Crary, Clark & Domanico helps car accident victims in Spokane by guiding them through the legal process and answering their questions. You never want to be involved in a car accident, but if you are, you have to know what to do so you can put together a strong claim. For guidance and support, contact our Spokane car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Do I Need to Do Right After My Car Accident?
Understanding what you need to do after you’re in a car accident in Spokane is one thing, but when you’re actually in the moment, it’s incredibly scary. This is only made worse if the accident is serious, where you have severe injuries or other damage.
So, it makes it very hard to take the steps that are necessary to put together a strong claim. But you still have to make an effort to do them. Here’s what you need to do:
- Call 911– The first thing you need to do is call 911 to report the accident. Local police (either city or county sheriff or Washington State Patrol) will manage the scene and file an official accident report. If there are injuries, ask for an ambulance for medical care and documentation of injuries.
- Exchange information with others – Collect the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved. Also, get contact info from any witnesses, as their statements can strengthen your case.
- Document the accident site – Take pictures and videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else relevant. Save copies of the accident report, medical records, and other important documents.
- Keep track of your losses – Keep a record of all costs related to the accident, such as medical bills, car repairs, or funeral expenses, to show how the accident has affected you financially.
- Don’t admit fault – Don’t say anything that could be taken as admitting fault, even if you feel partially responsible. Let the evidence and our team determine who is liable.
By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to build a strong case for your damages. If you have questions or need help navigating the claims process, you can turn to our team for guidance and support.
What Damages Can You Get in a Car Accident Claim?
The major reason the above steps need to be taken is because the amount of financial support you can get when you file an injury claim is going to depend on the strength of the evidence and information you can put together. To get damages, though, you can either:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Filing a lawsuit
These claims can help cover the financial and emotional challenges you’ll face after your injury. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover things like:
- Medical expenses – This includes expenses for doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical care needed due to your injuries.
- Property damage – If your car or other personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacements.
- Lost income – If your injuries kept you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you lost. If your injuries are permanent and impact your ability to work in the future, you can also claim for lost future earnings.
- Emotional distress – This covers costs for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the trauma of the accident.
- Pain and suffering – These damages cover costs for the physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced as a result of the accident, beyond what’s covered by medical expenses.
- Reduced quality of life – If your injuries limit your ability to enjoy life, pursue hobbies, or maintain relationships, you may be able to recover damages for this impact.
- Wrongful death expenses – If a loved one passed away in the accident, these damages cover funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional toll on the family.
- Punitive damages – In cases where the at-fault party acted recklessly or intentionally–like driving under the influence, for example–additional damages could be awarded to penalize them and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Remember, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to seek these damages, regardless of the strength of your case.
How Will Our Spokane Car Accident Lawyers Help You?
After a car accident, you’re not required to hire a lawyer, especially if your injuries are minor. But if you’re dealing with serious injuries, the impact goes beyond just physical pain. You are likely facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, repair costs and other challenges. In these cases, having our team at CCD Law on your side can make a big difference in your recovery process.
Here’s how our team can help guide you through the claims process:
- Explaining your options so you understand your legal rights and the best path forward.
- Gathering medical records, accident reports, and other important information to support your case.
- Investigating the accident to figure out who is at fault and who will pay for your damages.
- Handling all communications with insurance companies to make sure you get a fair settlement offer.
- If need be, we’ll file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Our goal is to take the burden of the claims process off your shoulders so you can focus on healing. Plus, since we work on a contingency-fee basis, you don’t pay anything upfront—our fees are only taken from the settlement we win for you. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Spokane.
