After a Spokane car accident, you’ll mainly be dealing with both your own and the at-fault party’s car insurance company. But there are other forms of insurance that are available when you’ve been injured. Most often, this will be your health insurance, which can cover some of the costs of your injuries and treatment.
Car accidents, regardless of where or when they occur, have unique challenges. When you’ve been hurt, your injuries and damages could change how you live your life. However, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Reach Out To CCD Law After a Spokane Car Accident
Since 1948, CCD Law has helped victims in the aftermath of Spokane car accidents. Our skilled team of Spokane personal injury lawyers know how to help you navigate these unfortunate situations. We are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the financial support you rightfully deserve.
Dealing with the aftermath of a significant car accident can be challenging and distressing. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation to take the first step toward your recovery.
What Can Cause a Car Accident in Spokane?
Dealing with car accidents can be frustrating because they happen frequently and can be triggered by a wide range of factors. When you’re driving, you must make countless split-second decisions that affect not only you but also your passengers and everyone else on the road. Simultaneously, other drivers are making similar choices, and when they act negligently by engaging in the following behaviors, it can lead to car accidents:
- Distracted driving – Using a cellphone, eating, or engaging in any activity that diverts attention from the road.
- Speeding – Often, driving a car at speeds higher than the conditions or road calls for can lead to accidents.
- Drunk driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times.
- Reckless driving – Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving between lanes, and ignoring traffic rules.
- Fatigue – Driving while tired or drowsy can lead to reduced focus and slower reaction times.
- Weather conditions – Spokane’s different weather patterns can result in rain, snow, or fog that can make roads slippery and decrease visibility.
- Running red lights/stop signs – Disobeying traffic signals can result in dangerous collisions.
- Inexperience – Novice drivers may struggle with situational awareness and decision-making.
- Mechanical failures – Vehicle issues like brake failure or tire blowouts can lead to accidents.
- Poor road conditions – Potholes, debris, or poorly maintained roads can cause accidents.
These are not only common causes of car accidents but can also result in various types of accidents, any of which may lead to significant injuries for you and your passengers. While every car accident is unique, there are several common types of accidents that you could be involved in while in Spokane. Our years of experience assisting car accident victims in Spokane have primarily focused on the following types of accidents and their diverse consequences:
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Sideswipes
- Side impact collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
No matter the specific type of car accident you’re in, it’s highly likely that you will sustain some injuries. Moreover, certain types of car accidents may result in more severe injuries than others. This underscores the importance of consulting with our experienced Spokane car accident lawyers. We can help you determine liability and guide you in seeking support for your injuries.
How Does Health Insurance Factor Into My Car Accident in Spokane?
Again, there’s any number of factors that come up in a Spokane car accident. Typically, though, an insurance company of some description is going to get involved. Most of the time, you’ll be dealing with car insurance coverage and policies. However, depending on the circumstances of your accident, the other driver involved either flees the scene or won’t have car insurance at all.
In these instances, you’ll have to rely on your own policies to cover your injuries. Usually, this includes both your car insurance and any health insurance policies you have. Generally, your health insurance will be involved in your car accident claim in the following ways:
- Medical coverage – Your health insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment and hospitalization following a car accident. This includes doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- PIP coverage – Part of your car insurance policy may include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage can help with medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
- Coordination of benefits – If you have both health insurance and PIP coverage, there may be coordination between the two to ensure your medical bills are paid appropriately. Your health insurance might become the primary payer, and PIP could cover what your health insurance doesn’t.
- Out-of-pocket expenses – Health insurance can assist in covering your out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles and copays, which may arise from medical treatment related to the accident.
- Reimbursement – If you receive compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or through a lawsuit, your health insurance provider may seek reimbursement for the medical expenses they covered. This process is called “subrogation”.
- Liens – In some cases, your health insurance provider may place a lien on any settlement or judgment you receive from the at-fault party. This means they can recover the amount they paid for your medical expenses from your car accident settlement.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
While understanding the nature of your health insurance coverage can be crucial to your recovery, it’s also important to get advice from our experienced team of personal injury lawyers who can assist you in dealing with insurance claims and legal matters after a Spokane car accident or any other accident. There’s no requirement that makes it necessary to have a personal injury lawyer represent you, but it can be extremely helpful.
Our team has the experience to help you navigate the many challenges that come from a car accident. Not only that, we believe that our approach sets us apart:
- Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and understand their tactics. They’ll help you negotiate effectively for a fair settlement.
- We’ll make sure you get the maximum compensation by accurately assessing your damages and building a strong case with evidence.
- Our lawyers protect your rights and interests, advocating for you and handling unfair tactics from the insurance company.
- We’ll relieve your stress by managing all communication, paperwork, and legal procedures, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
In summary, our personal injury lawyers have the expertise and dedication to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while reducing your stress and protecting your rights. However, it’s equally important to understand what you can gain from filing an injury claim.
What Damages Are Available After a Spokane Car Accident?
You are not obligated to accept the initial settlement offer from whatever insurance company is involved. Whether it’s the at-fault party’s car insurance company or your own health insurance, they often aim to pay you less than you deserve. With the assistance of our dedicated car accident lawyers in Spokane, though, you can pursue financial support for various damages resulting from the accident. Typically, the most effective approach is to file a personal injury lawsuit. Common damages in such a lawsuit in Spokane may include:
- Medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost wages due to time off work.
- Loss of any future income should you be permanently disabled and unable to work.
- Repair costs for your vehicle or other damaged property.
- Pain and suffering from the accident.
- Emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Impact on your quality of life.
- Scarring or disfigurement.
Keep in mind that the specific amount you can recover depends on the unique circumstances of your case. Washington follows “comparative negligence,” which means your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the accident. Additionally, there’s a three-year time limit (statute of limitations) for filing injury claims in Washington, meaning you have three years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit.
Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyers in Spokane
Experiencing a car accident in Spokane can be incredibly challenging, especially when it results in injuries and losses. It’s very likely that you’ll find it overwhelming to navigate this situation alone. During these trying times, it’s crucial to reach out to our team of skilled and experienced personal injury lawyers at CCD Law.
We are here to provide the assistance and guidance you need to get the treatment and financial support available to you under Washington law. To begin the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
