Crary, Clark & Domanico helps people that have been injured in a Spokane car accident by answering questions they have about how everything works. There’s a lot of different parts of the claims process after a car accident, but arguably the most important is the deadlines you have to meet. You don’t have an unlimited amount of time to file a car accident claim, but working with our team can make sure you’re ready. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Spokane?
When you’re in a car accident in Spokane, you have a limited amount of time to file your claim. Currently, you have:
- Three years from the date of the accident.
If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your chance to file a claim and recover damages for your injuries and losses. Without the ability to file a claim, you would then have to rely on your own insurance or try to negotiate directly with the other party–leaving you with little leverage and no legal backup.
That’s reason enough to file a claim on time, but there’s other reasons why it’s best to act quickly after a car accident:
- Getting evidence – The strength of your claim is going to ultimately rest on your evidence, and the longer you wait to file, the harder it will be to get important things like accident reports, witness statements, and road conditions.
- Connecting your injuries to the accident – A big part of your claim is going to be connected to your injuries, which heal over time. The longer you wait to file, the more your health improves and it makes it harder to connect your injuries to the accident.
- Showing you’re serious – If you wait a long time to file your claim after your accident, an insurance company (and a judge or jury, to a lesser extent) is going to assume you’re not as serious about the accident.
After a car accident, it’s important to get started on your claim quickly. Acting early makes it easier to gather evidence, document your losses, and build a strong case. The sooner you start, the better your chances of getting a fair result.
What’s the Claims Process Like After a Car Accident?
After a car accident in Spokane, the goal of the legal process is to help you recover the losses you’ve suffered. There are two main ways to do this:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a lawsuit
Each option has its pros and cons. An insurance claim is often quicker and less costly, as it involves working with your insurance company to settle the claim. However, insurance companies may delay or offer low settlements, especially if you have significant injuries or losses to deal with.
If the insurance offer doesn’t fully cover your damages, you may need to file a lawsuit. While this option takes more time and effort, it could result in a larger settlement. Our team will handle all the legal work, including court filings and hearings.
Once a claim is filed, you may be able to recover “damages” such as:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Car repairs or replacement
- Lost wages or future income if you’re unable to work
- Financial support for your pain and emotional distress
- Costs related to a reduced quality of life or loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
While there’s no guarantee of winning in court, a lawsuit might be the best way to secure the financial support you need. Keep in mind that in Spokane, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim, so you shouldn’t wait.
How Can CCD Law Help You After a Car Accident in Spokane?
Handling a truck accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries. While you’re not required to hire a lawyer, working with an experienced legal team can make the entire process much easier. Here’s how our team at Crary, Clark & Domanico can help:
- Guidance – We know the ins and outs of the law and will explain your rights and options, making sure you understand the best steps to take moving forward.
- Investigating what happened – Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the scene to determine who is at fault.
- Dealing with the insurance company – We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies, other parties, and their lawyers. This makes sure your rights are protected and prevents you from making statements that could hurt your case.
- Negotiating for you – Whether negotiating with insurance companies or during settlement talks, we’ll fight for a fair settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
We understand that managing a car accident claim while recovering from injuries and dealing with emotional stress can be too much to handle. We handle the claims process so you can focus on getting better. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
