not injured in the crash.

Who Is Liable for a Car Accident?

Generally speaking, any driver found to be negligent or at fault for a car accident will be liable for the damages caused by it. It’s important to consult with an attorney since determining who is liable can be complicated due to factors such as negligence and contributory negligence laws.

What Are My Rights as a Pedestrian in an Accident?

Pedestrians have the same legal rights that any other vehicle operator has when involved in an accident; they must abide by traffic laws and remain responsible for their actions while on the road or sidewalk. Additionally, pedestrians may be protected from personal injury lawsuits as long as they obeyed all applicable state laws before the crash occurred.

Can I Recover Compensation Even if I Am Partly at Fault for the Accident?

In some cases, an injured party may still be able to recover compensation despite being partially at fault for the incident, depending on which state they are located in and how much responsibility is attributed to them by the court system regarding their role in causing the crash.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?

In Washington state, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident.