Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel (EPIC Law) will evaluate your vehicle accident case, establish fault, and get you the justice you deserve. We take all serious injury and wrongful death cases that involve car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, commercial trucking accidents, and auto accidents involving pedestrians. 

Causes of Car Accidents in Washington State

Every day, auto accidents in Washington occur as a result of impaired drivers, poor driving conditions, reckless driving, and automobile defects. Their outcomes are devastating and can result in serious injuries and fatalities.

• Impaired Drivers: Whether from intoxication or drowsiness, impaired drivers make worse decisions and have slower reactions than well-rested, sober drivers. When it comes to split-second decision-making on the road, any kind of impairment can lead to an increased likelihood of an auto accident.
• Bad Driving Conditions: Road conditions are a major factor in safe driving. Neglected roads that aren’t up to safety standards can make safe driving more difficult, or even impossible. Nasty weather, especially rain, snow, and ice, can also impair your driving abilities, leading to more auto accidents.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding, dangerous passes, and other forms of reckless driving are a leading cause of auto accidents. It’s always important to remember that your driving affects everyone on the road, and that just because someone else is doing something doesn’t mean it’s safe.
• Automobile Defects: Maintaining your vehicle in good working order is a necessity for safe driving. Cases of failed maintenance, or in rarer cases, factory defects, make safe driving difficult and can lead to accidents.

The Process & Challenges of a Car Accident Claim

When a vehicle accident is caused by someone’s negligence and results in injuries or fatalities, victims have the right to pursue compensation for their damages. Most car accident claims are filed with the at-fault driver’s insurance and settled outside of court. Compensation may include:

• Medical and hospital bills
• Expenses for ongoing care and rehabilitation
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral expenses and lost financial support in wrongful death cases

While car accident claims may look straightforward from the outside, that’s often not the case. Claimants are up against deadlines, extensive paperwork and documentation, and stingy insurance adjusters, all while dealing with recovery. Vehicle accidents also frequently involve shared fault, further complicating the situation.

Determining Fault & Liability

Who is at fault for the crash, and therefore liable for damages, often depends on several factors and may require detailed evidence and analysis. Impaired or reckless driving often makes for a simple case of fault. But even then, what if the other driver was distracted, didn’t yield the right of way, or had balding tires that compromised their driving?

Washington State follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still claim compensation if you were partially at fault for an accident, but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Since fair compensation hinges on proving liability, a Seattle auto accident lawyer can be invaluable for complicated or high-stakes claims.

Calculating Damages & Negotiating a Fair Settlement

Even if liability was clear-cut in your accident, damages rarely are. Some economic damages, such as hospital bills and the cost of medication, are simple—you’ll have clear documentation to prove them. But some economic damages can be tricky, such as accurately estimating the expense of ongoing care or the cost of reduced earning capacity due to a permanent injury. Meanwhile, non-economic damages like emotional distress are far more nuanced. 

When you submit a claim for compensation to an insurance company, their goal is to protect their bottom line. Consequently, insurance adjusters almost always try to minimize compensation. They may debate fault, question the severity of your injuries, or try to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer.

These complexities are why claimants who don’t work with a lawyer tend to undervalue their claim and settle for less than they deserve. As an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer, we know how to accurately calculate damages and negotiate tirelessly so you get fair compensation.

Litigation, When Necessary

Sometimes, negotiation isn’t enough. If the insurance company and at-fault driver won’t offer a fair settlement, our team at EPIC Law is always prepared to take your case to court. There are even higher stakes and more complexities in a car accident lawsuit than in a claim. That makes it even more essential to have a knowledgeable Seattle motor vehicle accident lawyer on your side.

How EPIC Law Can Help as Your Seattle Car Accident Attorney

At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, we combine skill and experience with compassion and care. You won’t just find our attorneys in the courtroom—you’ll find them sponsoring events and presenting on traffic safety issues to raise public awareness. It is our commitment to not only support and advocate for our clients but also our community.

If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, we encourage you to reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your case, answer questions, and offer honest, thoughtful advice on your next steps.