Crary, Clark & Domanico, P.S. helps anyone that’s been injured in a car accident in Spokane. A big question you probably have is if you need to go to court. The answer is that even though the process is the same, how it plays out always depends on the circumstances. Contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Will I Have to Go to Court to Get Financial Support After a Car Accident?
When you’re in a car accident, it’s a pretty scary situation. While you never want to be involved in one of these in Spokane, it does give you certain options–when your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
In that situation, you can file an injury claim to recover “damages.” And to do that, you can go to court by filing a lawsuit or file an insurance claim out of court. So to answer your question, you don’t have to go to court to get financial support after a car accident. But what you need to do depends on your needs.
For some car accidents, an insurance claim might be enough. This is usually the case if:
- Your injuries aren’t serious.
- You have minimal damage to your car.
- Your accident was clear in terms of liability, like someone rear-ending you because they were texting at the time.
While an insurance claim is also quicker, it’s totally controlled by the insurance company. This means they get to decide how much they want to offer you in a settlement–if they offer you one at all. This is the main reason why you’d need to go to court.
Going to court means filing a personal injury lawsuit against whoever was responsible for the accident. It takes longer and requires more effort, but it also gives you a chance at fuller damages because it’s less impartial–being overseen by a judge, and potentially decided by a jury. If you file a lawsuit, the purpose of your claim is to recover damages, which can include things like:
- Medical bills and ongoing care
- Lost income from missed work
- Repair or replacement of your car and other property
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Funeral and other costs if a loved one was lost in the accident
In Washington, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. But the actions you take right after the crash–like getting medical care and talking to a lawyer–can have a big impact on your case and the amount you can recover.
How Can You Protect Your Car Accident Claim?
A car accident can turn your day–and your life–upside down, whether it happens on I-90, North Division Street, or a quiet neighborhood in Spokane Valley. If you’re hurt, taking the right steps after the accident can help protect your health and your potential claim. Here’s what to do to protect your claim:
- Call 911 – Always call 911 after a crash, even if it seems minor. Spokane Police or Washington State Patrol (WSP) will respond, along with medical help if needed. EMTs can check you for injuries–even the ones that aren’t immediately obvious.
- Exchange information with everyone involved – Get names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and license plates from all drivers. Also, grab contact information from any witnesses nearby–they may help back up your claim later.
- Document the scene – Use your phone to snap pictures of vehicle damage, your injuries, skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions–anything that shows what happened. If the accident happened at a Spokane intersection, include photos of the signal or stop sign.
- Contact your car insurance provider – Report the accident to your car insurance company as soon as you can. Give accurate details, but don’t admit fault or guess about things you’re unsure of.
- Be careful with statements – If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, don’t offer more than necessary. Stick to basic facts, and avoid admitting fault. Do the same thing with police and anyone else.
- Keep everything – Hold on to police reports, medical bills, auto repair estimates, receipts, and any communication with insurance adjusters. All of this helps show how the accident affected you.
- Stick to your treatment – If a doctor gives you a treatment plan or refers you for follow-ups, stick with it. This shows you’re taking your recovery seriously and helps strengthen your claim.
If your injuries are serious and you can’t manage all of this yourself, our team can step in and handle the heavy lifting while you focus on getting better.
CCD Law is Ready to Help After a Car Accident in Spokane
After a car accident in Spokane, it’s not always easy to get the financial support you need for medical bills, car repairs, or time missed from work. Insurance companies often push back or offer far less than what your case is really worth. At CCD Law, we help you and other Spokane car accident victims by:
- Walking you through your legal options.
- Gathering police reports, medical records, and other key evidence.
- Handling communication with insurance companies.
- Negotiating for a fair settlement–or going to court if needed.
We know the Spokane area and understand how both claims processes work. We’ll make sure you have what you need for a strong claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.
