Getting hurt in an accident is never a good situation, but it’s important to be prepared. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and you never know what might happen as a result. That’s why having insurance is so important. It’s there to protect you if you get into a car accident or get injured while working. However, it also means that if you want to fully explore your legal options, you’ll have to eventually deal with an insurance company.
You might already be aware that dealing with insurance companies can be difficult. They mainly focus on protecting their own interests. If they find a way to avoid paying you a fair settlement, they will definitely try to do so. If you or someone you care about has been injured, negotiating with an insurance company is vital to the outcome of your claim. In these situations, you want to work with experienced personal injury lawyers
Experienced Washington Personal Injury Lawyers
Dealing with an accident and injury is indeed very difficult, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Since 1948, our experienced team of Washington personal injury lawyers at Crary, Chuang & Domanico, P.S. has been helping clients with the legal process to get the compensation and treatment they deserve under the law.
We have the knowledge and dedication to support you, so you can focus on getting better and have the things you need to move forward in your life. To set up a free consultation, just contact us today.
Personal Injury Claims in Washington
When you get injured in Washington, you have the right to ask for money to compensate for your injuries. The laws in Washington cover a wide range of accidents and incidents that cause harm because of someone else’s negligence, from car accidents to slips and falls.
If you want to make a claim for your injury in Washington, you need to know the rules and what you have to do. In a Washington personal injury claim, here are a few things that will be helpful to consider:
- Statute of limitations – Washington has a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. It’s important to initiate your claim within this time frame, which is usually three years from the date of the injury.
- Comparative negligence – Washington follows the comparative fault rule, which means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation. However, whatever result you get may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
- Insurance coverage – Washington is a “fault” state when it comes to insurance coverage. This means that the at-fault party’s insurance is typically responsible for compensating the injured party. While it doesn’t require you to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, you’re still able to. PIP coverage can act as a supplement to help pay for your injuries and damages.
Generally speaking, when you’re injured in an accident that’s the result of someone else’s negligence in Washington, you can file a claim for damage. This is usually done via an insurance claim and/or a lawsuit. However, one way or the other, an insurance company is going to be involved in the process.
What’s the Difference Between Insurance Claim and Lawsuit?
The easiest way to understand the difference between an insurance claim and a lawsuit is that an insurance claim is “out of court”, while a lawsuit is an official legal action taken in open court. An insurance claim is a request for payment made to an insurance company after an accident, while a lawsuit is a legal action taken to seek compensation through the litigation process.
Deciding whether to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit depends on various factors, including the amount of compensation sought, the details of the case, and personal preferences regarding the effort involved.
Filing an Insurance Claim
In any injury situation, involving an insurance company is usually necessary. After submitting the injury claim for review, the company will contact you. They may accept the claim as-is, accept it with a counteroffer, or reject it. Generally speaking, the insurance claim process will involve the provider–through a representative known as an adjuster–to do the following:
- Conducting insurance claim investigations
- Collecting necessary documentation such as photos, videos, etc., and obtaining witness statements
- Assessing the coverage of the claimed loss under the insurance policy
- Determining the suitable amount for the insurance company to reimburse
- Verifying the legitimacy of claims to prevent fraud
- Communicating with claimants’ doctors or employers to obtain supplementary information for doubtful claims
- Consulting legal advisors as necessary regarding claims
- Engaging in negotiations to reach settlements
- Approving payments for authorized claims
Filing a Lawsuit
Sometimes, reaching a mutually acceptable settlement with the insurance company doesn’t happen. At that point, your next course of action may involve filing a lawsuit against the person responsible for your accident–who are usually represented by their insurance company. This involves presenting the case in a court of law, where a judge or jury will carefully consider the arguments and evidence before delivering a verdict.
Damages Available in a Washington Personal Injury Claim
When you file a personal injury claim in California, you’re seeking compensation for the serious injuries you’ve suffered, which may require medical treatment and cause emotional distress. Compensatory damages are meant to reimburse you for what you’ve lost due to the accident or injury. Here are some typical damages that can be recovered in a personal injury claim:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Punitive damages, if the at-fault party was excessively negligent.
The specific damages you can seek in your Washington personal injury claim will depend on the details of your situation and the extent of your injuries. While our team can help you determine the full range of your legal options, ultimately you’ll have to deal with negotiations with the insurance company in order to get the compensation that’s available to you.
Do You Need a Washington Personal Injury Lawyer To Help You Negotiate with an Insurance Company?
If you’re going through an accident or injury and it feels like too much to handle, you don’t have to face it alone. There is no requirement in Washington that says you have to be represented by a personal injury lawyer, but at the same time, having an experienced team on your side can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim. We believe in providing a personalized approach that meets your specific needs. With our knowledge and approach, we can build a strong case to get you the compensation you deserve. By letting us handle negotiations with the insurance company, we can:
- Experience and expertise – Our lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies. They know the tactics commonly used by insurance adjusters, which helps them navigate the negotiation process effectively and improve your chances of a fair settlement.
- Maximizing compensation – Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. Our lawyers understand personal injury laws and can accurately calculate the true value of your claim. They consider all your damages and will build a strong case with evidence. With this approach, we can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Protecting your rights and interests – Insurance companies have their own team to protect their interests. With our personal injury lawyers on your side, your rights and interests are safeguarded. Your lawyer advocates for you, handles unfair tactics from the insurance company, and strives for a fair and just settlement.
- Reducing stress and burden – Dealing with insurance negotiations can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already coping with the aftermath of an injury. Our lawyers take care of all communication, paperwork, and legal procedures on your behalf. This relieves the stress and allows you to focus on your recovery.
Overall, our personal injury lawyers bring experience, expertise, and dedication to protecting your interests. They work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Experienced Washington Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You
If you’re injured in an accident in Washington, it’s essential to have trustworthy legal assistance and guidance. Our team at CCD Law understands the urgency of protecting your health and legal rights. You don’t have to face these difficulties on your own when you’re injured. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
