Although unfortunate, auto accidents are rather common in Washington State. If you were injured in a car accident in Spokane, your immediate concern should be about medical care. Also, consider informing the local law enforcement immediately and inform your insurer. Once the dust settles down, you need to find a reliable Spokane car accident law firm for your case. People have reservations about hiring an accident lawyer more often because they don’t have any money to pay the fee. Here’s more on hiring an attorney for your accident claim.
Why do you need an accident lawyer?
You are unsure of your rights and interests
- You may have contributed to the accident
- You need the expertise to deal with the insurance company
- You have suffered serious injuries
- There is no clarity on what caused the accident
A skilled attorney can explain all the relevant details, including what you can expect in a settlement. Your lawyer will also evaluate the worth of your claim and if the matter is likely to end up in trial. Washington follows a pure-comparative-negligence rule, which means you can ask for a settlement even when you are more at fault (than the other party). However, your fault percentage would determine the final settlement you get. A lawyer can negotiate and ensure that you don’t settle for less.
Dealing with insurance companies is not easy
People often assume that the insurance representative will help them get fair compensation. Sadly, these are employees trying to minimize the liabilities of the insurance companies they work for. The insurance representative may try to deny your claim or can shift the blame on you. They may even ask you to complete the medical authorization form so that they can get access to your records. The insurance company can also ask for a recorded statement, which you can refuse until you have spoken to a lawyer. In most cases, the “final offer” from the insurance representative is less than what the claimant deserves.
You have limited time
The statute of limitations in a state determines the deadline for filing a car accident claim. In Washington, you have a window of just three years to file an accident lawsuit. If you don’t file a lawsuit by then, the court will refuse your case. Get a lawyer to investigate the case and gather evidence to prove your claim. It can take considerable work to establish that the other driver was negligent.
