A sudden car crash can change the course of your life forever. Sadly, fatal car accidents and collisions are reported frequently on the roads of Washington, almost every month. Washington is an at-fault state. This means if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, you have to file an insurance claim with their insurer, seeking compensation for your damages. It is also as important to inform your insurer, because if you had a part share of fault, the other party may file a claim with your insurance company. No matter the circumstances, it makes sense to talk to an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer immediately after the accident. Here’s more on hiring an injury lawyer and other aspects that matter. 

What can a personal injury lawyer do for you?

The “statute of limitations” in Washington allows three years from the date of the accident, to file personal injury lawsuits against the at-fault party. If the accident resulted in someone’s death, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of death. Following an accident, most people feel overwhelmed and do not take the necessary steps. A personal injury attorney in Seattle can do the following – 

  1. Help in filing the insurance claim
  2. Find evidence to establish fault and liability
  3. Negotiate with the insurance company
  4. Take the matter to court, if a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon
  5. Handle all the necessary paperwork related to the case. 

Selecting an attorney for your case

Not all injury lawyers have the same kind of experience with car accident claims. As a client, you may want to ask questions when meeting an attorney, such as – 

  1. How often do you deal with car accident claims and lawsuits?
  2. Have you worked on cases similar to mine?
  3. If yes, what were the outcomes of those cases?
  4. What do you think can impact my settlement?
  5. How will the “pure comparative negligence” apply to my case?
  6. How much should I expect in the settlement?
  7. Will you work on a contingency basis? If, what’s your fee? 
  8. Can you share a few client references?
  9. What are the chances of a trial?

Make sure that you hire a personal injury attorney who is available and accessible. You don’t want to pay for a lawyer, who is assigning the case to a junior. Also, ask the attorney how they can settle the matter at the earliest, and if they are going to handle the other expenses of the case until a settlement is received.